Coxiella burnetii serostatus in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) is associated with the presence of C. burnetii DNA in attached ticks in Laikipia County, Kenya.

AIMS: Q fever is a globally distributed, neglected zoonotic disease of conservation and public health importance, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Coxiella burnetii normally causes subclinical infections in livestock, but may also cause reproductive pathology and spontaneous abortions in artiodactyl species. One such artiodactyl, the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), is an increasingly important livestock species in semi-arid landscapes. Ticks are naturally infected with C. burnetii worldwide and are frequently found on camels in Kenya. In this study, we assessed the relationship between dromedary camels' C. burnetii serostatus and whether the camels were carrying C. burnetii PCR-positive ticks in Kenya. We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between camel seropositivity and carrying C. burnetii PCR-positive ticks. METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood was collected from camels (N = 233) from three herds, and serum was analysed using commercial ELISA antibody test kits. Ticks were collected (N = 4354), divided into pools of the same species from the same camel (N = 397) and tested for C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbionts. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize seroprevalence by camel demographic and clinical variables. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess relationships between serostatus (outcome) and tick PCR status, camel demographic variables, and camel clinical variables (predictors). Camel C. burnetii seroprevalence was 52%. Across tick pools, the prevalence of C. burnetii was 15% and Coxiella-like endosymbionts was 27%. Camel seropositivity was significantly associated with the presence of a C. burnetii PCR-positive tick pool (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.4-5.1; p = 0.0045), increasing age class, and increasing total solids. CONCLUSIONS: The role of ticks and camels in the epidemiology of Q fever warrants further research to better understand this zoonotic disease that has potential to cause illness and reproductive losses in humans, livestock, and wildlife.

Subcutaneous and intramuscular administration of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine are similarly effective in generating a humoral response in domestic goats (Capra hircus).

OBJECTIVE: To determine severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) serum antibody titers in domestic goats after SC and IM administration of an experimental, veterinary SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. ANIMALS: 31 healthy adult domestic goats from 4 zoological institutions. METHODS: On day 0, blood was collected for baseline serum titer before vaccination with 1 mL SARS-CoV-2 recombinant S protein vaccine SC (n = 22) or IM (n = 9). A booster vaccination was administered 21 (SC group) or 28 days (IM group) after the initial vaccine and blood samples were collected at days 21 (SC group) or 28 (IM group), 42, 90, and 180 postvaccinations. The study took place between September 27, 2021, and June 01, 2022. Seroconversion for SARS-CoV-2 was assessed by a SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization (VN) assay. RESULTS: Before vaccination, no goats had detectable antibodies. On day 42, 100% of goats had detectable serum titers. Serum titers peaked at day 42 for 94% of goats vaccinated by either route of administration. There was a significant difference between SC and IM groups regarding the proportion of goats with detectable titers on day 21/28 (68% vs 0%, respectively) and day 180 (50% vs 89%, respectively), relative to day 0. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 2 vaccination protocols (SC 21 days apart and IM 28 days apart) were similarly effective in mounting serum antibody response in goats. The SC route of administration appeared to have a more rapid onset of immunity, while the IM route may have produced a longer duration of immunity. These data may be useful in determining appropriate SARS-CoV-2 vaccination schedules in ruminants.

Serial ultrasonographic measurements of fetal parameters over three successive pregnancies in a captive Eastern black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza).

This study provides ultrasonographic fetal growth charts for the Eastern black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza). Throughout three consecutive gestations (-162 to -2 days to parturition) in a single dam, we opportunistically obtained ultrasonographic measurements for the following parameters: biparietal diameter, head circumference, humerus length, femur length, tibia length, radius length, thoracic width, kidney length, and crown-rump length. Biparietal diameter was the most consistently measured parameter. First detection of fetuses occurred between 96 and 162 days before parturition. This report demonstrates that voluntary transabdominal ultrasound can be well-tolerated in the colobus monkey using operant conditioning. These findings may be useful to assess fetal development and predict parturition dates in the absence of a known conception date in this species.

Measurement of Cyclooxygenase Products in Plasma as Markers for Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase Isoforms by Oral Meloxicam in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus ).

