Use of subcutaneous maropitant at two dosages for pain management in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of two doses of maropitant on pain scores, food intake, and fecal output in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy. ANIMALS: 26 (11 female, 15 male) rabbits from three institutions. PROCEDURES: Rabbits were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: low-dose maropitant (LDM; 2 mg/kg SC once; n=8), moderate-dose maropitant (MDM; 4 mg/kg SC once; n=10), and control (saline equivalent to 4 mg/kg maropitant SC once; n=8), administered prior to surgery. Following surgery, all rabbits were provided buprenorphine (0.06 mg/kg q 8 hours) and meloxicam (1 mg/kg q 24 hours) intramuscularly. Rabbits were monitored using video surveillance postoperatively until 24 hours after surgery or discharge from the hospital, whichever came first. Pain scores were assessed by three blinded observers, and results were grouped into early (0-4 hours), mid (5-8 hours), and late (12-24 hours) time frames. Food intake and fecal output were compared between groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi square, Fisher's exact tests, and a mixed model approach. RESULTS: There were no adverse effects with maropitant administration. Rabbits that received MDM had significantly lower pain scores in the mid-time frame and behavior scores in the late-time frame compared to controls. Male rabbits consumed more food than females and rabbits hospitalized longer than 12 hours consumed more food than those that were discharged prior. No significant differences were detected in facial grimace scale scores, food intake, or fecal production among treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Moderate dose maropitant decreased pain related behaviors in the mid-time frame and behavior scores in the late-time frame after surgery. Further studies are necessary to better characterize the potential use of maropitant in postoperative analgesia.

Mycoplasma spp. pneumonia and subsequent pulmonary hypertension in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo).

Treatment of Mycoplasma spp. pneumonia has rarely been described in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). A 10-month-old, 0.53 kg, female spayed domestic ferret was presented for oxygen-dependent, chronic dyspnea of one-month's duration. Physical examination findings included dyspnea, tachypnea, increased bronchovesicular sounds bilaterally, and an intermittent non-productive cough. Bloodwork abnormalities included a mild leukocytosis (8.6×103/µL), mild neutrophilia (4.0×103/µL), mild hypoalbuminemia (2.7 g/dL), mild hyperglobulinemia (3.3 g/dL), mild hyponatremia (147 mEq/L), and mild hypochloremia (111.4 mEq/L). Radiographs revealed a marked diffuse bronchial pattern with peribronchial cuffing, a mild main pulmonary artery bulge, distended caudal lobar pulmonary arteries, and decreased serosal detail within the abdomen. An echocardiogram revealed indications of moderate pulmonary hypertension and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. Polymerase chain reaction testing for Mycoplasma spp. was positive, and treatment was initiated with doxycycline (10 mg/kg PO q 12 hours for 16 weeks), prednisolone (0.4 mg/kg PO q 12 hours for 13 weeks, tapered to 0.2 mg/kg PO q 12 hours for two weeks, then eventually increased to 0.7 mg/kg PO q 12 hours until further notice), sildenafil (0.3 mg/kg PO q 24 hours for 13 weeks), and oxygen supplementation via an oxygen cage for six weeks. On repeat echocardiogram eleven weeks after initiation of doxycycline therapy, the pulmonary hypertension had resolved. At follow up six months later, the ferret was stable on previously prescribed medications and did not require oxygen supplementation. Mycoplasma spp. and pulmonary hypertension should be considered in cases of respiratory distress in ferrets.

