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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 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]

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]

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]

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]

African pygmy hedgehogs have become a popular pet and are commonly available through breeders and pet stores. Responsible breeding, proper husbandry, and close monitoring of the dam and pups are important for neonatal health. The risk of abandonment or cannibalism is high in this species especially in stressed dams unfamiliar to frequent handling. Hand-rearing hedgehog pups is difficult and cross-fostering is a preferable alternative for abandoned pups when possible. If intervention becomes necessary, heat support, frequent feedings, and physical stimulation to eliminate must be provided., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors do not have any commercial or financial conflicts of interest, or any funding sources to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This article reviews the most common dermatologic conditions of the pet rodent population, including the prevalence, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate and compare the anesthetic effects of alfaxalone-ketamine-midazolam (AKM) and alfaxalone-ketamine-dexmedetomidine (AKD) in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)., Animals: 9 male black-tailed prairie dogs., Procedures: Prairie dogs were anesthetized with AKM (6 mg/kg alfaxalone, 30 mg/kg ketamine, and 1.5 mg/kg midazolam) and AKD (6 mg/kg alfaxalone, 30 mg/kg ketamine, and 0.15 mg/kg dexmedetomidine) in a prospective, complete cross-over study. Atipamezole (1.5 mg/kg) after AKD or flumazenil (0.1mg/kg) after AKM was administered 45 minutes after induction of anesthesia. Onset of general anesthesia, physiologic parameters, depth of anesthesia, and time to recovery after reversal administration were evaluated for each treatment., Results: Both AKM and AKD produced a deep plane of anesthesia in black-tailed prairie dogs that varied in duration. The median induction times for AKM and AKD were 82 and 60 seconds, respectively. The median recovery times for AKM and AKD were 27 and 21 minutes, respectively. There were no significant differences between protocols for induction (P = .37) and recovery (P = .51) times. All measured reflexes were absent in all animals at 5 minutes postinduction, with hindlimb reflexes returning prior to forelimb reflexes. Heart rate was lower but respiratory rate was higher in the AKD treatment. Body temperature decreased significantly for both protocols (P < .001) and was significantly lower with AKM than AKD (P < .001)., Clinical Relevance: Both AKM and AKD produced a deep plane of anesthesia in black-tailed prairie dogs. For both protocols, heat support and oxygen support are indicated.

Case Description: A male Major Mitchell's cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) of unknown age presented with an ulcerated mass on the ventral tail caudodorsal to the cloaca., Clinical Findings: An impression smear of the mass showed spindle cell atypia. Multiple biopsies were submitted for histopathology with inconclusive results. A CT scan revealed a soft tissue mass causing compression of the cloacal lumen. The patient underwent surgical debulking, and a core of the mass was submitted again for histopathology, which reported it as fibrosarcoma., Treatment and Outcome: Under repeated general isoflurane gas anesthesia, the patient received a course of definitive radiation therapy totaling 60 Gy and divided in 3 Gy X 20 fractions. By treatment completion, the lesion had decreased in size with necrotic debris on the surface. Surrounding tissues appeared healthy and no adverse effects were observed. As of 1.5 years post-treatment, the mass appears completely healed with no signs of reoccurrence., Clinical Relevance: This case suggests that radiation therapy with this protocol could be an effective treatment option for fibrosarcoma in avian species.

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.