Pain management in rabbits is a challenging task that is complicated by the rabbit's ability to hide signs of distress and the limited pharmacologic data available for this species. Pharmacokinetic data has shown that in rabbits, meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory NSAID, reaches plasma concentrations that are known to provide analgesia in dogs and cats; these concentrations could theoretically alleviate pain in rabbits. However, the inhibitory effects of meloxicam on cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms have not been studied in rabbits. In this study, we measured the products of COX-1 and COX-2 after the oral administration of a single 1 mg/kg dose of meloxicam to New Zealand White rabbits (n = 6). Blood samples were collected before drug administration (T0) and then at predetermined time points over 48 h. Plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) and thromboxane (TxB2) concentrations were measured as surrogate markers for COX-1 and COX-2, respectively, by using commercial ELISA kits. After meloxicam administration, both TxB2 and PGE2 plasma concentrations fell significantly below baseline, with maximal mean reductions to 80% and 60% of baseline at 8 h, respectively. The reduction in PGE2 concentrations was followed by a significant increase that moved its mean plasma concentrations toward baseline between 8 and 24 h. Adverse effects such as lethargy, inappetence, or changes in fecal production were not observed in any rabbits. In conclusion, meloxicam appeared to significantly inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 with a time course similar to previously reported meloxicam plasma concentration-time profiles in rabbits. Our data suggest that a dosage of 1 mg/kg given orally could provide analgesia to rabbits, but a more frequent dosing interval than the currently recommended daily dosing may be required to maintain clinical efficacy.

Examination of the pharmacokinetics and differential inhibition of cyclooxygenase isoenzymes in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) by the Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory Robenacoxib.

Effective rabbit analgesia is challenging, and there are few studies available on the newer COX-2 selective NSAIDs, such as robenacoxib. This study aimed to establish the pharmacokinetics of oral and subcutaneous robenacoxib, describe its inhibitory actions on COX enzymes, and develop dosing, using six healthy New Zealand white rabbits. Pharmacokinetics were determined from plasma concentrations after oral administration of robenacoxib (0.83-0.96 mg/kg) and also after subcutaneous administration (2 mg/kg). The inhibitory actions of robenacoxib were evaluated by measuring plasma concentrations of thromboxane B2 (TBX2 ) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) as surrogate markers of cyclooxygenase enzyme isoform inhibition. The mean maximum concentration for oral and subcutaneous administration was 0.23 µg/ml and 5.82 µg/ml, respectively. Oral robenacoxib administration did not demonstrate a significant difference between any time point for PGE2 or TBX2 , though subcutaneous administration did for both. There was no significant difference in PGE2 or TBX2 concentrations at any time point when comparing subcutaneous versus oral routes. Although the results support that plasma robenacoxib exceeds the therapeutic levels compared to dogs and cats, there was little significance in the difference in the changes associated with COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition. Further studies are warranted to determine appropriate dosing, safety, and efficacy in rabbits.

Surgical management of dystocia in a colobus monkey (Colobus guereza).

A 14-year-old female black and white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza) presented in labor with fetal arms visible protruding from the vulva. Manual manipulation for assisted delivery of the fetus was unsuccessful. Radiographs identified a large fetal skull and hysterotomy was required with ovariohysterectomy elected to follow. The fetus was confirmed to be deceased during hysterotomy, but the dam recovered from the procedure uneventfully. The detailed description of the anesthesia and surgical procedure in this case may aid other clinicians when presented with similar dystocia cases in this species.

Pharmacokinetics and ex vivo pharmacodynamics of oral firocoxib administration in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

OBJECTIVE: To examine the pharmacokinetics and ex vivo pharmacodynamics of oral firocoxib administration in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). ANIMALS: 6 healthy New Zealand White rabbits. PROCEDURES: Pharmacokinetics were determined from plasma concentrations measured via ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after oral administration of firocoxib at a dose of 3.74 to 4.20 mg/kg. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using non compartmental methods. Pharmacodynamics of firocoxib were evaluated by measuring plasma concentrations of thromboxane and prostaglandin via ELISAs as surrogate markers of cyclooxygenase enzyme isoform inhibition. RESULTS: The terminal rate constant was 0.07 hours (range, 0.05 to 0.11 h). The mean maximum concentration (Cmax) and time to Cmax were 0.16 µg/mL and 3.81 hours (range, 2.0 to 8.0 h), respectively. Mean residence time was 15.02 hours. Mean elimination half-life was 9.12 hours. For the pharmacodynamic analysis, firocoxib administration did not demonstrate a significant difference between any time point for prostaglandin E2 and only a significant difference between 24 and 48 hours for thromboxane B2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the pharmacokinetic research supports that plasma firocoxib concentrations that would be therapeutic in dogs are achieved in rabbits, the pharmacodynamic results do not demonstrate a significant difference in levels of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition, which indirectly reflects the anti-inflammatory effects of the drug. Further pharmacodynamic studies and multidose studies are warranted to determine the efficacy and safety of this drug in rabbits.