The use of soapy water and freezing as secondary steps for euthanasia in cave (Blaberus giganteus) and Madagascar hissing (Gromphadorhina portentosa) cockroaches.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate methods for euthanizing cave cockroaches (CCs; Blaberus giganteus) and Madagascar hissing cockroaches (MHCs; Gromphadorhina portentosa). It was hypothesized that both suggested methods would be effective for humane mass euthanasia of both species. SAMPLE: Approximately 800 CC. METHODS: The CCs were separated into replicate groups of 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 grams and placed into 3.8-L plastic bags. Twenty-seven MHCs were divided into groups of 2 to 3. The study took place from January to March 2023. All CC groups were exposed to 100% carbon dioxide (CO2) at a rate of 4 L/min until the bag was full. Madagascar hissing cockroaches were similarly anesthetized using either CO2 or 2 mL of isoflurane on a cotton ball in a 1-L container or a combination of CO2 and isoflurane. Once cockroaches were immobile, secondary euthanasia steps were performed. One bag of CCs per weight category was exposed to soapy water (5% Dawn dishwashing liquid), and the second was placed into a -80 °C freezer. The containers of MHCs were evenly exposed to the 2 euthanasia methods. Individuals remained in their secondary euthanasia method for 30 minutes. RESULTS: Regardless of the weight of the CCs within each bag, there was no impact on time (1.8 ± 0.4 minutes [mean ± SD]) to immobility. The failure rates for both species were 0.2% CI (-0.1% to 1.5% [1/413]) for soapy water and 0.5% CI (0.005% to 1.9% [2/414]) for the freezer method. These results support the use of both 2-step euthanasia methods in CCs and MHCs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These methods will serve as an evidence-based alternative for humane mass euthanasia in cockroaches.

Ophthalmic findings and parameters in Western tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium) from northern Colorado.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to document ophthalmic examination findings and provide reference values for ocular examinations and diagnostics in clinically normal Western tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium) and to evaluate the mydriatic effect of a topical rocuronium bromide and identify any adverse effects. ANIMALS STUDIED: Sixteen Western tiger salamanders. PROCEDURE: A complete ophthalmic examination, including intraocular pressure via rebound tonometry [iCare® TonoVet (dog-setting) or iCare® TonoVet Plus (dog-setting)], and fluorescein and Rose Bengal stains, was performed. Ocular surface flora culture swabs were collected for microbiology in four salamanders. Rocuronium bromide (50 µL; 0.01 mg) was administered into each eye in three salamanders. Pupil size and constriction ability were evaluated up to 60 min following administration of rocuronium bromide. Distant visual examination and Doppler heart rate were used to monitor for potential adverse effects of rocuronium bromide. RESULTS: Observed ocular abnormalities included lipid keratopathy/keratitis (19%; 3/16), parasitic ophthalmitis (19%; 3/16), and cataracts (6.3%; 1/16). A significant difference was found between tonometry with iCare® TonoVet (11.5 ± 2.7 mmHg) versus TonoVet Plus (15.4 ± 3.7 mmHg) (p = .025). Fluorescein and Rose Bengal stains were negative in all salamanders. Ocular surface microbiology revealed a high incidence of contamination from environmental flora, with the most common isolate being unidentified as Gram-negative nonfermenters (75%; 3/4). No significant change in pupil size or constriction ability was observed with rocuronium bromide. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to document ocular examination findings and diagnostics in captive and wild urodeles and may serve as a reference for clinical assessment and future studies of the Western tiger salamander.

PHARMACOKINETICS AND EFFICACY OF A SINGLE TOPICAL DOSE OF EPRINOMECTIN IN GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA SPP.).

Growing resistance to current antiparasitic medications, both in livestock and in zoological species under human care, makes it imperative to evaluate available drugs on the market, such as eprinomectin. In this prospective study, five males and one female of reticulated (Giraffa reticulata; n = 2), Masai (Giraffa tippelskirchii; n = 1), Nubian (Giraffa camelopardalis; n = 2), and hybrid subspecies (n = 1) of giraffe, received 1.5 mg/kg eprinomectin topically along the dorsum. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, concentrations of eprinomectin in plasma samples collected at 0, 4, 24, and 48 h, and 7, 14, 21, and 28 d were evaluated following drug administration. Complete blood cell counts and biochemistry panels were performed before (n = 6) and after (n = 3) eprinomectin administration. Samples for modified double centrifugal fecal flotation (n = 6) were evaluated prior to eprinomectin administration to evaluate for endoparasites and were repeated after the study (n = 5). Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was applied to the data. The observed maximum plasma concentration was 11.45 ng/ml and the time of observed maximum concentration was 2.67 d. The mean terminal half-life was 5.16 d. No adverse effects were observed related to eprinomectin administration and no blood work changes were observed. Parasite loads decreased (n = 3) or did not change (n = 2) after eprinomectin administration. The mean peak plasma concentration of eprinomectin in giraffe was similar to that achieved in cattle, despite using three times the dose.

