Objective: To describe clinical signs, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of Cape vultures in which Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and mixed species of bacteria were isolated. Methods: Six Cape vultures sourced from South Africa for exhibition at Al Ain Zoo developed illness manifesting as anorexia, dyspnea, polyuria and lethargy. Three vultures died manifesting ''pneumonia-like syndrome''. These three vultures were necropsied and gross lesions recorded, while organ tissues were collected for histopathology. Internal organs were swabbed for bacteriology and mycology. From live vultures, blood was collected for hematology and biochemistry, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected for mycology and bacteriology. Results: A. fumigatus was isolated from the three dead vultures and two live ones that eventually survived. One of the dead vulture and two live vultures were co-infected with A. fumigatus and mixed species of bacteria that included Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Enterococcus and Enterbacter. One of the Cape vulture and a Lappetfaced vulture, however, were free of Aspergillus or bacterial infections. At necropsy, intestinal hemorrhages were observed and the lungs were overtly congested with granulomas present on caudal air sac. Histopathological examinations demonstrated granulomatous lesions that were infiltrated by mononuclear cells and giant cells. Conclusions: Aspergillosis is a persistent threat to captive birds and we recommend routine health assessments so that early diagnosis may prompt early treatment. It is likely that prompt prophylaxis by broad spectrum antibiotics and antifungals medication contributed to the survival of some of the vultures.
Primary liver cancer is uncommon and is generally classified as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), bile duct carcinoma, neuroendocrine (or carcinoid) tumor, and mesenchymal tumor (sarcoma). Here we describe the gross and histopathology characteristics of a rare HCC in a captive Arabian sand cat (Felis margarita harrisoni) held at Al Ain Zoo, United Arab Emirates. The description of this case in the Arabian sand cat adds to the current knowledge of hepatocellular carcinoma in captive nondomestic felids.
Pathological dental conditions in zoo animals are frequently encountered, although under-reported in the veterinary literature. Teeth fractures are commonly encountered in carnivores and often require specialised endodontic intervention. This paper describes gingivectomy of a peripheral odontogenic fibroma of the left maxillary gingivae; crown lengthening of the left mandibular canine; and pulpectomies of complicated crown fractures of the left maxillary canine tooth (204), left mandibular canine tooth (304) and left third maxillary incisor (203) in an adult jaguar (Panthera onca). Follow-on dental examination at 18 months and postoperative radiographs at 24 months found no evidence of further dental pathology. Dental examination and prophylaxis are essential components of the examination procedure. There are limited opportunities to make routine clinical assessments in zoo animals. The availability of specialised materials, equipment and specialised veterinary assistance are limitations as relevant to zoological dentistry today as when described by Fowler in 1986.
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