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A 23-year-old male double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix) presented for a traumatic maxillary beak fracture. On initial examination, the parrot had an open complete fracture of the rostral third of the maxillary beak that exposed the underlying pre-maxillary bone and blood supply. A supporting apparatus was created using five 23-gauge hypodermic needles, placed at varying angles through the rostral edges of the exposed bone, forming a pyramidal scaffolding for the prosthesis. One layer of dental acrylic was applied over the apparatus. Two 28-gauge wire loops were placed laterally through the rostral rhinotheca followed by a second layer of acrylic. The inside-out approach for securing the scaffolding apparatus provided enhanced stability against the strong kinetic forces of the parrot's beak. This allowed the parrot to return to normal diet and activity very rapidly after the procedure. Six months after placement, the prosthesis came off revealing a partially regenerated rhinotheca. The open rostral maxillary fracture in this Amazon parrot was managed by means of a scaffolding framework and dental acrylic prosthesis that resulted in an immediate return to beak function and normal regrowth of the rhinotheca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4‐year‐old female spayed domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) presented with a history of vomiting over 24 hours. On physical examination, a significantly enlarged, firm spleen was palpated. Abdominal radiographs and abdominal ultrasound were suggestive of a splenic torsion or splenic infarction. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the initial diagnosis and splenectomy was performed using a vessel sealing device. Histologic evaluation and culture of the spleen were consistent with primary torsion without evidence of infection or neoplasia. The patient recovered from surgery without complications. Based on a literature search, this is the first report of the clinical diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of a primary splenic torsion in a ferret. Although it appears to be a rare and potentially life‐threatening disease in ferrets, splenic torsion should be considered as a differential diagnosis in ferrets that present with non‐specific signs and a palpably enlarged spleen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the association between signalment, selected haematologic and biochemical parameters and referral centre in pet rabbits with imaging evidence of urolithiasis presented to two veterinary teaching hospitals in North America. Materials and Methods: The medical record database of two veterinary teaching hospitals was searched from 2009 to 2019 for records of pet rabbits that received both imaging studies and plasma biochemistry profiles. Information regarding signalment, bodyweight, packed cell volume, total solids, and plasma biochemistry profiles was obtained. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify statistically significant parameters associated with imaging evidence of urolithiasis. Results: Of the 324 examined rabbits, 33 (10.2%) had confirmed evidence of urolithiasis on imaging. Increasing plasma calcium and sodium concentrations and referral centre were significantly associated with the presence of urolithiasis on the univariable logistic regression model. However, only plasma calcium concentration and the referral centre demonstrated significant associations on the multivariable logistic regression model. Clinical Significance: Results indicate that urolithiasis in pet rabbits that receive imaging is associated with mildly increasing plasma calcium concentration and referral centre. The association with referral centre may indicate there are geographic influences on urolithiasis or on imaging. However, the identified associations have low predictive value for the diagnosis of urolithiasis, indicating the need for additional diagnostic modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-year-old male intact pet Holland Lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented for routine bilateral orchiectomy at which time two distinct raised, alopecic, non-ulcerated skin masses over the right shoulder and caudal abdomen were observed on physical examination. Complete resection of both masses was attained via excisional biopsies which healed without complication. Histologically, the skin masses were identical and were composed of a mixed cellular dermal infiltrate of primarily eosinophils with macrophages, mast cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and heterophils. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma was made, indicating this rare condition should be considered in rabbits presented with similar lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A captive black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) was presented for clinical examination after showing signs of anorexia, progressive lethargy and absent fecal production. Based on physical examination and radiographic imaging, the prairie dog was diagnosed with gastric impaction after ingesting fresh browse. Fluids, analgesic and prokinetic medications led to the resolution of symptoms within 48 hours. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported diagnosis and resolution of gastric impaction in a prairie dog thus offering some diagnostic and medical options for this species. Based on the etiology in this case, it appears that offering large amount of fresh browse should be avoided in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Hepatocellular carcinomas are the most commonly reported neoplasm of black-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ). In several other closely related Sciuridae species, infection with species-specific hepadnaviruses is associated with the development of these tumours, but such a hepadnavirus has not yet been identified in any prairie dog species, although its presence has been hypothesized previously. An adult prairie dog was humanely destroyed due to progressive illness and the identification of a cranial abdominal mass that was determined on histopathology to be a hepatocellular carcinoma. Deep sequencing of the tumour tissue identified the presence of a hepadnavirus, similar in its genetic structure to woodchuck hepatitis virus. Electron microscopy showed the presence of viral particles similar in structure to other hepadnaviral particles. This report suggests that a hepadnavirus may be associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinomas in the prairie dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Egyptian fruit-bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) has been studied in both field and laboratory settings. As bats are expected to encounter diseases potentially affecting their blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations, it may be beneficial to use a rapid and accurate test for determining BUN, which can indicate azotemia and guide appropriate therapy. This study has evaluated the feasibility of commercial reagent tests strips to estimate whole-blood BUN concentration in Egyptian fruit bats. For each blood sample, the BUN strip result was compared to a predetermined color scale provided by the manufacturer, and compared to the BUN as measured by a point-of-care (POC) chemistry analyzer. There was a 100% agreement between the reagent test strip and the biochemistry analyzer's BUN results. However, the naturally occurring low BUN of this species precluded an indication for azotemia as all tested bats were assigned to a single predetermined category. Continued investigation into alternative point of care testing in bats is warranted. Standard biochemistry analyzer should still be considered the most accurate method of BUN testing and identifying azotemia in Egyptian fruit bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On November 2016, a family of three white-faced saki monkeys (Pithecia pithecia) died 72-96 hours after the onset of signs of apathy, anorexia and oral ulceration. Despite the palliative treatment all the monkeys died and post-mortem examinations showed multifocal erosive stomatitis with intralesional inclusion bodies, hepatic necrotic foci and random neuronal necrosis in the brain cortex. Herpes simplex virus 1 HSV-1 was identified by PCR testing. HSV-1 is widely dispersed among the human population and infection is often asymptomatic but nonhuman primates commonly develop a severe and often fatal infection. These findings demonstrate the vulnerability of white-faced saki monkeys to HSV-1 similar to other new-world primate species. This is the first report, to the best knowledge of the authors of a fatal HSV-1 infection in zoo-kept white-faced saki monkeys and also of new world monkeys in Israel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3-year-old, male intact, pet inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented with a history of diarrhea, progressive inappetence and weight loss. A palpable cranial celomic mass was identified on physical examination and confirmed to be hepatic in origin by celomic ultrasonography. Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities were mild and consistent with inflammation, regenerative anemia, and hepatocellular injury. Fine needle aspiration of the liver masses was suggestive of amoebiasis and the patient was humanely euthanized. PCR and Sanger DNA sequencing of liver aspirates were supportive of Entamoeba infection, although definitive speciation was not possible. Pathogenic amoebiasis due to infection by E. invadens has been reported in a wide range of reptiles and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in these species.

Angiography is a well-recognized diagnostic tool in human and companion animal medicine and it is beginning to find its application in exotic companion mammals as well. In ferrets with the species' adrenocortical disorder, contrast angiography can be a useful pre-surgical test for right adrenalectomy, by demonstrating the collateral venous flow. Using this technique, fluoroscopy-guided non-selective angiography via the saphenous vein may offer better preoperative evaluation of the patient and allow for a better surgical plan and outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African Pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are commonly kept in zoological collections and as pets. The aim of this study was to present disease occurrence in captive African Pygmy hedgehogs. Medical records of 106 male and female African Pygmy hedgehogs, both privately owned and from zoological collections, presented to a veterinary teaching hospital from 1994 to 2013 were reviewed. The most common diseases found in captive African Pygmy hedgehogs in this study were dermatological diseases (66.04%), gastrointestinal diseases (33.02%), and skeletal diseases (15.09%). Other identified disorders included neurologic disease, obesity, and renal disease. This is the first retrospective study to describe occurrence of diseases observed in captive African Pygmy hedgehogs. The most common clinical finding in captive hedgehogs was dermatological disease, specifically acariasis. Based on this study, it is recommended that all captive hedgehogs be examined regularly for timely diagnosis and treatment of common diseases of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6 year-old female intact captive raccoon (Procyon lotor) was presented for a routine annual health evaluation. On physical examination, the raccoon was obese and bilateral ventral cervical masses were palpated. Complete blood count was within normal limits. Serum biochemistry profile revealed an increased alkaline phosphatase activity, increased phosphorus and decreased chloride concentrations. Two-view whole body radiographs were performed and revealed a ventral cervical well-circumscribed soft tissue opacity extending to both sides of the midline, splenomegaly, and a pulmonary nodule. Abdominal ultrasound was performed and was unremarkable. Ultrasonographic examination of the cervical region revealed bilateral cervical soft tissue masses in the area of the thyroid glands. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates of the mass were suggestive of an epithelial neoplasm most likely of thyroid gland origin. When compared to canine references, the total thyroxine values (tT4) and triiodothyronine (T3) values were increased on a thyroid panel performed at Michigan State University. In house tT4 values were also increased, though more significantly than those on outside testing. Given the lack of clinical symptoms related to the pathology, the potential risks of a surgical thyroid procedure and the suspicion of pulmonary metastasis, further diagnostics and treatment were declined. To date, 19 months from the time of the initial presentation, the raccoon is doing clinically well with no obvious clinical signs other than the palpable prominent cervical masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The purpose of the current study was to determine normal radiographic kidney -measurements in pet ferrets. Methods Kidney length and width dimensions and the length of the second lumbar vertebra ( L2) were determined from survey ventrodorsal radiographs in 53 neutered ferrets of various ages, weight and sex, with no evidence of urogenital disease. Kidney dimensions were expressed as a ratio to the body length of L2. Results All ferrets in this study had six lumbar vertebrae. The median length of L2 was 13·3 mm, and was longer in males than females (P=0·0001). The 95% confidence interval for kidney-length-to- L2 ratios was 2·21 to 2·31 for the right and 2·15 to 2·25 for the left. For the kidney-width-to- L2 ratios these intervals were 1·09 to 1·14 for the right and 1·07 to 1·12 for the left kidney. There was a significant association between kidney size and weight or sex but not with age. Clinical Significance The results of this radiographic study may allow practitioners to have a more -objective clinical radiographic evaluation of kidney size of pet ferrets based on individual traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O bjectives: To determine urine specific gravity values in clinically healthy pet ferrets and explore possible associations with sex, sampling techniques, hydration status and urine analytes. M ethods: Sixty-nine entire ferrets of both sexes, under one year of age, were included in this study. Physical examination, complete blood count, blood biochemistry, urine microscopy, urine dipstick and urine specific gravity were performed on all ferrets. Urine specific gravity was determined using a handheld urine refractometer. Statistical analysis was performed to determine urine specific gravity value intervals and to test for associations with sex, sample collection method, packed cell volume, plasma total protein concentrations and urine analytes. R esults: Urine specific gravity differed by sex in ferrets as females exhibited a lower urine specific gravity (P<0·001). There was no significant correlation between urine specific gravity, sampling method, packed cell volume/total protein and urine dipstick analytes. Mean urine specific gravity reported in this study was 1·051 for entire males (sd ±9; range 1·034 to 1·070) and 1·042 for entire females (sd ±8; range 1·026 to 1·060). C linical S ignificance: Results of this study may allow clinicians to have a more accurate evaluation of the ability of those animals to concentrate urine by comparing their urine specific gravity results to those obtained from this cohort of clinically healthy animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of the skin mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, in pet rabbits in pet stores in Israel was investigated by a diagnostic evaluation of twofold skin scrapings from the distal forelimbs. S. scabiei was found in 20 of 245 rabbits (8.2%). Clinical signs of crusting of the paws were observed in all infested rabbits. Sarcoptic mange due to Sarcoptes scabiei infestation is considered an uncommon disease in rabbits. To the best of the author's knowledge this is the first report on the prevalence of sarcoptic mange among pet rabbits in Israel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-year-old African pygmy hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris) was evaluated for severe respiratory distress. Physical examination findings included marked dyspnoea, cyanosis and tachypnoea. Radiographic findings included an enlarged heart and pulmonary oedema, and dilated cardiomyopathy was confirmed via echocardiogram. The patient was treated for congestive heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy with furosemide, enalapril, pimobendan and l-carnitine. Within 24 hours of treatment, the pulmonary oedema and cyanosis had resolved. Following discharge, clinical improvement was noted by the owner and echocardiogram confirmed improved fractional shortening. Cardiomyopathy has been reported at post-mortem examination in hedgehogs, but there are no reports of ante-mortem diagnosis and treatment. Performing baseline cardiac assessment in hedgehogs is recommended, and treatment with l-carnitine and pimobendan may improve outcome, as carnitine deficiency is a possible cause of cardiomyopathy in hedgehogs. Successful emergency treatment of congestive heart failure in the hedgehog of this report may be effective for other hedgehogs presented with similar clinical signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]