Hypothermia, anemia, hyperglycemia, and severe hypoglycemia are significant prognostic indicators of death in client-owned ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether rectal temperature, Hct, or blood glucose at presentation were associated with all-cause mortality in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). ANIMALS: 321 client-owned ferrets. METHODS: A medical record database was searched for ferrets from January 2012 through September 2022. Records from 1,189 individual examinations were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were rectal temperature, Hct, and/or blood glucose measured at presentation and data on survival status 7 days postpresentation. Data were included from 321 ferrets from 571 examinations. Rectal temperature in 244 ferrets from 346 examinations, Hct in 181 ferrets from 277 examinations, and blood glucose in 260 ferrets from 420 examinations were available. RESULTS: The odds of death for hypothermic ferrets (< 37.8 °C) were 3.72 times (OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 2.30 to 6.01) the odds of death for normothermic ferrets (37.8 to 40 °C). For every 0.56 °C below normal rectal temperature, the odds of death increased 1.49 times (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.90). The odds of death for anemic ferrets (Hct < 33%) were 4.74 times (OR, 4.74; 95% CI, 1.70 to 13.21) the odds of death for ferrets with a normal Hct (33% to 57%). The odds of death for hyperglycemic ferrets (> 152 mg/dL) were 2.61 times (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.29 to 5.30) the odds of death for normoglycemic ferrets (74 to 152 mg/dL). The odds of death for severely hypoglycemic ferrets (< 40 mg/dL) were 9.45 times (OR, 9.45; 95% CI, 3.18 to 28.12) the odds of death for normoglycemic ferrets. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypothermia, anemia, hyperglycemia, and severe hypoglycemia were significant prognostic indicators of death in ferrets. Further investigation into the causes and management of these derangements is warranted.

Cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): 54 cases (2007-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, histopathologic lesions, and outcome of cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons. ANIMALS: 54 bearded dragons. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of captive bearded dragons with antemortem imaging or postmortem diagnosis of cardiovascular disease from 2007 to 2022 from 6 hospitals. RESULTS: The total prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 3.3% (54/1,655). Physical examination findings were available in 46 cases with change in mentation being the most common finding (n = 28/46 [60.9%]), followed by dehydration (17/46 [37%]), palpable coelomic mass (13/46 [28.3%]), dyspnea (10/46 [21.7%]), and sunken eyes (10/46 [21.7%)]. Doppler auscultation revealed an arrhythmia in 5/34 (14.7%) animals. Diagnostic imaging was only performed on 21 animals, and 10 (47.6%) had cardiovascular abnormalities described. In total, 84 cardiovascular diagnoses were found in 54 animals. The most common diagnosis was myocarditis (n = 14) followed by aneurysms (11), pericardial effusion (9), atherosclerosis (7), epicarditis (7), and myocardial degeneration/necrosis (7). Overall, 62 causes of death were identified in 52 cases, with cardiovascular disease being the most common (n = 18/52 [34.5%]). Only 3/54 animals were diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Animals with aneurysms were more likely to die to due cardiovascular disease compared to other types of cardiovascular diagnoses (OR, 43.75; 95% CI, 4.88 to 392.65; P < .001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in bearded dragons is challenging given the inconsistent clinical presentation; however, it should remain a differential in animals with nonspecific signs of illness. Antemortem diagnostics are recommended in suspected cases, including diagnostic imaging. Of the cardiovascular diseases described, aneurysms most often contributed to clinical demise.

Pediatric Medicine of Galliformes.

Galliformes pediatrics covers general husbandry recommendations for gallinaceous chicks as well as information on vaccination for the average backyard poultry keeper. This article also covers basic information on common diseases affecting gallinaceous chicks in a small hobby operation. The focus lies on description of disease transmission, clinical signs, age of onset, and general prognosis and focuses less on specific treatment of individual diseases.

Respiratory Distress Caused by Neoplastic Upper Respiratory Tract Obstructions in 2 Pet Rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica).