Providing safe anesthetic events in ferrets can be achieved if fundamental principles in anesthesia are followed. Each phase of the anesthetic, event including preanesthetic, maintenance, and postanesthetic phase, have certain considerations. The anesthetic supervisor or veterinarian providing management should have a firm understanding of the species-specific anatomy, physiology, and common indications of general anesthesia along with perspective of their own experience with ferrets. Ensuring these guidelines are followed will facilitate safe administration of general anesthesia in this species., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 27-year-old female African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus ) presented as a referral for surgical removal of an enlarged uropygial gland that was first observed by the owner 6 months prior. Antibiotic therapy was attempted by the referring veterinarian with limited treatment response. No abnormalities were noted in the results of a complete blood count and plasma biochemistry panel. Computed tomographic imaging of the parrot showed a left-sided uropygial gland mass with no evidence of metastasis or invasion into the underlying soft tissue or bone. The uropygial gland was surgically excised in an attempt to obtain clean margins devoid of tumor cells. Histopathological evaluation of the submitted tissue was suggestive of an intraluminal uropygial gland epithelioma. Intraluminal epithelioma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in psittacine species that are presented with an asymmetrically enlarged uropygial gland.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a dexmedetomidine-midazolam-ketamine (DMK) combination administered IM to captive red-footed tortoises ( Chelonoidis carbonaria )., Animals: 12 healthy adult red-footed tortoises., Procedures: In a prospective experimental study, DMK (0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg/kg, respectively) was administered IM as separate injections into the right antebrachium. Atipamezole (0.5 mg/kg, IM) and flumazenil (0.05 mg/kg, SC) were administered into the left antebrachium 60 minutes later. Times to the first treatment response and maximal treatment effect after DMK administration and time to recovery after reversal agent administration were recorded. Vital signs and reflexes or responses to stimuli were assessed and recorded at predetermined intervals., Results: DMK treatment produced deep sedation or light anesthesia for ≥ 20 minutes in all tortoises. Induction and recovery were rapid, with no complications noted. Median times to first response, maximum effect, and recovery were 4.5, 35, and 14.5 minutes, respectively. Two tortoises required additional reversal agent administration but recovered < 20 minutes after the repeated injections. Mean heart and respiratory rates decreased significantly over time. All animals lost muscle tone in the neck and limbs from 35 to 55 minutes after DMK injection, but other variables including palpebral reflexes, responses to mild noxious stimuli (eg, toe pinching, tail pinching, and saline ([0.9 NaCl] solution injection), and ability to intubate were inconsistent., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: DMK administration produced deep sedation or light anesthesia with no adverse effects in healthy adult red-footed tortoises. At the doses administered, deep surgical anesthesia was not consistently achieved. Anesthetic depth must be carefully evaluated before performing painful procedures in red-footed tortoises with this DMK protocol.

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., (Copyright © 2021 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

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., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press and the Society for Experimental Biology.)

In this pilot study, the pharmacokinetics of terbinafine were determined in six apparently healthy red-eared slider turtles ( Trachemys scripta elegans ) after a single PO administration. Terbinafine suspension (15 mg/kg, once) was administered via gavage tube to all turtles. Blood samples were collected immediately before (time 0) and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after drug administration. Plasma terbinafine concentrations were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. None of the animals showed any adverse responses following terbinafine administration. Mean area under the curve from time 0 to 24 h was 1,213 h × ng/ml (range 319-7,309), mean peak plasma concentration was 201.5 ng/ml (range 45.8-585.3), mean time to maximum plasma concentration was 1.26 h (range 1-4), mean residence time was 7.71 h (range 3.85-14.8), and mean terminal half-life was 5.35 h (range 2.67-9.83). The administration of terbinafine (15 mg/kg, PO) may be appropriate for treatment of select fungal organisms with low minimum inhibitory concentrations in red-eared slider turtles but may require q12h administration even for organisms with low minimum inhibitory concentrations. Multiple-dose studies as well as clinical studies are needed to determine ideal dosages and efficacy.

Objective: To determine the agreement between plasma total solids (TS) concentration as measured by refractometry and plasma total protein (TP) concentration as measured by biuret assay in pet rabbits and ferrets., Sample: 253 and 146 blood samples from 146 and 121 ferrets and rabbits, respectively, with results of CBC and plasma biochemical analyses., Procedures: Data were collected from medical records regarding plasma TS and TP concentrations, PCV, plasma biochemical values, plasma appearance, and patient signalment. Agreement was determined between refractometer and biuret assay (reference method) values for plasma TS and TP concentration. Other variables were examined for an impact on this agreement., Results: Mean ± SD plasma TP and TS concentrations were 6.4 ± 0.8 mg/dL and 6.6 ± 0.8 mg/dL, respectively, for rabbits and 6.3 ± 1.2 mg/dL and 6.4 ± 1.1 mg/dL for ferrets. On average, refractometer values overestimated plasma TP concentrations as measured by biuret assay. Plasma cholesterol, glucose, and BUN concentrations and hemolysis and lipemia had significant effects on this bias for ferrets; only BUN concentration had an effect on bias for rabbits given the available data. Other variables had no influence on bias. The limits of agreement were wider than the total allowable analytic error, and > 5% of the data points were outside acceptance limits, indicating that the 2 methods were not in clinical agreement., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Refractometer measurements of plasma TS concentration failed to provide a good estimation of biuret assay measurements of plasma TP concentration in rabbits and ferrets, suggesting that these 2 analytic methods and the results they yield cannot be used interchangeably in these species.

