Background
In northern Australian koala populations (Queensland and New South Wales), periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) is common while koala retrovirus subtype A is endogenous, with other subtypes transmitted exogenously. Koala retrovirus has been hypothesised to cause immune suppression and may predispose koalas to diseases caused by concurrent infections. In southern Australia populations (Victoria and South Australia) periodontal disease has not been investigated, and koala retrovirus is presumably exogenously transmitted. This study described oral health in South Australian koalas and investigated if an association between periodontal disease and koala retrovirus exists.
Methods
Oral health was examined for wild‐caught koalas from the Mount Lofty Ranges (n = 75). Koala retrovirus provirus was detected in whole blood using nested PCR and proviral load determined with qPCR. Periodontal disease severity was recorded and used to calculate the Final Oral Health Index (0‐normal, 24‐severe).Results Periodontal disease was observed in 84% (63/75) of koalas; 77% had gingivitis (58/75) and 65% (49/75) had periodontitis. The average Final Oral Health Index was 5.47 (s.d 3.13). Most cases of periodontal disease were associated with the incisors. Koala retrovirus‐infected koalas were more likely to present with periodontitis (p = 0.042) and the Final Oral Health Index was negatively correlated with proviral load (ρ = −0.353, p = 0.017).
Conclusion
South Australian koalas had a high prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease was more prevalent in the incisors. Exogenous koala retrovirus infection may also facilitate the development of periodontitis by modulation of the immune response to concurrent oral bacterial infections.
Albatrosses are among the world's most imperiled vertebrates, with 73% of species threatened with extinction. Ingestion of plastic is a well-recognized threat among three North Pacific species, but lesser known in the southern hemisphere, where it is considered a minor threat. As plastic entering the ocean is increasing while albatross populations decline, the threat of ocean plastic to albatross populations may be underestimated. We present case studies of 107 beach-cast albatrosses of twelve species, received by wildlife hospitals in Australia and New Zealand, and estimate plastic ingestion and mortality rates for albatrosses in the southern hemisphere. Ingested plastic was present in 5.6% of individuals, and the cause of death in half of these cases. We estimate ingestion of plastic may cause 3.4-17.5% of nearshore mortalities and is worth consideration as a substantial threat to albatross populations. We provide clinical findings and "checklist" methodologies for identifying potential cases of foreign-body gastrointestinal obstruction. We suggest practical policy responses, empowering decision makers to reduce albatross mortality from anthropogenic sources.
A 19‐year‐old, entire, female, captive African lion (Panthera leo) presented acutely for reduced appetite and lethargy. Bloodwork revealed a poorly regenerative anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and monocytosis. Ultrasound indicated the presence of a peri‐renal mass, but advanced imaging techniques were unavailable at the time. Minimal clinical improvement was seen with supportive treatment, and euthanasia was elected 11 days after presentation. Postmortem examination revealed an intramural intestinal haematoma of the jejunum with serosal haemorrhage and haemoabdomen, and a peri‐renal mass. Histology showed that the peri‐renal mass was an adrenal cortical carcinoma. The underlying cause of the intramural haematoma was not determined, but it was considered the probable cause for the clinical decline of this animal. Intramural intestinal haematoma is an uncommon entity in veterinary species, and has not been reported in any members of Felidae. This is the first documented case of an intramural intestinal haematoma in an African lion.
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