Respiratory disease is one of the primary reasons for pet owners to seek veterinary attention for their rats. While chronic respiratory disease complex is most often responsible for respiratory signs in pet rats and is well characterized, upper respiratory obstructive disease has been rarely reported in the literature. This report describes 2 pet fancy rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica) presenting with a several day history of progressive respiratory signs that were minimally responsive to supportive therapies, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and fluid and oxygen support. Survey radiographs were performed under sedation in both cases. In the first case, no cause for the clinical signs could be identified, in part due to suboptimal radiographic positioning, although severe aerophagia was noted. In the second case, cervical tracheal luminal narrowing and increased soft tissue opacity along the walls of the trachea were identified. Both rats declined while under sedation, resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest in the first case and humane euthanasia in the second. On necropsy, the first case had a oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma originating from the Zymbal's gland, which was obstructing the larynx. The second case had an intra-luminal tracheal mass obstructing the airway. This was mostly likely B-cell lymphoma or a plasma cell tumor, although definitive diagnosis was unable to be obtained. For future such cases empiric management of respiratory disease in rats with antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and supportive care is often appropriate based on the high prevalence of infectious agents, however, other noninfectious causes should be considered, such as neoplastic processes leading to upper airway obstructive disease and diagnostic imaging may be indicated.

Surveillance for Avian Bornavirus in Colorado and Wyoming, USA, Raptor Populations.

Avian bornavirus (ABV) is known to infect at least 80 avian species and is associated with avian bornaviral ganglioneuritis (ABG). Avian bornaviral ganglioneuritis is characterized by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the nervous tissue, mainly affecting the nerves that supply the gastrointestinal tract of birds. This disease is diagnosed commonly in psittacines under human care and has been demonstrated in wild bird species; however, its occurrence in raptors is largely unknown. Because of the commonality of ABV in the pet bird population, there is concern about the spread of this virus to other companion avian species, such as falconry birds, as well as wildlife. This prospective study used reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to survey free-ranging Colorado and Wyoming, US, raptor populations for ABV. Quantitative PCR was performed on mixed conjunctival-choanal-cloacal swabs collected from live birds (n=139). In dead birds, a combination of mixed swabs (n=265) and tissue samples of the brain (n=258), heart (n=162), adrenal glands (n=162), liver (n=162), kidney (n=139), spinal cord (n=139), and brachial plexus (n=139) were evaluated. All 1,565 swab and tissue samples RT-qPCR results from the 404 birds evaluated were negative. Based on these results and a lack of clinical signs suggestive of ABG, ABV is likely not a prevalent pathogen in Colorado and Wyoming raptor populations at this time.

Iridial melanocytoma in a ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis): A case report and review of avian melanocytic neoplasia.

A 21-year-old, suspected female captive ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) was followed for 3 years due to an iridial mass of the left eye (OS) that progressively increased in size. Enucleation of OS was eventually recommended due to the iridial mass taking up approximately 75% of the anterior chamber, and the bird seemed less active. A complete physical examination, complete blood cell count, biochemistry, and survey radiographs were performed pre-surgery with no findings indicating metastasis. A subconjunctival enucleation was performed and the globe was submitted for histopathology through the Comparative Ocular Pathology Lab of Wisconsin. The histopathologic evaluation determined the mass to be consistent with an iris melanocytoma, which has not been previously reported in this species. The patient recovered well from surgery and has remained comfortable and active for 117 days post-surgery. This case report aimed to review the current available information on avian ocular neoplasms as well as describe the clinical presentation, medical management and surgical procedure, and long-term follow-up for this patient to enhance clinical understanding of the behavior of iris melanocytic tumors in avian species.

Retrospective evaluation of wobbly hedgehog syndrome in 49 African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): 2000-2020.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the prevalence and clinical progression of wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) and concurrent incidence of neoplasia in a cohort of African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). ANIMALS: 49 hedgehogs. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND PROCEDURES: Medical records of hedgehogs from 7 institutions across the US over a 20-year period (2000 to 2020) were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were hedgehogs of any sex or age with postmortem CNS histopathology consistent with WHS. Collected data included sex, age at onset and euthanasia, major histopathologic findings, reported neurologic clinical signs, and treatments administered. RESULTS: 24 males and 25 females were included. Fifteen of 49 (31%) individuals had subclinical WHS with no reported antemortem neurologic clinical signs. In neurologically affected (clinical) hedgehogs (n = 34), the mean ± SD age at onset was 3.3 ± 1.5 years with a median (range) time from onset to euthanasia of 51 days (1 to 319 days). In neurologically affected hedgehogs, the most commonly reported clinical signs were ataxia (n = 21) and pelvic limb paresis (16) and the most commonly administered treatment was meloxicam (13). Overall, 31 of 49 (63%) hedgehogs had a concurrent histopathologic diagnosis of neoplasia outside of the CNS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prognosis for hedgehogs with WHS is poor. No treatment had a significant effect on survival time, and neoplasia was a common comorbidity in the current cohort. A small but clinically relevant subset of neurologically normal hedgehogs had a histopathologic diagnosis of WHS.

