The use of a probiotic in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

The project was undertaken to establish the normal intestinal flora of healthy cheetahs and to produce a species-specific probiotic for use in juvenile cheetahs in captivity to improve weight gain and reduce diarrhoea. The normal intestinal flora of healthy cheetahs was established using non-selective and selective media. High numbers of anaerobic bacteria and aerobic bacteria were isolated from the faeces of cheetahs in this study. Eight percent of isolates were Enterococcus spp. Both Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus Group 1 were selected for use in the probiotic. Twenty-seven juvenile cheetahs between eight and thirteen months of age were included in the probiotic trial (Median: 12 months). The probiotic was fed for 28 days to the Probiotic Group. Both the Probiotic and Control groups were monitored for 70 days prior to the administration of the probiotic and 14 days after administration. The feeding of the cheetah-specific probiotic resulted in an increase of weight in the treatment group (p=0.026, ANOVA, p<0.05) in comparison to the Control Group. There was a relative improvement in the faecal quality in the Probiotic Group in comparison to the Control Group. This was accompanied by an absence of blood and mucus in the faeces, which had been present prior to the start of the 28-day administration of the probiotic. The feeding of a cheetah-specific probiotic resulted in an improved weight gain and food conversion in the Probiotic Group in comparison to the Control Group as well as in a reduction of diarrhoea in the Probiotic Group. More research is needed on the effect of the probiotic on different age groups and animals suffering from specific diseases such as liver disease and gastritis.Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2004.Veterinary Tropical Diseasesunrestricte

To rescue a secretary bird is no administrative task

News article with colour photos about what's happening at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria.Originally published on the University of Pretoria's websiteRecently a juvenile Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) was found collapsed in the Mabula Private Game Reserve by a ranger. Members of the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project NPO collected it and rushed it through to the Faculty's Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital's (OVAH) veterinary wildlife clinic. Apart from being collapsed it was severely dehydrated. With veterinary wildlife specialist, Prof Katja Koeppel in the lead, the bird was stabilised and the team ran some basic blood tests.ab202

Mycobacterial arthritis and synovitis in painted reed frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus)

Several species of atypical mycobacteria have been isolated from wild and captive amphibians. In captive anurans, cutaneous and visceral mycobacteriosis are common and can result in significant mortality, particularly when animals are immunocompromised. Mycobacterial arthritis and synovitis are reported rarely in amphibians. We describe 20 cases in painted reed frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus), which presented with cachexia, limb paresis or paralysis or ‘spindly leg syndrome’. Histopathology revealed multifocal histiocytic to granulomatous synovitis affecting appendicular, rib or spinal intervertebral joints. Periarticular granulomata, granulomatous cellulitis and skeletal muscle atrophy, necrosis and degeneration were also present. In one case, granulomatous spinal osteomyelitis was recorded. ZiehleNeelsen stains showed large numbers of acid-fast bacteria in macrophages and histiocytes. The mycobacterial isolates obtained from culture were identified as members of the Mycobacterium chelonae complex (either M. chelonae or Mycobacterium abscessus). This was confirmed by 50 -16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing. In 17 cases mycobacterial lesions were present only in the joints and skeleton, highlighting the importance of not ruling out mycobacterial infection on the basis of absence of cutaneous or visceral lesions.http://elsevier.com/locate/jcpa2018-02-28hb2017Production Animal Studie

Successful treatment of early cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with hypofractionated radiation therapy in an African lion (Panthera leo)

