Facilitation of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) standing immobilization and anesthesia with a sling.

An Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) required general anesthesia for orthopedic foot surgery. The elephant was unable to lie down, so it was placed in a custom-made sling, administered i.m. etorphine hydrochloride in the standing position, and lowered to lateral recumbency. General anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane administered through an endotracheal tube. After surgery, the isoflurane anesthesia was terminated, with immobilization maintained with additional i.v. etorphine. The elephant was lifted to the vertical position, and the immobilizing effects of etorphine were reversed with naltrexone. The suspension system and hoist for the sling were designed specifically for the elephant house.

Recognizing the phenomenon of readiness: concept analysis and case study.

The concept of a phenomenon known as readiness will be analyzed. Using the Wilsonian method, the concept is broken down into a practical definition that allows nurses to assess this phenomenon in clinical practice. Nurses in AIDS care work with a patient population whose optimal health is often dependent on the ability to incorporate major lifestyle changes into their daily lives. Nursing interventions that assist patients to incorporate change must be presented to patients at a time when the patient's ability to succeed is optimal. The ability to recognize readiness in patients is essential for nurses providing AIDS care. This article discusses the concept of readiness, which may be necessary before behavior modification can occur. The phenomenon of readiness has application for various changes in behaviors, including adherence to primary prevention strategies.

Surgical removal of infected phalanges from an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).

A 40-yr-old female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) developed cellulitis and became lame in her left front leg. A draining tract behind the lateral nail of her left front foot was discovered. This lesion was treated by aggressive irrigation using a variety of disinfectant solutions. Radiographically, there was degeneration and fragmentation of the distal phalanx of the fifth digit and patterns suggestive of osteomyelitis of the second (middle) phalanx. The fragments of the distal phalanx and the affected portion of the second phalanx were removed surgically. Six months after surgery the incision had healed but a fistulous tract remained on the palmar surface of the foot. The tract extended to the second phalanx, and there was radiographic evidence of osteomyelitis in the second phalanx and the distal portion of the proximal phalanx. The remainder of the second phalanx and the distal portion of the proximal phalanx were surgically removed. Aggressive aftercare allowed complete wound closure by second intention.

Hormonal indicators of pregnancy in llamas and alpacas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine concentrations of estrone sulfate in serum, estrone sulfate in urine, relaxin in serum, and progesterone in serum in pregnant llamas and alpacas and to assess the potential of these hormones as pregnancy indicators. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 19 parous pregnant camelids (8 llamas and 11 alpacas). PROCEDURE: Estrone sulfate concentrations (in serum and in urine) and progesterone concentrations (in serum) were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Relaxin concentrations (in serum) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Serum and urine samples were collected daily for the first 30 days after breeding and, thereafter, once weekly until parturition. RESULTS: Estrone sulfate concentrations (in serum and in urine) peaked twice during pregnancy. The first took place 21 days after breeding and the second during the last month of pregnancy. Relaxin concentrations increased at 3 months of gestation to > 20 ng/mL, decreased at 5 months to 5 ng/mL, then increased from 8 months of pregnancy until parturition. Progesterone concentrations were detectable 4 days after breeding and were maintained > 2 ng/mL throughout pregnancy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The first increase in estrone sulfate concentration over basal values may indicate early interaction between mother and embryo, whereas the second increase may reflect fetal viability. Use of estrone sulfate concentration to diagnose pregnancy in llamas and alpacas is highly dependent on time of sampling. Relaxin concentration in serum is a superior indicator of pregnancy after the second month in the Ilama and alpaca because its existence is suggestive of interaction between mother and fetus, and concentrations are greater than basal values for a long period of pregnancy. Progesterone is not a direct product of the embryo or fetus and only indirectly confirms a diagnosis of pregnancy.

Serum alpha-tocopherol, vitamin A, and blood selenium concentrations, and glutathione peroxidase activity in llamas fed alfalfa hay.