Optimization of overhead enclosure monitoring in juvenile male Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Overhead enclosure monitoring provides objective quantitative mobility measurements for animals undergoing open-field testing. Notably, protocols for testing optimization have been minimally established for the guinea pig. It is unknown whether (a) repeated exposure, (b) time-of-day, or (c) length of testing duration influence outcome parameters. We hypothesized that guinea pigs would display decreased activity following repeated exposure to the open field; heightened activity during the earliest testing period; and that 10 min would be adequate for data collection. The study was conducted in two separate phases to distinguish between enclosure habituation and time-of-day effects, respectively. Two cohorts of male Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were allowed voluntary movement in an open-field enclosure for 14 min to quantify mobility outcomes, including total distance traveled, total time mobile, average speed while mobile, and total time spent in the shelter. For both phases, testing occurred at four different times of day, and overhead monitoring software was programmed to divide the total testing duration into 2-min bins. Habituation phase results showed time mobile and distance traveled were influenced significantly by repeat exposure, as animals were most active during the first testing event. Time-of-day phase animals spent significantly more time mobile during the earliest testing period. Interestingly, significant differences were observed across 2-min bins for the time-of-day phase but not during the habituation phase. Specifically, progressively decreased ambulatory activity was observed as testing duration increased. Thus, habituation and time-of-day should be accounted for when possible. Finally, a trial period greater than 10 min may not yield additional data.

Behavioral and Physiologic Effects of a Single Dose of Oral Gabapentin in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Stress in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) may influence veterinarians' ability to assess their health and can lead to complications such as gastrointestinal hypomotility and poor anesthetic outcomes. Gabapentin has been used as an anxiolytic in various species, but little information is available on its use in rabbits. To assess the effect of gabapentin on stress in rabbits, 5 female and 3 male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 8-12 months, weighing 3-4.5 kg, were administered a single dose (25 mg/kg) of oral compounded gabapentin. Effects on individual behaviors and selected physiologic parameters were assessed by a blinded observer using a human intruder test and tractability score (summed total 0-8, most to least tractable). Heart and respiratory rate, rectal temperature, body weight, and fecal output were also recorded. Baseline measurements for each rabbit were assessed immediately prior to gabapentin administration, and at 1, 2, and 4 hours post-administration. With this method rabbits acted as their own concurrent control group. Rabbits were assessed at 7 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM. Data were analyzed as continuous, binary, and continuous nonparametric (P ≤ .05). No significant differences in physiologic parameters were observed between baseline and the post-administration timepoints. Fecal output was reduced similar to baseline measurements. Behaviors pressing down decreased (at 2 and 4 hours; P = .05 and P = .013, respectively) and approaching human increased (at 2 hours; P = .022) post-gabapentin compared to baseline. Tractability scores were improved at the 2-hour timepoint compared to baseline (Friedman P = .0461; Wilcoxon P = .0413). These results suggest gabapentin 25 mg/kg orally decreased reactivity with a peak effect at 2 hours, without significant effects on measured physiologic parameters. Oral gabapentin in rabbits should be considered to reduce stress in the presence of humans and to facilitate handling.

HEMATOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL VALUES OF FREE-RANGING HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES (ERETMOCHELYS IMBRICATA) IN GLOVER'S REEF, BELIZE.

