Current Pet-medicine News Results

Endoscopy equipment and instrumentation for use in exotic animal medicine.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2010 May; 13(2): 171-85
Divers SJ

The first descriptions of endoscopy date back to the times of Hippocrates (460-377 BC), who described the use of a rectal speculum in humans. Since that time, technologic advances have fueled the development of endoscopy equipment. The application of human pediatric instruments in exotic pet medicine has enabled these minimally invasive techniques to be applied to birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and small mammals. This article aims to summarize the development of endoscopy equipment and focuses on recent developments in miniature laparoscopy equipment that have found use in zoologic companion animal practice.

Neoplasitic diseases in ferrets in Japan: a questionnaire study for 2000 to 2005.

J Vet Med Sci. 2009 Apr; 71(4): 397-402
Miwa Y, Kurosawa A, Ogawa H, Nakayama H, Sasai H, Sasaki N

The objective of this study was to collect epidemiological data on neoplasms in pet ferrets in Japan. A questionnaire to collect information was made available to Japanese veterinary practitioners through the web site of the Japanese Society of Exotic Pet Medicine. Completed questionnaires were returned from 29 practices, and 945 neoplasms met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Neoplasms were found in every organ system except the respiratory system; the endocrine (418; 44.2%), integumentary (196; 20.7%) and hemolymphatic (184; 19.5%) systems were most commonly affected. The most common tumor types were pancreatic islet cell tumor (211: 22.3%), adrenal gland tumor (207; 21.9%) and lymphoma (152; 16.1%). The age of the affected ferrets ranged from less than 3 months to more than 7 years of age. Tumor incidence was highest in ferrets between 4 and 6 years of age. No sex predilection was found. These results were similar to those recently published in North America. Most Japanese pet ferrets are imported from North America, and their husbandry including diets is similar to that in North America, which may explain the similar tendencies in the incidence of neoplasms in this study and those of findings in North America.

Clinical hematology of rodent species.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2008 Sep; 11(3): 523-33, vi-vii
Pilny AA

Pet rodents, such as rats, guinea pigs, and chinchillas, differ from more traditional companion animal species in many aspects of their hematologic parameters. Animals within this order have much diversity in size, anatomy, methods of restraint, and blood collection technique. Appropriate sample collection is often the most challenging aspect of the diagnostic protocol, and inappropriate restraint may cause a stress response that interferes with blood test results. For many of these patients, sedation is required and can also affect results as well. In most cases, however, obtaining a standard database is necessary and very possible when providing medical care for this popular group of pets.

Avian hematology and related disorders.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2008 Sep; 11(3): 501-22, vi
Mitchell EB, Johns J

Hematology is an essential component of veterinary practice. The interpretation of avian blood cells provides many challenges. Practitioners must be able to recognize normal morphology and function of cells to interpret changes in those cells. This article describes the normal morphology of avian erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes. Changes observed in erythrocytes and leukocytes during disease and major differential diagnoses are discussed. A brief overview of avian blood parasites is also presented.

The avian pancreas in health and disease.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2008 Jan; 11(1): 25-34, v-vi
Pilny AA

The avian endocrine pancreas shares some similarities with mammals but also some clinically relevant differences in anatomy and physiology. Diabetes mellitus, an uncommon disease of pet birds, is a challenging condition because of lack of knowledge of the exact pathophysiology and responses to insulin therapy. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the avian pancreas and describes the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes mellitus in pet birds.

Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of four laboratory tests for detection of occult blood in cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) excrement.

Am J Vet Res. 2006 Aug; 67(8): 1326-32
Gibbons PM, Tell LA, Kass PH, Christopher MM

OBJECTIVE: To compare sensitivity and specificity of cytologic examination and 3 chromogen tests for detection of occult blood in cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) excrement. ANIMALS: 20 adult cockatiels. PROCEDURES: Pooled blood from birds was divided into whole blood and lysate aliquots. Excrement was mixed with each aliquot in vitro to yield 6 hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations (range, 0.375 to 12.0 mg of Hb/g of excrement). For the in vivo portion of the study, birds were serially gavaged with each aliquot separately at 5 doses of Hb (range, 2.5 to 40 mg/kg). Three chromogen tests and cytologic examination were used to test excrement samples for occult blood. Sensitivity, specificity, and observer agreement were calculated. RESULTS: In vitro specificity ranged from 85%to 100% for the 3 chromogen tests and was 100% for cytologic examination. Sensitivity was 0% to 35% for cytologic examination and 100% for the 3 chromogen tests on samples containing >or= 1.5 mg of Hb/g of excrement. In vivo specificity was 100%, 90%, 65%, and 45% for cytologic examination and the 3 chromogen tests, respectively. Sensitivity was 0% to 5% for cytologic examination and >or= 75% for all 3 chromogen tests after birds received doses of Hb >or= 20 mg/kg. Observer agreement was lowest for cytologic examination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Chromogen tests were more useful than cytologic examination for detection of occult blood in cockatiel excrement. The best combination of sensitivity, specificity, and observer agreement was obtained by use of a chromogen test.

