Veterinary Abstracts
Watch Videos (Login required)
|
Pathology & Evaluation of
Keel, Hock, & Toe Lesions in Diving Birds Rebecca Duerr, DVM, MPVM, PhD Julie Skoglund International Bird Rescue Full Abstract
Keel, hock, and toe lesions are common and often frustrating problems when rehabilitating diving birds such as loons, grebes, and diving ducks. These injuries can lead to serious, life-threatening infections, failure to have waterproof plumage, and loss of function in feet needed for swimming. As part of a larger study evaluating these problems, histology was performed on 28 birds that either died or were euthanized during rehabilitation at International Bird Rescue. This talk presents what we found in this investigation and discusses how it applies to clinical care of live birds with these types of injuries. Discussion also includes how to evaluate these problems and assess how serious issues are. The lecture also highlights ways to minimize these injuries from becoming worse during care and discusses potential treatment options. |
Hemoparasites in Common Murres
(Uria aalge) Undergoing Rehabilitation in CA Rebecca Duerr, DVM, MPVM, PhD International Bird Rescue Full Abstract
Common Murres (COMU) in California are commonly affected by hemoparasites. Affected birds are typically anemic and have difficulty recovering to a healthy, releasable state. In 2019, blood from 134 COMU was tested for hemoparasites by blood smear microscopy, PCR, or both. All birds were PCR negative for hemoparasites Hemoproteus, Leukocytozoon, and Plasmodium. However, 31.3% of COMU were positive for Babesia uriae by PCR, microscopy, or both. In 2020, a treatment trial was undertaken to assess the efficacy of Imizol + doxycycline or primaquine in positive birds. This talk presents the results of treatment in murres presented for rehabilitation. |
Comparison of Side Effects of
Two Anti-Chlamydial Antibiotics in the Koala Elliott Grossman Full Abstract
Chlamydia infection in koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus ) can cause blindness, decreased fertility, and death, and is seen in 46% and 80% of koalas admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (AZWH) and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, respectively. Chlamydiosis can be treated in some cases, though the adverse effects of treatment have not been the focus of any study to date. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 311 wild koalas with chlamydiosis to compare the side effects of treatment with chloramphenicol and doxycycline. While drug choice did not significantly impact survival, significantly more side effects and treatment failures were seen with chloramphenicol. A significantly larger proportion of koalas treated with doxycycline (30%) experienced no side effects versus koalas treated with chloramphenicol (11%). Significantly more koalas receiving chloramphenicol experienced bone marrow hypoplasia, gastrointestinal candidiasis, dehydration, depression, diarrhea, and weight loss. Weight loss of greater than 200 grams was see in 75% of chloramphenicol treated koalas compared to 48% of doxycycline treated koalas. Treatment failure occurred in 8.5% of the 153 chloramphenicol treated koalas compared to 2.5% of the 158 doxycycline treated koalas, indicated by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the end of treatment. While both antibiotics are effective and relatively safe at treating chlamydiosis in koalas, we recommend the use of doxycycline over chloramphenicol in the treatment of koala chlamydiosis to avoid adverse side effects. |
|
Taking an
evidence-based approach to becoming a clinician scientist Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD Full Abstract
As we evolve as a species, we have relied on science to carry us to new frontiers. Not since the pre-industrial age has society been so hesitant to question the value of science. While this may appear to be political, it happens in our field too. It is important that veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators not lose sight of the importance of evidence-based science to help care for our patients, as well as realize we can all contribute to the development of new science. This presentation reviews how we can each gain insight from evidence-based literature as well as contribute to its growth. |
Who cooks for you!
Stirring the pot to learn more about the medical and surgical needs of barred owls (Strix varia) Kelsey Rayment, DVM Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD, DECZM Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana Full Abstract
Barred owls are one of the most common species of owls found in the Eastern United States. These vocal mixed-forest inhabitants are experiencing significant challenges because of anthropogenic influences on their habitat. As the most common species of owl presented to the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana, we have seen our share of injuries to this large owl species. This presentation reviews the life history of this species as well as common presentations, diagnostics, and treatments. As we evolve as wildlife rehabilitators, we must develop the necessary medical and surgical skills to not only manage animals as a group (e.g., owls), but also as a species to meet their unique needs. |