COMPARISON OF KETAMINE-MIDAZOLAM AND KETAMINE-MIDAZOLAM-BUTORPHANOL PREMEDICATION PRIOR TO SEVOFLURANE ANESTHESIA IN WOODCHUCKS (MARMOTA MONAX).

Cardiovascular disease is a frequent cause of death in the critically endangered Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis). This warrants the use of anesthetic protocols with minimal cardiovascular adverse effects. In this study, 12 adult male woodchucks (Marmota monax) were used as models for Vancouver Island marmots. The objective was to compare the physiological effects of two premedication protocols during induction and maintenance of anesthesia with sevoflurane. The two premedications were ketamine 10 mg/kg and midazolam 0.5 mg/kg (KM) or ketamine 10 mg/kg, midazolam 0.5 mg/kg, and butorphanol 1.0 mg/kg (KMB), administered intramuscularly prior to mask induction. Each marmot underwent three anesthetic events and protocols were assigned using a blinded randomized crossover design. Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature were recorded throughout, and blood gases were assessed following induction. Resistance to induction was scored and time to induction was recorded. Although mask induction with sevoflurane was successful in all events (mean induction time of 2.1 min), KMB premedication resulted in a faster induction (mean induction time reduced by 1.2 ± 0.3 min) and lower resistance scores. Both protocols resulted in significant cardiovascular and respiratory depression; however, animals that received KMB were more hypercapnic than KM by 8.8 ± 2.8 mm Hg (P = 0.03) (mean venous partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PvCO2] for all: 79.9 mm Hg). In conclusion, if shorter induction times are desired, KMB premedication is preferred. However, cardiorespiratory variables including blood pressure should be monitored, and endotracheal intubation is recommended to allow for ETCO2 monitoring and provision of intermittent positive pressure ventilation.

Comparison of blood leptin and vitamin E and blood and adipose fatty acid compositions in wild and captive populations of critically endangered Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis).

Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) (VIMs) are a critically endangered species of fat-storing hibernators, endemic to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. In addition to in-situ conservation efforts, a captive breeding program has been ongoing since 1997. The captive diet is mostly pellet-based and rich in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In captivity, overall length of hibernation is shortened, and marmots have higher adipose tissue reserves compared to their wild-born counterparts, which may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in captive marmots. To investigate differences in lipid metabolism between wild and captive populations of VIMs, blood vitamin E, fatty acid (FA) profiles and leptin, and white adipose tissue (WAT) FA profiles were compared during the active season (May to September 2019). Gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and multiplex kits were used to obtain FA profiles, α-tocopherol, and leptin values, respectively. In both plasma and WAT, the concentration of the sum of all FA in the total lipids was significantly increased in captive VIMs. The n-6/n-3 ratio, saturated FAs, and n-6 PUFAS were higher in captive marmots, whereas n-3 PUFAs and the HUFA score were higher in wild marmots. Serum concentrations of α-tocopherol were greater by an average of 45% in captive marmots, whereas leptin concentrations did not differ. Results from this study may be applied to improve the diet and implement weight management to possibly enhance the quality of hibernation and decrease the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases of captive VIMs.

Outcomes of Birds of Prey with Surgical or Traumatic Wing Amputation: A Retrospective Study from 1995 to 2017.

Surgical amputation of a limb is often required to treat raptor orthopedic injuries at rehabilitation centers. In some cases, amputation is an alternative to euthanasia if the bird's welfare is deemed appropriate under human care. The outcome for raptors maintained in a captive setting following wing amputation is poorly documented. A retrospective study was conducted in a Canadian raptor rehabilitation facility to assess the outcomes and complications observed in captive and free-living raptors with partial or complete, surgical or traumatic amputations of the wing. Data from raptors admitted to the rehabilitation center from 1995 to 2017 were reviewed. Overall, 32 records were included in this retrospective study from 11 species of raptors with surgical or traumatic wing amputations. Survival times of the 23 birds with an amputated wing (median: 1070 days, range: 68 days to 13 years and 1 month) were significantly (P = .02) longer than the survival times of the 404 non-amputated birds (median: 696 days, range 37 days to 27 years and 3 months). Complications occurred in 13 of 30 birds (43%) during the recovery period, with 9 of 30 (30%) birds developing life-threatening complications. Maladaptation to captivity was the leading cause of euthanasia during this period. After placement in captivity, 3/23 (13%) birds developed complications related to the amputation site. Based on this study, we conclude that some birds can tolerate partial or complete wing amputation, but the decision to place a bird in a captive setting should encompass the bird's ability to cope with human interaction and the availability of an adapted and safe enclosure for the animal.

Retrospective analysis of hibernation parameters and breeding success in captive Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis): 1997-2018.

Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis) have been managed in a captive-breeding program since 1997, as in situ conservation efforts were insufficient in raising the numbers of this critically endangered species. The success of captive-breeding programs centers on sustainable reproduction and survival of individuals once released into the wild. Captive-born Vancouver Island marmots released to the wild have lower survival rates than their wild-born counterparts; this difference may arise from compromised hibernation patterns or behaviors. Hibernation duration, body weight over the hibernation season, and reproductive success of captive Vancouver Island marmots were reviewed to assess the effect of these variables on each other. Data from a total of 1782 hibernations and 456 breeding attempts were compiled from 1997 to 2018. The number of winters spent in captivity, the origin of the marmot (captive-born or wild-born), the facility at which hibernation occurred, and the body weight all had a significant effect on hibernation length (all p < .001). Increased weight was associated with increased hibernation length by 0.4 ± 0.1 day/kg on average (p = .0015). Captive, wild-born marmots hibernated for significantly longer than their captive-born counterparts by about 21 ± 2 days (p < .001). The odds of successful breeding were significantly increased with increasing hibernation length by approximatively 20% for every 10 additional days of hibernation. This study provides information on the intrinsic relationship between body weight, reproduction, and hibernation in captive Vancouver Island marmots.

Diaphragmatic hernia in a pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

A 10-year-old pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) was referred for ultrasound investigation of a thoracic mass. The mass was initially believed to be a pulmonary abscess or tumor based on radiographs and ultrasound. Cytological examination suggested the presence of a gastrointestinal structure in the thorax, and necropsy revealed a true diaphragmatic hernia subdividing the stomach into thoracic and abdominal portions.

Hernie diaphragmatique chez un chinchilla de compagnie(Chinchilla lanigera). Un chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) domestique mâle castré de 10 ans a été référé pour investigation échographique d'une masse thoracique. Basé sur les radiographies et l'échographie, il fut initialement pensé que la masse était un abcès ou une tumeur pulmonaire. L'analyse cytologique suggérait la présence d'une structure gastro-intestinale dans le thorax et la nécropsie a révélé une vraie hernie diaphragmatique qui divisait l'estomac en une partie thoracique et une partie abdominale.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Diaphragmatic hernia in a pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

A 10-year-old pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) was referred for ultrasound investigation of a thoracic mass. The mass was initially believed to be a pulmonary abscess or tumor based on radiographs and ultrasound. Cytological examination suggested the presence of a gastrointestinal structure in the thorax, and necropsy revealed a true diaphragmatic hernia subdividing the stomach into thoracic and abdominal portions.

Hernie diaphragmatique chez un chinchilla de compagnie(Chinchilla lanigera). Un chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) domestique mâle castré de 10 ans a été référé pour investigation échographique d'une masse thoracique. Basé sur les radiographies et l'échographie, il fut initialement pensé que la masse était un abcès ou une tumeur pulmonaire. L'analyse cytologique suggérait la présence d'une structure gastro-intestinale dans le thorax et la nécropsie a révélé une vraie hernie diaphragmatique qui divisait l'estomac en une partie thoracique et une partie abdominale.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Validation of a thermal threshold nociceptive model in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

OBJECTIVES: To validate a thermal threshold (TT) nociceptive model in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and to document TT changes after administration of morphine. STUDY DESIGN: A two-part randomized, blinded, controlled, experimental study. ANIMALS: Five adult bearded dragons (242-396 g). METHODS: A TT device delivered a ramped nociceptive stimulus (0.6 °C second-1) to the medial thigh until a response (leg kick/escape behavior) was observed or maximum (cut-off) temperature of 62 °C was reached. In phase I, period 1, six TT readings were determined at 20 minute intervals for evaluation of repeatability. Two of these readings were randomly assigned to be sham to assess specificity of the behavioral response. The same experiment was repeated 2 weeks later (period 2) to test reproducibility. In phase II, animals were administered either intramuscular morphine (10 mg kg-1) or saline 0.9%. TTs (maximum 68 °C) were determined before and 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after treatment administration. Data were analyzed using one-way anova (temporal changes and repeatability) and paired t tests (reproducibility and treatment comparisons) using Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Mean TT values were 57.4 ± 3.8 °C and 57.3 ± 4.3 °C for periods 1 and 2, respectively. Data were repeatable within each period (p = 0.83 and p = 0.07, respectively). Reproducibility between periods was remarkable (p = 0.86). False-positive responses during sham testing were 10%. TTs were significantly increased after morphine administration at 2, 4 and 8 hours compared with baseline, and at 2 and 4 hours compared with saline 0.9%. The highest TT was 67.7 ± 0.7 °C at 4 hours after morphine administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Testing was repeatable, reproducible and well tolerated in bearded dragons. TT nociceptive testing detected morphine administration and may be suitable for studying opioid regimens in bearded dragons.