Resection and use of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor for treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a cockatiel.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Jan 1; 228(1): 69-73
Chen S, Bartick T

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-year-old sexually intact male cockatiel was examined because of progressive dyspnea of 1 week's duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On auscultation of the lungs and air sacs, crackles were detected; the abdomen was distended and fluctuant on palpation. Eleven milliliters of clear yellow fluid was collected via abdominocentesis. Radiography (with and without contrast medium) and ultrasonography revealed a soft tissue mass in the caudoventral portion of the coelom. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Exploratory surgery of the coelomic cavity was performed and the neoplasm was excised. Histologic examination of the neoplasm was consistent with a high-grade pancreatic exocrine adenocarcinoma. Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, was administered for pain management and for potential antineoplastic activity. For 4.5 months after surgery, the bird had no recurrence of clinical signs; however, dyspnea recurred and during evaluation, the bird died. Necropsy findings indicated that the pancreatic adenocarcinoma had metastasized to surrounding tissues and vessels, which was not unexpected given the high grade assigned to the neoplasm during histologic analysis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pancreatic neoplasms are associated with a poor prognosis, regardless of treatment modality. Celecoxib can be administered as palliative treatment to affected birds, but as with any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, COX-2 inhibitors should be used cautiously because they can adversely affect renal function by decreasing renal prostaglandin synthesis.

What is your diagnosis? Gastrointestinal stasis syndrome.

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004 Sep 1; 225(5): 681-2
Pilny AA, Hess L

Transfusion medicine in exotic pets.

Clin Tech Small Anim Pract. 2004 May; 19(2): 88-95
Lichtenberger M

The decision to transfuse a patient should always be based on the packed cell volume and clinical status of the patient. This article discusses indications for transfusion and blood substitutes in exotic animal patients. The administration of blood products requires careful donor selection, knowledge of blood groups, cross-matching, and use of anticoagulants. Collection sites, volume, and administration techniques are given for different species of animals including birds, rabbits, and ferrets. Blood-transfusion therapy is not without risk. The frequency with which transfusion reactions occur in exotic pets is unknown. The most common transfusion reactions seen in small animals, along with suggested treatment, are discussed. The availability of blood products is limited in exotic pet medicine; therefore, the use of blood substitutes (Oxyglobin) has the advantage of long storage potential, no need for cross-matching, and no potential for disease transmission. General principles of blood substitutes and administration techniques will be discussed.

Prairie dog care and husbandry.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2004 May; 7(2): 269-82, vi
Pilny AA, Hess L

The species of prairie dog most commonly found in the pet trade is the black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomus ludovicianus. These prairie dogs are active, playful, and strong rodents that can make wonderful, affectionate pets when they are properly socialized and given attention. However, with a life span of 8 to 12 years, prairie dogs require a lot of care and a long-term commitment. Prairie dogs live in colonies; thus, they are highly social animals. Potential owners should understand a prairie dog's need for attention before adopting one.

Ferrets: wound healing and therapy.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2004 Jan; 7(1): 105-21
Pilny AA, Hess L

In all species of mammals, the stages of wound healing are the same, and both host factors and wound characteristics affect how wounds heal. The basic principles of wound care in ferrets, such as lavage, bandaging, and surgical closure, are similar to those in other species; however, knowledge of ferrets' anatomy and pathophysiology, as well as skin conditions commonly seen in ferrets, will help ensure proper wound healing.

Wound healing and management in psittacine birds.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2004 Jan; 7(1): 87-104
Ritzman TK

Psittacines and other companion avian species often develop wounds requiring some form of medical or surgical therapy. Advancing technology in the field of wound care and management continues to evolve for use by the veterinary clinician. Although not all wounds can be successfully treated, many can be reduced and minimized with therapy. Consideration of the overall health, management, and nutrition of the avian patient will also aid in wound management. The avian patient with normal immune function and optimal nutrition will have improved wound healing compared with an immunocompromized or malnourished patient. The duration of treatment and potential stress of the wound-management program should also be taken into consideration when selecting a treatment program for the avian patient.

Development of antiparasitic drugs in the 21st century.