OBJECTIVES: To measure blood selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and serum concentrations of vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol, and to determine the correlation between blood selenium concentration and GSH-Px activity of llamas fed alfalfa hay. DESIGN: Mean (+/- SD) serum vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol concentrations, blood selenium concentrations, and GSH-Px activity were calculated from 9 sequential blood samples collected from llamas fed a diet of alfalfa hay. ANIMALS: 15 clinically normal llamas (8 males, 7 females) between 10 and 14 months of age. PROCEDURE: Llamas were fed alfalfa hay for 40 days prior to sample collection and then for the duration of the trial. Vitamin E, selenium, and concentrations of vitamin A precursors were measured in the hay. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 6, 7, 9, 13, 20, 42, 64, and 98. Blood selenium concentrations were measured, using an inductively coupled spectrometric method. Blood GSH-Px activity was measured with a spectrophotometer, using a modification of a previously described assay. Isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography with florescent detection was used to determine serum alpha-tocopherol and vitamin A concentrations. RESULTS: The alfalfa hay contained 0.2 mg/kg of selenium, 5 mg/kg of vitamin E, and 0.9 mg/kg of vitamin A precursors. The mean (+/- SD) blood selenium concentration and GSH-Px activity were 0.179 +/- 0.032 micrograms/ml and 25.76 +/- 6.53 mU NADPH oxidized/min/mg of Hb, respectively, with a correlation coefficient of 0.97. The mean (+/- SD) concentrations for serum alpha-tocopherol and vitamin A were 128.1 +/- 41.7 and 74.8 +/- 5.5 micrograms/dl, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Blood selenium concentrations in llamas are highly correlated to GSH-Px activity. Blood selenium concentrations in llamas appear to be similar to other domestic ruminants and diets containing 0.2 mg/kg of selenium appear to provide an adequate dietary source. The concentrations of vitamin A precursors and vitamin E in the hay were below currently recommended dietary levels for llamas, and alfalfa hay appears to provide an unreliable source of vitamins A and E in this species. Further studies are required to determine optimal dietary concentrations and to substantiate a reference range for these vitamins in llamas.

Husbandry and diseases of captive wild swine and peccaries.

Wild swine and peccaries are popular exhibit animals throughout the world, but the anatomy and behaviour of these species make it difficult to construct housing and enclosures which are suitable from an aesthetic and sanitation standpoint. African wild suids may serve as reservoir hosts for African swine fever. Likewise, African suids are susceptible to most of the viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases of domestic swine. Wild swine and peccaries are not an important source of zoonotic diseases. Despite having similar anatomy, peccaries differ from wild European and African suids in their susceptibility to diseases (e.g. peccaries are not affected by African swine fever.

Husbandry and diseases of camelids.

Camels of the Old World and the New World have provided the indigenous human population with meat, milk, fibre and fuel, also serving as beasts of burden to carry loads, for millennia. With the advent of motorized vehicles, the use of camelids became obsolete except in isolated situations. The numbers of camelids diminished dramatically. A reversal of that trend is now occurring, with a recognition that these animals still function in their respective environments better than any other species of livestock. Camelids have always been popular animals in zoos. Camels and two of the South American camelids are domestic animals which adapt well to contained management. They have a unique ability to obtain nourishment from harsh forages. Their reproductive physiology is different from that of any other livestock species.

An overview of wildlife husbandry and diseases in captivity.

Wild animals have been maintained in close association with humans since the dawn of human creation. Tremendous advances have been made in the care and management of wild animals, but some areas still need improvement. It is therefore important to identify the husbandry factors which minimize or maximize the occurrence of infectious or parasitic diseases. A universal influence on all animals is stress, and it is critical that managers, administrators, veterinarians and regulatory officials understand the basic concepts and take steps to minimize stress in captive wild animal husbandry. To study the epizootiology of infectious and parasitic diseases, one must also understand the nidus concept of disease, which essentially holds that all animals evolved with a group of infectious and parasitic agents that have generally lived in harmony with their host. Now, with the movement of animals and agents throughout the world, explosive outbreaks of disease may occur, unless the responsible persons know which species may be closely associated, and follow appropriate husbandry practices and appropriate quarantine procedures.

Development and challenges of wildlife husbandry: concluding remarks.

