Diagnostic challenges and surgical treatment of hydroureteronephrosis in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A two-and-half-year-old male neutered rabbit was referred for investigation of intermittent urinary disease of 13 months in duration. Case work-up led to the diagnosis of unilateral hydroureteronephrosis following obstructive ureterolithiasis. The establishment of contralateral kidney function before ureteronephrectomy constituted a particular diagnostic challenge. This was assessed by a combination of imaging, serum biochemistry, urine protein to creatinine ratio and γ-glutamyltransferase index. Ureteronephrectomy was subsequently performed, with initial remission of all clinical signs. However, an adhesion of mesenteric adipose tissue to the caecum was identified and resected following frequent re-presentation. At the time of submission (800 days following initial surgery), the rabbit was still alive and healthy. The successful outcome may indicate a more favourable prognosis for rabbits with unilateral ureteronephrolithiasis and/or hydroureteronephrosis than is historically proposed

Candida steatolytica causing systemic candidiasis in a group of African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata)

Three African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) were referred for inappetence and lethargy of 1 week’s duration. On presentation, one animal was confirmed dead and submitted for necropsy. The conspecifics were treated symptomatically for upper respiratory tract disease. The deceased individual tested negative for Herpes-, Rana- and Picornavirus but positive forMycoplasma agassizii by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), however, without exhibiting pathological changes consistent with this infection. Instead, systemic mycosis was diagnosed, with isolation of Candida steatolytica. This allowed effective targeted treatment of the remaining animals. Candida steatolytica is commonly isolated from rotting fruits and has so far been rarely associated with clinical disease. In the present cases, the most likely source of infection was pruned vine shoots and leaves, which the tortoises had access to in their outdoor paddock. This case highlights the significance of rapid and comprehensive post-mortem diagnostics with swift interdisciplinary communication to allow effective handling of challenging cases

Primary ganglioneuroblastoma in a red deer (Cervus elaphus)

We describe the first case of a ganglioneuroblastoma in an adult red deer (Cervus elaphus). This neoplasia showed a unique cervical localisation: it was strongly adhered to the left thyroid gland and contributed to dysphagia via oesophageal compression. Although seldom reported, neoplasias should be included in differential diagnoses for dysphagia in wildlife

Unbiased Virus Detection in a Danish Zoo Using a Portable Metagenomic Sequencing System

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is receiving increased attention for the detection of new viruses and infections occurring at the human–animal interface. The ability to actively transport and relocate this technology enables in situ virus identification, which could reduce response time and enhance disease management. In a previous study, we developed a straightforward mNGS procedure that greatly enhances the detection of RNA and DNA viruses in human clinical samples. In this study, we improved the mNGS protocol with transportable battery-driven equipment for the portable, non-targeted detection of RNA and DNA viruses in animals from a large zoological facility, to simulate a field setting for point-of-incidence virus detection. From the resulting metagenomic data, we detected 13 vertebrate viruses from four major virus groups: (+)ssRNA, (+)ssRNA-RT, dsDNA and (+)ssDNA, including avian leukosis virus in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus), enzootic nasal tumour virus in goats (Capra hircus) and several small, circular, Rep-encoding, ssDNA (CRESS DNA) viruses in several mammal species. More significantly, we demonstrate that the mNGS method is able to detect potentially lethal animal viruses, such as elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and the newly described human-associated gemykibivirus 2, a human-to-animal cross-species virus, in a Linnaeus two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) and its enclosure, for the first time

Extension of the Avian Host Range of Collyriclosis in Europe

We describe cases of collyriclosis in apodiform and passeriform birds in Portugal, Switzerland, and Germany. We extend the host range of Collyriculm faba to include apodiform birds (Apus apus, Apus melba, and Apus pallidus) and the passerine Sitta europaea (Eurasian Nuthatch). Infections varied in severity from an incidental finding to severe debilitation and death. The infection route remains unclear with the apparent absence from Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland of the first intermediate host of C. faba, the aquatic gastropod Bythinella austriaca, implying that other organisms might be involved in the parasite’s life cycle. Furthermore, the detection of C. faba cysts in very young passerine birds may indicate an infection during the nestling stage and a rapid development of parasite containing subcutaneous cysts. This series of cases highlights an increased geographic range into Portugal and the potential debilitating nature of a parasite of migratory birds in Europe. However, given the rarity of cases, collyriclosis does not seem to present an important threat to migratory species preservation