Vet Parasitol. 2003 Jul 25; 115(2): 167-84
Geary TG, Thompson DP

Prospects for discovering new antiparasitic drugs for veterinary medicine in the coming century will be determined by economic, social and scientific factors. Consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry in general, and the animal health industry in particular, changes the business conditions in which drug discovery for veterinary medicine occurs. Social pressures on traditional animal agriculture and companion animal ownership have shifted the interest of animal companies primarily to pet medicine. Antiparasitic drug discovery is more than ever targeted to the most lucrative market segments, but the excellence of available drugs, and the apparent lack of resistance in important parasites, reduces industrial motivation to invest in parasitology. Veterinary parasitologists in academia will still have the chance to interact with their industrial counterparts in the traditional ways of supporting drug discovery and development. Nonetheless, there are many new opportunities to expand the research horizons of veterinary parasitology to strengthen the case for retaining a significant presence in the animal health industry.

Chronic otitis externa/media with total ear canal ablation and bulla curettage in a North American bison (Bison bison).

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2001 Sep; 32(3): 393-5
Ferrell ST, Valverde C, Phillips LG

An adult female North American bison (Bison bison) with a chronic otitis externa/media of the right ear was examined because of a 4-mo history of intermittent anorexia, apparent painful behavior, and auricular discharge from the right ear. Computerized tomography (CT) demonstrated osteolysis of the tympanic, petrous, and squamous aspects of the temporal bone with soft tissue replacement and sclerosis of the right bulla. A total ear canal ablation with bulla curettage was performed, and cefazolin-impregnated polymethacrylate beads were left within the right bulla and the remnant temporal bone. Six months after the surgery, the bison had no clinical signs of otitis media.

Ferret urogenital diseases.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2003 Jan; 6(1): 113-38
Orcutt CJ

Improved nutrition and client education have decreased the incidence of certain urinary tract diseases in ferrets. Early neutering programs at commercial breeding farms in the United States have also led to a marked decrease in the incidence of reproductive tract disease, especially estrogen-induced bone marrow suppression. However, the increased incidence of adrenal disease and its secondary effects on reproductive and associated urinary tract tissue presents an ongoing challenge for the clinician working with pet ferrets. Acute and chronic renal failure remain important, though less common, disease entities. It is imperative that the veterinarian working with pet ferrets be aware of the clinical presentation and clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with these syndromes.

Internal papillomatosis with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in a peach-fronted conure (Aratinga aurea).

Avian Dis. 2002 Oct-Dec; 46(4): 1062-9
Gibbons PM, Busch MD, Tell LA, Graham JE, Lowenstine LJ

A 17-yr-old pet female peach-fronted conure (Aratinga aurea) was presented with the chief complaints of mild lethargy and weight loss with increased appetite. Antemortem diagnostics included complete blood count, plasma biochemistry, and radiography. Abnormal findings included elevated inflammatory parameters (hyperfibrinogenemia) and a space-occupying mass in the region of the liver. Histologic examination of a liver biopsy sample indicated bile duct hyperplasia leading to a presumptive diagnosis of hepatoxicosis. The bird initially showed moderate improvement with supportive care, but its condition declined 9 days after the liver biopsy. Supportive care was attempted a second time, but the bird did not improve and euthanasia was elected. Abnormal gross necropsy findings were confined to the liver, which contained multiple tan nodules that exuded yellowish fluid on cut section. Histopathologic examination revealed multicentric bile duct hyperplasia and cholangiocarcinoma as well as segmental papillary hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma in the proventriculus, ventriculus, and throughout the intestinal tract. This is the first report of concurrent internal papillomatosis, gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma in a peach-fronted conure.

Heterotopic bone in the eyes of a guinea pig: osseous choristoma of the ciliary body.

Lab Anim (NY). 2002 Jul-Aug; 31(7): 23-5
Donnelly TM, Brown C, Donnelly TM

A depressed, ataxic, and regurgitating Pacific Parrotlet. Diagnosis: acute lead poisoning.

Lab Anim (NY). 2002 Jun; 31(6): 23-5
Brown C

Acute ataxia in a young ferret following canine distemper vaccination. Renal failure after epinephrine overdose.

Lab Anim (NY). 2001 Sep; 30(8): 25-7
Donnelly TM, Orcutt CJ

Ferret orthopedics.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2002 Jan; 5(1): 129-55, vii
Ritzman TK, Knapp D

Orthopedic conditions requiring surgical intervention and correction frequently occur in the ferret patient. Elbow luxations and long bone fractures are among the most common syndromes affecting the ferret patient, which often presents in an emergency setting. Orthopedic conditions in the ferret, as in other mammalian species, are often the result of trauma. Surgical treatment including reduction and stabilization of the affected bony structure, combined with supervision and the recommended postoperative care, can provide a good prognosis to return to normal function for the ferret.