In this study, adult intact male and female ( n = 10) naked mole rats ( Heterocephalus glaber ) were anesthetized by using a combination of ketamine (20 mg/kg IM), and alfaxalone (4.0 mg/kg IM). Induction and recovery times were recorded. Vital parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and reflexes, were monitored every 5 min during the anesthetic period. Anesthetic induction was smooth and rapid. Induction time was significantly longer in male rats (median, 325 s; range, 180 to 385 s) than in females (median, 145 s; range, 118 to 180 s). In addition, overall duration of loss of righting reflex was shorter in male mole rats (median, 50 min; range, 36 to 65 min) than females (median, 70 min; range, 60 to 85 min). Males largely had intact withdrawal reflexes, whereas females showed variable loss of both forelimb and hindlimb withdrawal reflexes. Neither recovery time (mean ± 1 SD, 16 ± 13 min) nor vital parameters differed between sexes. None of animals showed any anesthesia-related adverse responses. According to these findings, intramuscular AK is a safe and effective protocol that provides brief, light anesthesia in male naked mole rats and deeper anesthesia in females. We recommend adding analgesics when this AK protocol is used for pain-inducing or invasive procedures, and further studies evaluating higher doses and different combinations are indicated.

Injectable anesthesia protocols for five striped palm squirrels ( Funambulus pennantii ) are poorly described in the literature. In this study, male intact squirrels received intramuscular injections of either alfaxalone (6 mg/kg) and ketamine (40 mg/ kg; AK group, n = 8); alfaxalone (6 mg/kg), ketamine (20 mg/kg), and dexmedetomidine (0.1 mg/kg; AKD group, n = 8); or alfaxalone (8 mg/kg), butorphanol (1 mg/kg), and midazolam (1 mg/kg; ABM group, n = 8). Atipamezole (0.15 mg/kg IM) and flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg IM) were administered 40 min after anesthesia induction (defined as loss of the righting reflex) with AKD and ABM, respectively. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and reflexes were recorded every 5 min during anesthesia. Anesthetic induction was rapid in all groups (AK: median, 49 s; range, 33 to 60 s; AKD, 60 s; 54 to 70 s; and ABM, 15 s; 5 to 58 s). The anesthetic duration (from induction to full recovery) for the AK group was 62 ± 3 min (mean ± 1 SD). There was no statistically significant difference between the ABM and AKD groups regarding recovery time after partial antagonist administration and was 51 ± 5 and 48 ± 5 min, respectively. All AK animals showed twitching and abnormal vocalization during recovery. The righting reflex was absent in all squirrels for 20 min in the AK treatment group and throughout the 40 min anesthetic period in the AKD and ABM groups. The frontlimb withdrawal response was absent in all squirrels for the 40 min anesthetic period in the AKD and ABM groups, with variable responses for the AK treatment. All tested protocols in this study provided safe and effective immobilization in five striped palm squirrels, but oxygen and thermal support were indicated. Anesthetic depth must be determined before surgical procedures are performed in palm squirrels anesthetized by using these regimens.

In this study, adult intact male and female ( n = 10) naked mole-rats ( Heterocephalus glaber ) were anesthetized using a combination of dexmedetomidine (0.06 mg/kg intramuscularly [IM]), ketamine (20 mg/kg IM), and midazolam (1.0 mg/kg IM). Atipamezole (1.0 mg/kg IM) and flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg IM) were administered 40 min after induction. Induction and recovery times were monitored and recorded. Vital parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO 2 , and reflexes were monitored every 5 min during the anesthetic period. Anesthetic induction was smooth and rapid. All monitored reflexes were lost within a median time of 60 sec (interquartile range, 15 sec). Heart rate and respiratory rate were significantly decreased from baseline, whereas there was no difference in SpO 2 over the anesthetic period. The mean time to recovery was 15 ± 7 min (mean ± SD). One animal was found dead 40 min after apparent recovery, which is suspected to be an anesthetic-related death. Based on these findings, dexmedetomidine-ketamine-midazolam anesthesia is an effective anesthetic protocol in naked mole rats that provides a consistent anesthetic plane but should be used with caution in animals with underlying conditions.