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a slow growing but locally invasive neoplasm, most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Whilst SCC accounts for 15% of skin tumours in domesticated cats, cutaneous SCC in non-domesticated felids (apart from captive snow leopards) appears to be uncommon, with only three reports in the literature to date. In this report, a captive African lion (Panthera leo) presented with two ulcerative lesions on the nasal planum. Histopathology of the lesions revealed epidermal keratinocyte dysplasia and neoplastic basal- and supra-basal epithelial cells with dyskeratosis and evidence of basement membrane breaching and dermal invasion, consistent with a diagnosis of SCC. There was also evidence of laminar fibrosis and inflammation of the subjacent dermis suggesting that the SCC most likely resulted from UV-induced neoplastic transformation of the epidermal squamous epithelium following actinic keratosis. The lion was treated with hypofractionated radiation therapy and remained in remission until his death (euthanised 17 months later because of age-related chronic renal failure). This is the first report of cutaneous SCC in a lion with evidence of actinic damage and resolution after radiation therapy.L.v.d.W. was supported by the Wellcome Trust grant 20619.http://www.jsava.co.zaam2022Centre for Veterinary Wildlife StudiesCompanion Animal Clinical StudiesParaclinical SciencesProduction Animal Studie

Thoracic limb morphology of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) evidenced by osteology and radiography

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is distributed primarily in the Himalayas and southern China. It is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The aim of this study was to describe the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the red panda. Radiography of the right thoracic limb was performed in seven captive adult red pandas. Radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from three adult animals. The scapula was wide craniocaudally and presented with a large area for the origin of the teres major muscle. The square-shaped major tubercle did not extend proximal to the head of the humerus. The medial epicondyle was prominent. A supracondylar foramen was present. The radial tuberosity and sesamoid bone for the abductor digiti I longus were prominent. The accessory carpal bone was directed palmarolaterally. Metacarpal bones were widely spread. The thoracic limb morphology of the red panda evidenced by osteology and radiography indicated flexibility of the thoracic limb joints and well-developed flexor and supinator muscles, which are important in arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. Knowledge gained during this study may prove useful in identifying skeletal material or remains and diagnosing musculoskeletal diseases and injuries of the thoracic limb.http://www.ojvr.orgam201

Osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of healthy ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)

In family Lemuridae, anatomical variations exist. Considering its conservation status (near threatened) and presence of similarities between strepsirrhines and primitive animals, it was thought to be beneficial to describe the gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) as a reference for clinical use and species identification. Radiography was performed in 14 captive adult ring-tailed lemurs. The radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from two adult animals. Additionally, computed tomography of the hind limbs was performed in one animal. The pelvic bone has a well-developed caudal ventral iliac spine. The patella has a prominent tuberosity on the cranial surface. The first metatarsal bone and digit 1 are markedly stouter than the other metatarsal bones and digits with medial divergence from the rest of the metatarsal bones and digits. Ossicles were seen in the lateral meniscus, inter-phalangeal joint of digit 1 and in the infrapatellar fat pad. Areas of mineral opacity were seen within the external genitalia, which are believed to be the os penis and os clitoris. Variations exist in the normal osteology and radiographic appearance of the pelvis and hind limb of different animal species. The use of only atlases from domestic cats and dogs for interpretative purposes may be misleading.Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSDW), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), University of Pretoria, Johannesburg (JHB) and Bristol Zoos.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1439-0264hb201

Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the human/wildlife interface in a high TB burden country

This study reports on an investigation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cases in mostly captive wild animals using molecular typing tools [Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTR) typing and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism typing]. The investigation included cases from (i) the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG) recorded between 2002 and 2011; (ii) Johannesburg Zoo, where tuberculosis was first diagnosed in 2007 and has since been detected in three antelope species; (iii) a rehabilitation centre for vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in which M. tuberculosis was diagnosed in 2008; and (iv) incidental cases in other facilities including a sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), two unrelated cases in chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) (one of which was from a free-ranging troop) and a colony of capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus). Identical genetic profiles of the latter three isolates indicate the persistence of a single M. tuberculosis strain in this population since at least 2006. Results of the outbreak investigation in the captive vervet monkey colony indicate that it was caused by two unrelated strains, while all 13 M. tuberculosis isolates from 11 animal species in the NZG showed different VNTR patterns. A substantial increase in tuberculosis cases of 60% was recorded in the NZG, compared with the previous reporting period 1991–2001, and may indicate a countrywide trend of increasing spillover of human tuberculosis to wild animals. South Africa ranks among the countries with the highest-tuberculosis burden worldwide, complicated by an increasing rate of multidrug-resistant strains. Exposure and infection of captive wildlife in this high prevalence setting is therefore a growing concern for wildlife conservation but also for human health through potential spillback.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1865-1682hb201