Feeding decreases the oral bioavailability of cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid in hemp oil in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of a solution containing cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), administered orally in 2 single-dose studies (with and without food), in the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). ANIMALS: 6 healthy New Zealand White rabbits. PROCEDURES: In phase 1, 6 rabbits were administered 15 mg/kg CBD with 16.4 mg/kg CBDA orally in hemp oil. In phase 2, 6 rabbits were administered the same dose orally in hemp oil followed by a food slurry. Blood samples were collected for 24 hours to determine the pharmacokinetics of CBD and CBDA. Quantification of plasma CBD and CBDA concentrations was determined using a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) assay. Pharmacokinetics were determined using noncompartmental analysis. RESULTS: For CBD, the area under the curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC)0-∞ was 179.8 and 102 hours X ng/mL, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 30.4 and 15 ng/mL, the time to Cmax (tmax) was 3.78 and 3.25 hours, and the terminal half-life (t1/2λ) was 7.12 and 3.8 hours in phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. For CBDA, the AUC0-∞ was 12,286 and 6,176 hours X ng/mL, Cmax was 2,573 and 1,196 ng/mL, tmax was 1.07 and 1.12 hours, and t1/2λ was 3.26 and 3.49 hours in phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. Adverse effects were not observed in any rabbit. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CBD and CBDA reached a greater Cmax and had a longer t1/2λ in phase 1 (without food) compared with phase 2 (with food). CBDA reached a greater Cmax but had a shorter t1/2λ than CBD both in phase 1 and phase 2. These data may be useful in determining appropriate dosing of cannabinoids in the domestic rabbit.

Pax5 and CD3 immunophenotyping of lymphoma in 2 central bearded dragons.

Two central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), a 3-y-old male and a 5-y-old female, were diagnosed with different manifestations of lymphoma at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between 2019 and 2020. The 3-y-old male was presented for postmortem evaluation and was in poor body condition. Microscopically, nearly all examined organs contained variable numbers of neoplastic round cells. Neoplastic cells in the stomach and liver had moderate immunoreactivity to CD3 consistent with multicentric T-cell lymphoma, and non-neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrating the stomach mass had strong immunoreactivity to Pax5. The 5-y-old female had an ulcerated oral mass located in the right lingual gingiva submitted as an excisional biopsy. Microscopically, the mass was composed of large numbers of neoplastic round cells in the epithelium and connective tissue that were strongly and diffusely positive for CD3 and frequently positive for Pax5, consistent with a dual-positive, localized, epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma. Neoplastic and non-neoplastic lymphocytes did not stain with CD20 or CD79a. Neoplasms are increasingly reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality in reptiles. Our 2 cases illustrate various presentations of T-cell lymphoma and the effectiveness of CD3 and Pax5 immunohistochemistry in bearded dragons.

Evaluation of a dexmedetomidine-midazolam-ketamine combination administered intramuscularly in captive ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effects of a combination protocol of dexmedetomidine-midazolam-ketamine (DMK) administered intramuscularly (IM) in ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: A total of 16 apparently clinically healthy adult ornate box turtles (eight male, eight female). METHODS: Each turtle was treated with dexmedetomidine (0.1 mg kg-1), midazolam (1 mg kg-1) and ketamine (10 mg kg-1) administered IM. Time to first response, time to maximal effect, the plateau phase and time to recovery from reversal administration were recorded. Physiologic variables, muscle tone, reflexes and the ability to perform endotracheal intubation were recorded at 5 minute intervals. Movement in response to an IM injection of 0.1 mL sterile 0.9% NaCl administered in the left pelvic limb, using a 25 gauge needle to a depth of just past the bevel of the needle, was assessed every 15 minutes. Atipamezole (0.5 mg kg-1) IM and flumazenil (0.05 mg kg-1) SC were administered 60 minutes after the initial DMK injections. RESULTS: The mean time to first response, time to maximal effect, the plateau phase and time to recovery were 2.1, 14.9, 38.7 and 7.8 minutes, respectively. A respiratory rate was not observed in most turtles. The body temperature significantly increased over time. The palpebral reflex was persistent in 43% of turtles and the tail pinch reflex remained intact in 13% of turtles. All turtles recovered with no observed adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, this DMK protocol administered to ornate box turtles resulted in a rapid-onset, light anesthesia lasting approximately 40 minutes and a smooth recovery with no adverse effects noted.

Characterization of faecal and caecal microbiota of free-ranging black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) using high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are keystone species within their grassland ecosystems; their population stability affects a multitude of other species. The goals of this study were to explore, describe and compare the bacterial communities in caecal and hard faecal samples from free-ranging black-tailed prairie dogs (n = 36) from KS, USA, using high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and to compare sex and geographic locations. A total of 22 paired faecal and caecal samples were collected post-mortem from free-ranging black-tailed prairie dogs from 5 different geographical locations. The results revealed that the microbiota of both faecal and caecal samples were dominated by the phylum Firmicutes (genera belonging to the Clostridiales order). There was significantly greater richness in faecal compared with caecal samples. There were significant differences between the 5 different geographic regions (P < 0.001), specifically in the relative abundances of genera. There were differences in rare members of the microbiome between faecal samples from male and female prairie dogs but with no significant impact on overall community structure. This study provides novel data and expands our knowledge about the gastrointestinal microbiome composition of free-ranging black-tailed prairie dogs, which has potential to inform conservation efforts and improve their captive management.