Blood samples were obtained from the dorsal cervical sinus of free-ranging hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) collected at Glover's Reef Marine Reserve, 42 km east of the coast of Belize, for hematology and plasma biochemistry analysis. Unknown sex, subadult turtles (N = 32) were sampled in 2013 (n = 22) and 2017 (n = 10). To provide a more robust data set, parameters that did not have statistically significant differences were pooled and treated as a single population. Eleven hematologic parameters were evaluated; of these, five were pooled. Twenty-three plasma biochemical parameters were evaluated; of these, 15 were pooled. The PCV observed in this study (mean 33.44%) was double that observed in two studies of juvenile hawksbills in Dubai (means 17% and 16%), whereas the total WBC count was half that observed in immature and adult hawksbills sampled in the Galápagos (mean 2.91 × 103 versus 5.3 × 103/µl). Total protein and albumin were lower than regionally similar, adult female hawksbills in Brazil (means 3.36 versus 5.45 g/dl and 0.93 versus 2.11 g/dl, respectively). Globulins were higher (mean 2.43 versus 1.06 and 0.5 g/dl), driving the albumin:globulin ratio lower than that observed in two studies of juvenile hawksbills in Dubai (0.4:1 versus 1.1:1 and 1:1, respectively). These findings represent a geographically distinct population from previous reports, highlight the variability in blood parameters from disparate populations, and reaffirm the vital importance of considering a multitude of variables when interpreting reptilian blood values. The similarities in the majority of values observed in 2013 and 2017 provide confidence in the stability of these parameters in this population.

Hystricomorph Rodent Analgesia.

Limited information on the analgesic efficacy and safety of even clinically commonly used analgesic drugs in guinea pigs and chinchillas is available. Buprenorphine and meloxicam are currently the most common analgesics routinely used to treat painful conditions in guinea pigs and chinchillas. Hydromorphone has also shown to be an effective analgesic drug in these species, with limited adverse effects. Tramadol in chinchillas does not provide analgesia even at high doses, and no information is available on the efficacy of this drug in guinea pigs. Multimodal analgesic protocols should be considered whenever possible.

Comparison of two point of care lactate instruments in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Background: Lactate measurements have been utilized as diagnostic and prognostic tools for a variety of veterinary species. Reference intervals for lactate have not been published or validated in guinea pigs. Methods: Whole blood from 48 anesthetized laboratory guinea pigs (46 Dunkin Hartley [38 males, eight females]; two Strain 13 [two males]) was analyzed using two point of care instruments (iSTAT and Lactate Plus). There were two consecutive timepoints on the iSTAT (iSTAT time 1 and time 2) and three consecutive timepoints on the Lactate Plus (Lactate Plus time 1, time 2, and time 3). Results: There was agreement with no constant or proportional bias between the two instruments compared at equivalent timepoints (iSTAT time 1 and Lactate Plus time 3) as determined by Bland-Altman (bias: -0.19; 95% LoA: -0.55 to 0.16) and Deming linear regression analyses (slope: 1.092, 95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.9 to 1.29; y-intercept: 0.09, 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.30). Reference intervals for iSTAT time 1 were 0.49 to 1.83 mmol/L and Lactate Plus time 1 were 0.60 to. 2.2 mmol/L. There was a significant increase in lactate values from iSTAT time 1 to iSTAT time 2 and from Lactate Plus time 1 to Lactate Plus time 3. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study found strong agreement between the point of care instruments. Reference intervals for lactate for both the iSTAT and Lactate Plus instruments were similar to canine and feline intervals. Analysis should occur within 5 minutes of sample collection. Future work should assess lactate as a prognostic indicator in guinea pigs.

Multiple Myeloma with Aberrant CD3 Expression in a Red-Lored Amazon Parrot (Amazona autumnalis).