Spatiotemporal analysis of rabies in South Africa, the role of black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) and aspects of its control by oral rabies vaccination

Rabies causes fatal encephalitis in all warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is thought to have entered southern Africa in 1892 with a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) from England; however, rabies was most likely present in yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) before that time in southern Africa. Following the spread of disease in dogs, rabies emerged in cattle, back-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) in Namibia, Zimbabwe and northern part of Botswana and parts of North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. Rabies also occurs in a variety of other wildlife hosts in South Africa. Rabies cases in all animals from 1993 to 2019 in South Africa were reviewed and analysed using a spatiotemporal cluster analysis using a discrete Poisson space-time probability model on monthly aggregated cases. Dog and livestock density were used as an estimation of the population at risk. A total of 11 701 cases were identified to species level. Thirteen primary clusters (p<0.05) were identified, of which four were long term clusters lasting more than 8 years and seven were short term clusters lasting less than 2 years. Domestic dogs accounted for 60% of all rabies cases. Wildlife was responsible for 15.8% of cases, with yellow mongoose the most frequently affected species, followed by bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), black-backed jackal, meerkat (Suricata suricatta) and aardwolf (Proteles cristatus). Wildlife species affected by rabies followed different spatial distributions. Bat-eared fox and aardwolf predominated in western South Africa and yellow mongoose in central South Africa, and jackals mostly predominated in north-western South Africa, in both the Gauteng and North West provinces. To investigate the feasibility of implementing oral rabies vaccination in jackals in Gauteng province, factors associated with the uptake of oral bait by free-ranging jackal and other wildlife species were evaluated in a multi-site field study. Three different baits were offered: commercial fishmeal polymer, pieces of red meat and chicken heads. Bait uptake was observed using camera traps and patterns of uptake assessed by multiple correspondence analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. In general, all baits were well accepted with an uptake of 91% by all species, and 20% of baits were taken by jackals; median consumption time of bait for jackal was 18 hours. In species other than jackals, there was a faster uptake in the winter months when less food was available and vegetation was sparse, whereas jackal showed no seasonal preference. Chicken heads may be the preferred bait type for oral vaccination of blackbacked jackal in this area, and consideration should be given to placing bait during summer and at dusk, in order to minimize uptake by non-target species such as warthogs, which are only active during the day. Two trials were conducted to assess the antibody response to oral rabies vaccine (Raboral VR-G®, Boehringer Ingelheim) in both captive and free-ranging jackals. Captive jackals (n=12) had adequate antibody titres at 4 weeks and 12 weeks and maintained sufficient antibody titres for up to 12 months (median 3.5 IU/ml; IQR: 1.5- 8.25) after single oral vaccination. For testing the vaccines in free-ranging jackal habitat, four sites were baited with Raboral VR-G® vaccine: three in the northern part of South Africa and one on the central plateau, all during winter. Bait distribution, from a vehicle and on foot at these sites resulted in between 36 % and 71% of jackals tested having antibody tires to rabies after a single baiting season. Oral bait rabies vaccination could be a useful component of a control strategy for rabies in wildlife and domestic dogs in South Africa, and further work should investigate oral bait vaccine over larger areas and multiple applications.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020.Production Animal StudiesPhDUnrestricte

Spatiotemporal analysis of rabies in South Africa, the role of black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) and aspects of its control by oral rabies vaccination

