LSS and Quarantine Abstracts
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Emerging Techniques for Quantifying Environmental Quality Mark Smith, New England Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
As an industry we are accustomed to measuring ‘standard’ environmental parameters for the animals in our care, such as nutrients, temperature, pH, etc. However, there are a number of other more esoteric, yet cheap and easy to measure, parameters that can give great insight into the quality of the environment. Examples include: atmospheric CO2, pH differential, and sand grain angularity. In addition, the development of mechanisms to quantify otherwise descriptive data can provide a valuable means to reveal trends and target trouble-shooting activities within living systems. Two examples include the development of a disease condition scale and the examination of relative biological loads within a dynamic system. Critical to the successful implementation of these techniques is a robust mechanism to feed collected information back into the operation of the living systems. |
Water Quality Optimization and
Resource Preservation via Comprehensive LSS Design Andy Aiken, National Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
Equipment instrumentation indicates life support system function, but it is water quality parameters that indicate treatment efficacy and resource allocation that indicates treatment efficiency. Equipment parameters—pressure, flow and water level—can be operating within “design specifications”, yet water quality parameters (e.g., nutrients, alkalinity, pH) can be unsuitable for aquatic life and excess resources (e.g., water, energy, labor) must be expended to normalize the environment. Two common water quality challenges have their root causes tied to poor life support system design and operation. Low pH and alkalinity occur when there is no means to export CO2 or when gas exchangers are poorly designed. High nitrates, a common reason for high volume water exchanges, results from insufficient assimilation, exportation and/or denitrification. Retrofitting suitably sized and designed gas management towers and denitrification systems can significantly reduce water, labor and energy consumption, while significantly improving conditions for aquatic life. |
Praziquantel Dosing and Breakdown in Quarantine Karen Tuttle Stearns, Aquarium of the Pacific Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
Praziquantel is an important medication used in Aquaria to treat monogenean flatworm parasite outbreaks. Due to the expense and difficulty of measuring Praziquantel in aquarium waters there is much that is not known about its persistence and breakdown when administered directly into aquarium systems. A quarantine system at the Aquarium of the Pacific was monitored under different circumstances to determine the most efficient dosing method and a way to delay the breakdown of Praziquantel. The breakdown products are evaluated using spectroscopy. Quarantine treatment options are reviewed and discussed. |
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Inorganic Phosphates in Reef Aquariums Aaron Pilnick, National Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
Inorganic phosphates in reef aquariums can often exceed values found on natural reefs, and are sometimes associated with decreased coral growth and coloration, and increased nuisance algae and cyanobacterial growth. Phosphate concentrations greater than 0.03 mg/L can be an indicator of poor water quality. Here we present information on various methods to reduce phosphates in a twenty-one-year-old 6,400-gallon reef aquarium with limited prior history of phosphate exportation and simplified life support. Specifically, we designed and built a side-stream filtration method that uses a commercial pool phosphate remover, Lanthanum Chloride, to remove bulk phosphates from the system. Phosphate was reduced from 1.5 mg/L to 0.5 mg/L over a 6-month period. An analysis of our water quality data over this time period reveals insights into how to best use Lanthanum Chloride on a mature reef system that lacks cutting edge life support elements. We also examine methods to avoid potential pitfalls associated with Lanthanum Chloride use in aquaria. |
Microbes and the Aquarium: Who is eating the Prazi? Larry C. Boles, Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