The author summarises the other articles contained in Vol. 15 (1), March 1996, of the Scientific and Technical Review of the Office International des Epizooties. Articles cover the following subjects: care and management of reptiles, amphibians, birds, ratites, carnivores, suids, camelids and cervids; and the health consequences of keeping these species in captivity. Housing, feeding and management are often less than perfect, and the special requirements of particular animals may not be understood. Constant vigilance is necessary to avert diseases. There is scope for for further research on the diseases of specific animals, and on the validity in wildlife of diagnostic tests developed for domestic animals.

Resumption of ovarian follicular activity and uterine involution in the postpartum llama.

Resumption of ovarian follicle activity and uterine involution was studied in the post partum llama. Thirty-nine adult multiparous llamas were monitored by ultrasonography and analysis of urinary estrone sulfate for 30 d post partum at the La Raya Research Station in Peru. Uterine involution was measured in terms of reduction of length and diameter of both uterine horns. Correlation analysis was used to relate follicle size and concentration of estrone sulfate. Analysis of variance was used to determine rate of uterine involution relative to days post partum. The left ovary was palpated and scanned by Day 3 post partum in contrast to Day 1 post partum for the right ovary. Ovulatory size follicles, 7 mm, were present by Day 7.4 post partum (range 4 to 14 d). Follicle growth was detected as early as Day 4 post partum with follicle size being less during the first follicle wave (7.4 mm) compared to the second and third waves (9 to 10 mm). Concentrations of urinary estrone sulfate were positively related (P<0.05) to follicular size, but to a lesser degree during the first follicle wave (19.4 ng/mg Cr), than to the second wave (25.4 ng/mg Cr). Uterine involution, as measured by diameter, was different between the left (gravid) and right (nongravid) uterine horn (P<0.05) for the 17 d post partum, and was also different from that of control females for the 21 d post partum. Uterine involution was complete in 63% of females by Day 21 post partum.

Comparison of methods for measuring serum immunoglobulin concentrations in neonatal llamas.

Blood samples were collected from 25 neonatal llamas before suckling and at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours of age. Nine tests for determining serum immunoglobulin concentrations were performed on each sample, to compare within-test variation and correlations among tests. The single radial immunodiffusion assay was the only quantitative test and therefore, was judged the most accurate test for determining the status of passive transfer of immunoglobulins in neonatal llamas. Measurement of globulin concentration and total serum protein, and the sodium sulfite precipitation test were accurate when compared with radial immunodiffusion assay results. Measurements of total serum solids by use of a hand-held refractometer and of albumin concentration, and the zinc sulfate turbidity and 10% glutaraldehyde coagulation tests were not reliable for detecting failure of passive transfer in neonatal llamas. Ten of 25 neonatal llamas were suspected of having partial to complete failure of passive transfer on the basis of results of the single radial immunodiffusion assay. The other tests used in this study identified between 4 and 7 of these 10 llamas at 24 hours of age. On follow-up communication 4 to 6 months after the last-blood sample collection, none of the 25 llamas were identified as having been clinically ill or had received any treatments for illness associated with low immunoglobulin concentrations.

Body contouring surgery.

This article discusses nursing care of patients having body contouring surgery of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts. Specific surgery reviewed includes lipoplasty, abdominoplasty, thigh lift, breast reduction, and breast augmentation.

The postpartum llama: fertility after parturition.

Fertility was evaluated at various times during the postpartum period in the llama. Fifty-six parous female llamas chosen at random were bred at 10, 20, and 30 days postpartum with six intact males. Half of the females copulated only once and the other half twice within an interval of 24 h. Ovarian activity was monitored by ultrasonography and analysis of urinary estrone sulfate and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG). At the time of copulation, all females had developed ovulatory-size follicles. Ovulation was confirmed by the presence of a CL at 8 days after breeding and PdG concentrations > 1 ng/mg creatinine (Cr). Conception was defined as PdG concentrations > 1 ng/mg Cr at 15 days after breeding and the presence of a CL. Pregnancy was defined as the presence of a CL, PdG concentrations > 1 ng/mg Cr and an embryonic vesicle 20 days postbreeding. There were no significant differences in the proportion of females ovulating after breeding at different times postpartum; however, conception and pregnancy were significantly greater in females bred at Day 20 or 30. Ovarian follicle size was significantly larger at 30 days (9.1 mm) than at 10 and 20 days (7.9 and 8.8 mm, respectively) of breeding, with no difference in concentrations of estrone sulfate. The proportion of females conceiving as a result of breeding at 10 days postpartum (6 out of 10) was significantly less than for females bred at 20 (13 out of 15) or 30 days (16 out of 18).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hyperthermia in llamas and alpacas.