Objective: To evaluate the utility of commercially available reagent test strips for estimation of BUN concentration and detection of azotemia in pet rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) and ferrets ( Mustela putorius furo )., Sample: 65 blood samples from 53 rabbits and 71 blood samples from 50 ferrets of various health statuses., Procedures: BUN concentrations were measured with a clinical laboratory biochemical analyzer and estimated with a reagent test strip. Results obtained with both methods were assigned to a BUN category (range, 1 to 4; higher categories corresponded to higher BUN concentrations). Samples with a biochemical analyzer BUN concentration ≥ 27 mg/dL (rabbits) or ≥ 41 mg/dL (ferrets) were considered azotemic. A test strip BUN category of 3 or 4 (rabbits) or 4 (ferrets) was considered positive for azotemia., Results: Test strip and biochemical analyzer BUN categories were concordant for 46 of 65 (71%) rabbit blood samples and 58 of 71 (82%) ferret blood samples. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the test strips for detection of azotemia were 92%, 79%, and 82%, respectively, for rabbit blood samples and 80%, 100%, and 96%, respectively, for ferret blood samples., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Test strips provided reasonable estimates of BUN concentration but, for rabbits, were more appropriate for ruling out than for ruling in azotemia because of false-positive test strip results. False-negative test strip results for azotemia were more of a concern for ferrets than rabbits. Testing with a biochemical analyzer remains the gold standard for measurement of BUN concentration and detection of azotemia in rabbits and ferrets.

Objective: To compare the effects of a dexmedetomidine-ketamine-midazolam (DKM) anesthetic protocol versus isoflurane inhalation anesthesia on echocardiographic variables and plasma cardiac troponin 1 (cTnI) concentration in black-tailed prairie dogs (BTPDs; Cynomys ludovicianus )., Animals: Nine 6-month-old sexually intact male captive BTPDs., Procedures: Each BTPD was randomly assigned to be anesthetized by IM administration of dexmedetomidine (0.25 mg/kg), ketamine (40 mg/kg), and midazolam (1.5 mg/kg) or via inhalation of isoflurane and oxygen. Three days later, each BTPD underwent the alternative anesthetic protocol. Echocardiographic data and a blood sample were collected within 5 minutes after initiation and just prior to cessation of each 45-minute-long anesthetic episode., Results: Time or anesthetic protocol had no significant effect on echocardiographic variables. For either protocol, plasma cTnI concentration did not differ with time. When administered as the first treatment, neither anesthetic protocol significantly affected plasma cTnI concentration. However, with regard to findings for the second treatments, plasma cTnI concentrations in isoflurane-treated BTPDs (n = 4; data for 1 animal were not analyzed because of procedural problems) were higher than values in DKM-treated BTPDs (4), which was suspected to be a carryover effect from prior DKM treatment., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The DKM and isoflurane anesthetic protocols did not have any significant effect on echocardiographic measurements in the BTPDs. Increases in plasma cTnI concentration during the second anesthetic episode were evident when BTPDs underwent the DKM anesthetic protocol as the first of the 2 treatments, suggestive of potential myocardial injury associated with that anesthetic protocol. Clinicians should consider these findings, especially when evaluating BTPDs with known or suspected cardiac disease.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of anesthesia with dexmedetomidine-ketamine-midazolam (DKM) in five-striped palm squirrels ( Funambulus pennantii )., Animals: 8 male squirrels., Procedures: Squirrels were anesthetized with DKM (dexmedetomidine, 0.1 mg/kg; ketamine hydrochloride, 30 mg/kg; and midazolam, 0.75 mg/kg) administered IM. Atipamezole (0.15 mg/kg) and flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg) were administered IM 40 minutes after induction of anesthesia. Vital signs and responses were recorded every 5 minutes during anesthesia., Results: Anesthetic induction and recovery from anesthesia were rapid and without complications in all squirrels. Median anesthetic induction time was 67.5 seconds (interquartile [25th to 75th percentile] range, 5.5 seconds), and mean ± SD recovery time after drug reversal was 147 ± 79 seconds. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature significantly decreased during the anesthetic period. All squirrels became hypothermic by 40 minutes after induction. The righting reflex was absent during the 40-minute anesthetic period in all squirrels, with variable responses for the palpebral reflex, jaw tone, forelimb withdrawal reflex, and hind limb withdrawal reflex. Only 2 of 8 squirrels had loss of the limb withdrawal reflex in both the forelimbs and hind limbs from anesthetic induction to 25 minutes after induction., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: DKM appeared to provide safe and effective anesthesia in five-striped palm squirrels, but oxygen and thermal support were indicated. At the doses administered, deep surgical anesthesia was not consistently achieved, and anesthetic depth of individual squirrels must be determined before surgical procedures are performed in palm squirrels anesthetized with this drug combination.