Using dried blood spots stored on filter paper to measure cholinesterase activity in wild avian species.

Birds of prey that are poisoned by cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. organophosphate and carbamate insecticides) are often cared for at animal shelters, rehabilitation centres and wildlife diagnostic facilities. Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity is a recognized method of assessing exposure to these insecticides, but standard blood-handling protocols are difficult to follow in non-laboratory settings. The primary objective of this study was to expand upon a method for storing human blood on filter paper without the need for complicated equipment or refrigeration, and to test its utility for measurement of ChE activity in avian blood. ChE activity from whole blood, plasma, and dried blood spots was analysed from 169 wild birds and comparisons made among sample types. ChE activity measured in whole blood haemolysates and dried blood spots were significantly correlated (r = 0.74, p < 0.001), as was ChE activity measured in plasma and dried blood spots (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that monitoring pesticide exposure in birds could be conducted using elementary blood sampling, preserving and shipping techniques.

Unilateral proptosis and orbital cellulitis in eight African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).

Eight African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) were presented with unilateral proptosis. Six animals presented specifically for an ocular problem, whereas two had concurrent neurologic disease. Enucleation and light microscopic examination of tissues was performed in five animals, and euthanasia followed by complete postmortem examination was performed in three animals. Histopathologic findings in all hedgehogs included orbital cellulitis, panophthalmitis, and corneal ulceration, with perforation in seven of eight eyes. The etiology of the orbital cellulitis was not determined, but it appeared to precede proptosis. Orbits in hedgehogs are shallow and the palpebral fissures are large, which may predispose them to proptosis, similar to brachycephalic dogs. This clinical presentation was seen in 15% (8/54) of African hedgehogs presented to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine over a 2-yr period from January 1995 to December 1996 and warrants further investigation.