Hyperthermia is a threat to heavily fibered llamas and alpacas in hot humid climates. Hyperthermia produces severe metabolic alterations that cause organ damage that may be nonresponsive to simply lowering the body temperature to within normal limits. Early detection and aggressive therapy are crucial to preventing death or permanent organ damage.

Health care of the geriatric llama and alpaca.

Older llamas and alpacas are likely to be retained in a herd, rather than being culled as would be done in other livestock operations. Aging takes its toll on all organ systems, but dental and skeletal problems tend to be accentuated. Preventative practices may slow the development of problems.

The forehead lift.

Clients desiring to decrease a tired, worried appearance may be candidates for a forehead lift. Often, clients inquire about a facelift or blepharoplasty when a forehead lift would be the procedure most likely to produce the results that the client desires. Providers caring for clients undergoing a forehead lift must use a holistic approach and assess all aspects of the client to ensure a positive health care experience.

Ovarian and endocrine patterns associated with reproductive abnormalities in llamas and alpacas.

Ovarian activity was characterized in llamas and alpacas with hypoplastic ovaries, cystic follicles, or ovulatory failure. Ovarian follicular activity was determined by transrectal ultrasonography and urinary estrone sulfate analysis; pituitary response was determined by measurement of plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone. Llamas and alpacas with hypoplastic ovaries had follicles < or = 6 mm (minimal ovulatory size, 7 mm). Cystic follicles, defined as > 12 mm, were maintained for a mean of 9 days. Follicular activity in the ovary contralateral to the cystic follicle tended to be suppressed while the cystic follicle was present. Ovarian response to copulation in females with cystic follicles varied according to the stage of the cystic follicle. Animals with ovulatory failure did not release adequate luteinizing hormone after copulation, even though they had mature and normal follicles (8 to 12 mm). The cystic follicle syndrome appears to be temporary, whereas the syndromes involving hypoplastic ovaries and ovulatory failure may permanently affect fertility.

Chemotherapy and treatment scheduling: the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center Outpatient Department.

The Chemotherapy and Treatment Scheduling System provides integrated appointment and facility scheduling for very complex procedures. It is fully integrated with other scheduling systems at The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center and is supported by the Oncology Clinical Information System (OCIS). It provides a combined visual and textual environment for the scheduling of events that have multiple dimensions and dependencies on other scheduled events. It is also fully integrated with other clinical decision support and ancillary systems within OCIS. The system has resulted in better patient flow through the ambulatory care areas of the Center. Implementing the system required changes in behavior among physicians, staff, and patients. This system provides a working example of building a sophisticated rule-based scheduling system using a relatively simple paradigm. It also is an example of what can be achieved when there is total integration between the operational and clinical components of patient care automation.

Effect of flunixin meglumine and cimetidine hydrochloride on the pH in the third compartment of the stomach of llamas.

A Tigon fistula was surgically implanted into the third compartment of the stomach of 5 llamas to allow measurement of gastric pH. The llamas were allotted into 2 groups and given flunixin meglumine or cimetidine hydrochloride for 3 days. After 4 days without treatment, the drugs given to each group were reversed. Measurements of gastric pH were taken every 30 minutes for 6 hours, using an automated pH meter. The pH measurements after drug administration were compared with measurements obtained during a pretreatment control period. Gastric pH during pretreatment control periods had a mean of 1.43 +/- 0.063 (mean +/- SE). The use of flunixin did not significantly decrease gastric pH, compared with pretreatment controls. Gastric pH was significantly higher within the first 30 minutes after administering cimetidine, compared with pretreatment controls, but this difference disappeared at all later times.