The effect of added chemicals on biological filters has been studied for many years and is the most important consideration when using therapeutic agents in recirculating aquarium systems. Drugs can also be utilized by microbes as a food source and may impact treatment procedures. Praziquantel (PZQ) is a drug commonly utilized to treat parasitic infections in humans and other animals. In the aquariums, PZQ is administered in a variety of ways ranging from short-term baths to long-term immersions for the treatment of ectoparasites on fish and elasmobranchs. In order to fully treat an infection, the aquarist may have to maintain therapeutic levels of PZQ over a period of many days. It has long been assumed that once administered, PZQ is stable in a marine environment and must be removed by filtration. However, no controlled experiments have been published to validate that claim. In this study, recirculating marine aquariums (three containing 12 French grunts, Haemulon flavolineatum, and three with no fish) were treated with PZQ at 2 ppm. After one round of treatment, the PZQ was no longer detectable in any system after 8 days. There were no significant differences in concentration over time between systems with or without fish, suggesting that the removal of PZQ from the environment was not due to the presence of fish. The subsequent two PZQ treatments yielded even faster breakdown (non-detectable after 2 days) with slight variations between systems. The variability in breakdown rate suggests that mechanical filtration is likely not causing the breakdown. In sterilized system water, PZQ concentration remained unchanged over 15 days, suggesting that breakdown is not naturally-occurring in salt water, but rather may be the result of bacterial degradation. These results should be taken into consideration when providing PZQ treatments to marine animals to ensure maximum drug administration. |
Successful Treatment of Eimeria southwelli in a Cownose Ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) Using Oral Copper Wire Particles
Dr. Elsburgh O. Clarke III, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
Cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) are medium sized elasmobranchs commonly kept in aquaria throughout North America. Eimeria southwelli, an apicomplexan parasite, is a known organism associated with mortality in cownose rays.1 Clinical signs of eimeria infection include discoloration, emaciation and death.1 An adult female cownose ray housed in captivity long term, but initially wild caught was maintained in a large approximately 510,300 L multi-species exhibit. At initial clinical presentation, this ray was observed to be severely emaciated (weight 1.36 kg) and discolored. The animal was manually captured and medically evaluated. A coelomic cavity saline flush and sampling with cytological concentration was performed and E. southwelli oocysts were observed on microscopic evaluation of the fluid. The animal was treated with a one-time dose of copper wire particles (50 mg, Copasure®, Animax Ltd, Shepards Grove West Stanton, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 2AR, England) at a dosage of 36.7 mg/kg. The copper wire particles were placed in an empty dosing gel capsule and fed orally with frozen-thawed diet items. Weights were obtained weekly, and coelomic cavity saline flush and sampling were performed at 6 and 10 weeks post copper wire treatment to observe for E. southwelli oocysts, both were negative for visible oocysts. At week 10 the animal had returned to a normal body condition, normal activity level, and was over 2 kg and determined to be clinically normal and returned to the main exhibit, where it remains. Coelomic saline sampling is one of the most common ways to diagnose E. southwelli in cownose rays.1 In the case of this particular cownose ray, copper wire particles given orally appeared to be a safe and effective treatment option for an E. southwelli infection. Future studies evaluating the pharmacokinetic and dynamic effects and safety of this treatment in cownose rays is indicated. |
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Topical Applications of Misoprostol and Phenyton Gel for Treatment of Dermal Ulcerations in Teleosts Dr. Elsburgh O. Clarke III, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog, is used to decrease gastric secretion and increase uterine contraction frequency in both veterinary and human medicine. Phenytoin is used as an anticonvulsant and antidysrhythmic, and is commonly incorporated into euthanasia solutions in veterinary medicine. These drugs have been compounded together and used topically to treat ulcers in human medicine. Mechanisms of action include stimulation of fibroblasts, increased collagen deposition, glucorticoid antagonism and antimicrobial activity. Misoprostol/Phenytoin gel (MP) was used for treatment of dermal ulcerations due to conspecific aggression and/or environmental trauma in multiple teleost cases at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and its effectiveness was evaluated. A community compounding pharmacist prepared the two drugs into a fine powder, consisting of 0.0024% Misoprostol and 2% Phenytoin. During treatment, the affected teleost was manually restrained or sedated with tricaine methanesulfonate, and temporarily removed from the water. Lesion sites were cleaned with dilute