A 20-year-old, female, red-lored Amazon parrot (Amazona autumnalis) was presented for a 2-week history of weakness. On physical examination, the bird was quiet, fluffed, weak, and had a distended coelom. Radiographic and ultrasound imaging revealed coelomic distention, increased pulmonary parenchymal opacity, renomegaly, dilated intestines, and a thickened ventricular wall. The results of a complete blood cell count indicated the patient was anemic (28%) and had intermediate to large lymphocytes with immature chromatin that were suspected to be neoplastic. Immunocytochemistry on peripheral blood determined that the suspected circulating neoplastic cells were cluster of differentiation (CD) 3+ and occasionally expressed multiple myeloma oncogene 1 (MUM1). Abnormalities from a plasma biochemistry panel were moderate hyperphosphatemia (6.8 mg/dL), marked hyperproteinemia (13.6 g/L), analbuminemia (0 g/dL), and marked hyperglobulinemia (13.6 g/dL). Agarose gel plasma protein electrophoresis documented the presence of albumin (1.2 g/dL) and monoclonal bands which, on reduced lithium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, resolved as 60-kd and ∼25-kd bands consistent with immunoglobulin Y heavy and light chains. On the basis of these findings, multiple myeloma was diagnosed. Because of a poor prognosis, the bird was euthanized for postmortem examination. Bone marrow cytology from samples collected during the postmortem examination revealed 17.4% plasma cells and 24% large immature cells with occasional plasmacytoid features. Histopathologic findings included aggregates of neoplastic plasma cells in the bone marrow, spleen, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract, muscle, ovary, and brain. The neoplastic cells were strongly immunoreactive for MUM1 and cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), but negative for CD79a, paired box protein 5, and CD20. This confirmed the clinical diagnosis of multiple myeloma. This report describes an avian immunoglobulin Y-secreting multiple myeloma with aberrant CD3 expression and pseudoanalbuminemia. Aberrant CD3 expression by avian multiple myeloma may explain previously published cases of birds with a monoclonal gammopathy and apparent T-cell lymphoma diagnosed by CD3 immunoreactivity.

Ophthalmic Parameters and Ophthalmoscopy of Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia).

Twelve adult burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) maintained in a managed environment underwent complete bilateral ophthalmic examinations to assess ocular parameters and, if present, describe lesions (n = 24 eyes). Tear production was measured with a Schirmer tear test (STT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with rebound tonometry using established calibration settings (D = dog/cat, P = other species). Retinography was performed for all birds after application of topical rocuronium bromide, and corneal diameter was measured. Menace response was absent bilaterally in 7 of 12 (58.3%) owls; however, this did not appear to be related to the presence of fundic lesions. Ocular lesions were visualized in 6 of 12 (50%) owls. The most common ophthalmic abnormality noted was mild multifocal fundic pigment clumping, suggestive of chorioretinal scarring. Other ocular lesions included 1 retinal tear and 1 incipient cataract. Mean tear production was 6.1 ± 3.0 mm/min. Mean IOPs were 11.6 ± 1.8 mm Hg and 7.1 ± 1.3 mm Hg for the D and P settings, respectively, and these were significantly different (P < 0.001). The IOP results did not differ significantly based on patient age or between the right and left eyes, but a higher mean was obtained from males versus females using the D setting (P < 0.039; male mean 12.1 ± 1.9 mm Hg; female mean 10.9 ± 1.2 mm Hg). Measurements obtained from the STT were not affected by either age or sex. Corneal height was 11 mm and width was 12 mm, regardless of age or sex. The rebound tonometer D setting is recommended for measuring IOP values in this species. Burrowing owls had inconsistent mydriasis following topical rocuronium bromide application to the eye; however, a complete fundic examination was possible with or without complete mydriasis.

Intraocular pressure estimates using rebound tonometry in juvenile northern bobwhite quails (Colinus virginianus).

OBJECTIVE: To determine intraocular pressure (IOP) estimates using rebound tonometry in juvenile northern bobwhite quails. ANIMALS STUDIED: Eighteen, 28-day-old, wild caught, captive raised, northern bobwhite quails. PROCEDURES: Birds were manually restrained in sternal recumbency with two fingers placed below the head, applying minimal pressure. Following detailed ophthalmic examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, IOP was obtained via rebound tonometry using the Tonovet "P" setting for undefined species in animals without obvious ocular pathology. IOPs were estimated three times on each eye. The mean result of the three estimates was recorded for further analysis. Only readings with low or no reported error were recorded. RESULTS: No difference was detected between the eyes; therefore, a reference interval was calculated using both eyes. The overall IOP (n = 36 eyes) was 5.6 ± 1.2 mmHg (mean ± SD), the median was 6 mmHg, and the range was 2-7 mmHg. The 95% reference interval was 2.2-7.6 mmHg. All quails were ultimately released with no clinically appreciable abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides information on normal IOP values for juvenile northern bobwhite quails, which can be used to evaluate the ocular health of this species. Future studies with a larger number of animals are needed, as well as validation of the rebound tonometry method using direct manometry.