Chromosome-length genome assemblies and cytogenomic analyses of pangolins reveal remarkable chromosome counts and plasticity.

We report the first chromosome-length genome assemblies for three species in the mammalian order Pholidota: the white-bellied, Chinese, and Sunda pangolins. Surprisingly, we observe extraordinary karyotypic plasticity within this order and, in female white-bellied pangolins, the largest number of chromosomes reported in a Laurasiatherian mammal: 2n = 114. We perform the first karyotype analysis of an African pangolin and report a Y-autosome fusion in white-bellied pangolins, resulting in 2n = 113 for males. We employ a novel strategy to confirm the fusion and identify the autosome involved by finding the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) in the female genome assembly and analyzing the 3D contact frequency between PAR sequences and the rest of the genome in male and female white-bellied pangolins. Analyses of genetic variability show that white-bellied pangolins have intermediate levels of genome-wide heterozygosity relative to Chinese and Sunda pangolins, consistent with two moderate declines of historical effective population size. Our results reveal a remarkable feature of pangolin genome biology and highlight the need for further studies of these unique and endangered mammals.

UROLITHIASIS IN FOXES: ASSESSMENT OF 65 UROLITH SUBMISSIONS TO THE MINNESOTA UROLITH CENTER FROM 1981 TO 2021.

This article summarizes urinary stone submissions from foxes in human care to the Minnesota Urolith Center over 40 years. A previous report documented the analysis of uroliths from foxes that were submitted between 1981 and 2007.13 New data compiled from 2008 to 2021 included an additional 38 stones submitted from foxes, totaling 65 fox urolith submissions from 1981 to 2021. Struvite and cystine uroliths were most common, with the remainder comprised of calcium phosphate, calcium oxalate, compound, mixed, or miscellaneous material. Most stones were submitted from male foxes. Seventy-two percent of the stones were urocystoliths, and from 2010 to 2021, most stones were diagnosed antemortem and removed surgically. More than half of the stones were submitted from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and fennec foxes (Vulpes zerda). Urolithiasis in foxes may be an underrecognized condition, and data from this study suggest that clinicians should consider routine urinalysis and diagnostic imaging as part of the preventive medicine program for fox species, especially red foxes and fennec foxes.

MANAGEMENT OF PODODERMATITIS WITH AN ORTHOTIC BOOT IN A SOUTHERN ISABELA GIANT TORTOISE (CHELONOIDIS VICINA).

A 62-yr-old male Southern Isabela giant tortoise (Chelonoidis vicina) had a 1-yr history of chronic, reoccurring pododermatitis on the palmar surface of the left forelimb. Aggressive wound management was instituted and included surgical debridement, vacuum-assisted closure, and orthotic boot support during healing. A custom fabricated, carbon fiber clamshell Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker walking boot was utilized to reduce focal pressure over the wound during weight bearing and promote a more normal gait. Distal padding was used to distribute pressure on the palmar surface of the left forelimb, with a focal depression in the padding preventing pressure directly over the wound. The design and trim lines were adjusted to allow shoulder and elbow motion without impingement. The clamshell design allowed relatively easy removal for wound inspection and dressing changes. The wound ultimately resolved after 9 wk of management with the orthotic boot, with no reoccurrence over the next 3 yr.

ATTEMPTED SURGICAL CORRECTION OF A PERSISTENT RIGHT FOURTH AORTIC ARCH IN A JUVENILE ROTHSCHILD'S GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS ROTHSCHILDI).

A 5-mo-old female Rothschild's giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) presented for regurgitation. Esophagoscopy at 24 wk of age revealed a markedly dilated cranial esophagus with a tight stricture at the level of the heart base consistent with a vascular ring anomaly. Surgical exploration confirmed persistent right fourth aortic arch with ductus originating from left subclavian artery at its junction with the aorta and left subclavian artery. The patent ductus arteriosus was surgically ligated. The procedure was complicated by limited surgical access and vascular friability resulting in uncontrollable hemorrhage, and the animal was euthanatized. The animal's large size and unique shape precluded preoperative examination by computed tomography. Surgical accessibility was poor because cranial retraction of the thoracic limb was limited. Histology revealed focal degeneration of the aorta and subclavian artery and muscular degeneration of the esophagus. Degeneration was attributed to local hypoxia from compression by the vascular structure as the animal grew.

BLOOD PRODUCT TRANSFUSIONS IN GREAT APES: A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF 12 CASES.

Although the administration of blood and blood products can be lifesaving, transfusions in exotic species are less common because of the lack of knowledge of a species' blood groups, the availability of species-specific donors, and possible adverse effects. Recently, blood groups were elucidated in great apes; however, few reports have been published regarding actual transfusion situations in these species. This information is critical because poorly executed transfusions can compromise already weakened patients or result in the death of the recipient. In 2014, a retrospective survey of U.S. zoos housing great apes received 45 of 67 responses; from which, 12 transfusion cases in great apes were identified, including Sumatran orangutans ( Pongo pygmaeus sumatraensis, n = 4), chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes , n = 1), and western lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla, n = 7). These animals, ranging from birth to 31 yr, received intravenous transfusions of whole blood, packed red blood cells, or human albumin. Overall, animals that received transfusions for anemia because of chronic illness or blood loss survived, but those individuals with concurrent life-threatening issues did not survive. No adverse reactions related to the transfusion occurred, except in two orangutans given human albumin.

Intraocular pressure in free-ranging anuran species in Oklahoma.

Ocular disease appears to be a common issue in anurans. Intraocular pressures were measured for six species of free-ranging anurans in central Oklahoma. No significant differences were identified between left or right eyes. There was a significant negative relationship between the weight of the anuran and intraocular pressure. The intraocular pressure range for the six species was 3-10 mm Hg. Tonometry values in anurans are, to the authors' knowledge, previously unreported and this study provides initial information on intraocular pressure measurement in anurans.

Pharmacokinetics of selamectin in helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) after topical administration.

Twenty-one healthy helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) housed at the Oklahoma City Zoo were used to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of topical selamectin. Birds were divided randomly into three groups of seven birds each. On day 1, all birds received one dose of 20 mg/kg selamectin topically. Based on the group number, blood was collected from each bird on three separate occasions over a 28-day period. Plasma using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry was used to determine selamectin concentrations. Mean plasma terminal half-life and maximum plasma concentrations of selamectin were 5.8 days and 16.1 ng/ml, respectively, with maximum plasma levels reached at 3 days. No adverse effects were detected. Birds in this study did reach and maintain plasma levels reported as therapeutic in other species for 19 days. Based on these results, selamectin may be a valuable antiparasiticide in some avian species.

Retroperitoneal abscesses in two western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

This report describes two cases of retroperitoneal abscesses in female western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Clinical symptoms included perivulvar discharge, lameness, hindlimb paresis, and general malaise. Retroperitoneal abscesses should be considered as part of a complete differential list in female gorillas with similar clinical signs.

Persimmon phytobezoars in meerkats (Suricata suricatta).

Two meerkats (Suricata suricatta) died acutely and gastric bezoars were found at necropsy. Four of the eight remaining meerkats had bezoars identified radiographically. Surgical gastrotomies were performed and bezoars containing orange fibrous material were removed. Histologic examination of the bezoars and persimmon fruit from a tree in the exhibit revealed that the materials were identical. Tannins found in ripe persimmons are known to coagulate in the presence of gastric acid, and the resultant phytobezoars can lead to gastrointestinal obstructions. All four meerkats recovered uneventfully. The combination of interspecies aggression and a diet change may have led to consumption of persimmons produced by a tree in the exhibit. Persimmon phytobezoars are also seen in humans and horses.