ABSTRACT
Wildlife populations are under intense anthropogenic pressures, with the geographic range of many species shrinking, dramatic reductions in population numbers and undisturbed habitats, and biodiversity loss. It is postulated that we are in the midst of a sixth (Anthropocene) mass extinction event, the first to be induced by human activity. Further, threatening vulnerable species is the increased rate of emerging diseases, another consequence of anthropogenic activities. Innovative approaches are required to help maintain healthy populations until the chronic underlying causes of these issues can be addressed. Fibropapillomatosis in sea turtles is one such wildlife disease. Here, we applied precision-medicine-based approaches to profile fibropapillomatosis tumors to better understand their biology, identify novel therapeutics, and gain insights into viral and environmental triggers for fibropapillomatosis. We show that fibropapillomatosis tumors share genetic vulnerabilities with human cancer types, revealing that they are amenable to treatment with human anti-cancer therapeutics.
ABSTRACT
Unusual ocular abnormalities were documented in 3 wild eastern screech owls (Megascops asio) presented to a wildlife rehabilitation hospital after vehicular strike-induced trauma to the head. All 3 had anterior uveitis and free air bubbles in the anterior chamber, but none of the cases had any discernable corneal damage, either grossly or with fluorescein stain technique. Perforation of the globe at the level of the scleral ossicle was considered a possible cause. All 3 cases recovered with standard treatment for anterior uveitis, and the free air was absorbed within 10-14 days and did not appear to cause any lingering complications. The owls were later released back into the wild after demonstrating the ability to navigate obstacles in a flight cage and capture live prey.
Subject(s)
Anterior Chamber/pathology , Bird Diseases/etiology , Craniocerebral Trauma/veterinary , Strigiformes , Uveitis/veterinary , Accidents, Traffic , Animals , Bird Diseases/pathology , Craniocerebral Trauma/complications , Craniocerebral Trauma/pathology , Intraocular Pressure , Strigiformes/injuries , Uveitis/etiology , Uveitis/therapyABSTRACT
The prepurchase examination is performed to aid a prospective purchaser in determining the suitability of a specific patient for an anticipated use and, perhaps, an intended rider. The ophthalmic portion of that examination can be performed satisfactorily with minimal equipment by following a systematic protocol that includes examination of all segments of the globe and an evaluation of the patient's vision. Findings of the examination should be discussed with and made in writing to the buyer so that he or she can make an informed decision about the suitability of the purchase.
Subject(s)
Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological/veterinary , Eye Diseases/veterinary , Eye/anatomy & histology , Horse Diseases/diagnosis , Animals , Commerce , Eye Diseases/diagnosis , Horses , Physical Examination/veterinaryABSTRACT
A 26-year-old, wild caught, male Malayan tapir at the Miami Metrozoo with bilateral corneal papillomas was serially immobilized and given subconjunctival injections of fluorouracil. Over the course of 17 weeks five bilateral injections of 25 mg fluorouracil were given. This treatment caused regression of the corneal lesions as evidenced by decreased lesion diameter, decreased corneal vascularity, increased corneal clarity, and improved visual function. No adverse drug effects were observed.