chlorohexidine and rinsed with saline. A thin layer of MP was applied to the ulcerated area. Once in contact with moist surfaces, the powder quickly transformed into an opaque, sticky gel-like substance. Additional saline or enclosure water was applied to further transform the powder to gel if needed. Once a thin layer was established, the patient was returned to the normal enclosure. Depending on the lesion site and application thickness, the compounded gel typically remained in place for 3-5 days, and re-application was performed as needed. The gel acts as a protective layer, potentially decreasing osmotic stressors to the patient while promoting granulation tissue and healing. This compound has been used in multiple marine and freshwater species. No adverse reactions have been noted due to application of the drugs in any patient. Misoprostol/Phenytoin gel is easily applied, durable in the aquatic environment, and subjectively decreases healing time in ulcerated tissue of teleosts. |
Stop Exposing Yourself: A Self-Help Guide ... to Anemone Quarantine Gavin Moecklin, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
There is very little literature about common disease processes within anemones and even less about potential therapeutic modalities to treat and acclimate these animals in captivity. We attempt to classify and construe a quarantine protocol based on past experiences, anecdotal information, and histopathology reports. Over the span of a year, two anemone species, Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla haddoni, were obtained from various marine animal suppliers. Animals were isolated into a 37.8 L glass enclosure which was placed in a 378 L fiberglass tray filled with water to help regulate temperature. The animals were given PVC pipe connections to attach to. A small powerhead separated by egg crate was also put into the enclosure to provide flow over the animal. Animals that died during the process were sent off for histopathology. Based off this information a quarantine protocol involving high flow, good water quality, and antimicrobial immersion bath therapies were developed. Antimicrobial therapy included immersive baths of Ciprofloxacin at 6.6 mg/L for 24 hours for 7 days with 50-100% daily water changes based on water quality. This was followed by an additional 3 days of observation with 50-100% daily water changes. The anemones were not fed during this time. Pictures of the anemones were taken and given daily scores on a scale of 1-10 based on observed health. A score of 1 being perfectly healthy and a score of 10 being nearly deceased. After 10 days of treatment, anemones with scores ≤2 were placed in mature holding systems and fed 3-4 times per week. Anemones were considered clear and healthy after one month of consistent feeding and inflation. While the use of Ciprofloxacin did appear to have a positive effect on the acclimation of anemones to captivity, the authors of this paper cannot stress enough the importance of responsible suppliers. Though all anemones received showed signs of shipping stress and irregular inflation and deflation, not surprisingly the highest survival rates were associated with animals that arrived inflated. Histopathology of submitted samples revealed ciliate organisms, amoeba, bacilli bacteria, and cestodes. This study attempts to describe potential pathogens affecting anemones and possible therapeutic modalities for acclimation and quarantine protocols. |
Keeping you in the Loop:
a unique approach in treating a Zebra Shark Stegostoma fasciatum tail wound using Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and the ASSISI LOOP Christoph Noetzil, Minnesota Zoo Watch Video (Login required) . Full Abstract
The Minnesota Zoo has a male zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) which presented with a larger wound on the top of its caudal fin, a result of a small abrasion being picked on and worsened by numerous butterfly fish. After being placed in a holding pool, healing was very slow despite dosing with Baytril and using other conventional treatments. Our veterinarian staff and team of aquarists decided to try a unique medical device, called the ASSISI LOOP. The LOOP uses Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (TPEMF) to aid in soft tissue trauma and wound care. The results were very encouraging, as blood flow to the wound was immediately noticeable during treatment, and overall recovery time was reduced. Using the LOOP was quite simple. Once the shark was placed under tonic immobility, the injured portion of the tail was placed inside the loop to undergo the TPEMF treatment for a total of 15 minutes, once a week. Future use of the LOOP can be very practical in the aquarium industry. It is compact, safe, and can reduce or eliminate the use of pharmaceuticals, while expediting healing time on a variety of elasmobranch injuries. |