Rabies causes fatal encephalitis in all warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is thought to have entered southern Africa in 1892 with a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) from England; however, rabies was most likely present in yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) before that time in southern Africa. Following the spread of disease in dogs, rabies emerged in cattle, back-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) in Namibia, Zimbabwe and northern part of Botswana and parts of North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. Rabies also occurs in a variety of other wildlife hosts in South Africa. Rabies cases in all animals from 1993 to 2019 in South Africa were reviewed and analysed using a spatiotemporal cluster analysis using a discrete Poisson space-time probability model on monthly aggregated cases. Dog and livestock density were used as an estimation of the population at risk. A total of 11 701 cases were identified to species level. Thirteen primary clusters (p<0.05) were identified, of which four were long term clusters lasting more than 8 years and seven were short term clusters lasting less than 2 years. Domestic dogs accounted for 60% of all rabies cases. Wildlife was responsible for 15.8% of cases, with yellow mongoose the most frequently affected species, followed by bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), black-backed jackal, meerkat (Suricata suricatta) and aardwolf (Proteles cristatus). Wildlife species affected by rabies followed different spatial distributions. Bat-eared fox and aardwolf predominated in western South Africa and yellow mongoose in central South Africa, and jackals mostly predominated in north-western South Africa, in both the Gauteng and North West provinces. To investigate the feasibility of implementing oral rabies vaccination in jackals in Gauteng province, factors associated with the uptake of oral bait by free-ranging jackal and other wildlife species were evaluated in a multi-site field study. Three different baits were offered: commercial fishmeal polymer, pieces of red meat and chicken heads. Bait uptake was observed using camera traps and patterns of uptake assessed by multiple correspondence analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. In general, all baits were well accepted with an uptake of 91% by all species, and 20% of baits were taken by jackals; median consumption time of bait for jackal was 18 hours. In species other than jackals, there was a faster uptake in the winter months when less food was available and vegetation was sparse, whereas jackal showed no seasonal preference. Chicken heads may be the preferred bait type for oral vaccination of black-backed jackal in this area, and consideration should be given to placing bait during summer and at dusk, in order to minimize uptake by non-target species such as warthogs, which are only active during the day. Two trials were conducted to assess the antibody response to oral rabies vaccine (Raboral VR-G®, Boehringer Ingelheim) in both captive and free-ranging jackals. Captive jackals (n=12) had adequate antibody titres at 4 weeks and 12 weeks and maintained sufficient antibody titres for up to 12 months (median 3.5 IU/ml; IQR: 1.5-8.25) after single oral vaccination. For testing the vaccines in free-ranging jackal habitat, four sites were baited with Raboral VR-G® vaccine: three in the northern part of South Africa and one on the central plateau, all during winter. Bait distribution, from a vehicle and on foot at these sites resulted in between 36 % and 71% of jackals tested having antibody tires to rabies after a single baiting season. Oral bait rabies vaccination could be a useful component of a control strategy for rabies in wildlife and domestic dogs in South Africa, and further work should investigate oral bait vaccine over larger areas and multiple applications.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020.Production Animal StudiesPhDUnrestricte

Amputation to treat osteomyelitis of the metatarsus in two partially domesticated springboks (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Two springboks were diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis of the metatarsus of the left hindlimb. The springboks had both suffered open fractures of the metatarsus of the left hindlimb 12 weeks and one week prior to presentation. External coaptation had initially been used to give stability and encourage fracture healing. This had proved unsuccessful in both cases and an infection and osteomyelitis had developed at the fracture sites. Two amputations had been subsequently performed in case 1 but had failed to resolve infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. An osteomyelitis of the underlying metatarsus had developed. No treatment apart from external coaptation had been performed before referral in case 2. Surgical amputation of the metatarsus and tarsus was performed as salvage procedures in both cases. The springboks adjusted to the loss of the left tarsus and metatarsus with no orthopaedic disorders at re-examinations 12 months after surgery.http://vetrecordcasereports.bmj.comhj2019Companion Animal Clinical StudiesProduction Animal Studie