Clinical signs in free-ranging Guiana dolphins Sotalia guianensis during a morbillivirus epidemic: case study in Sepetiba Bay, Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Flach ◽  
MB Alonso ◽  
T Marinho ◽  
K Van Waerebeek ◽  
MF Van Bressem
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Davy ◽  
Leonard Shirose ◽  
Doug Campbell ◽  
Rachel Dillon ◽  
Christina McKenzie ◽  
...  

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are typically characterized by novelty (recent detection) and by increasing incidence, distribution, and/or pathogenicity. Ophidiomycosis, also called snake fungal disease, is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (formerly “ophiodiicola”). Ophidiomycosis has been characterized as an EID and as a potential threat to populations of Nearctic snakes, sparking over a decade of targeted research. However, the severity of this threat is unclear. We reviewed the available literature to quantify incidence and effects of ophidiomycosis in Nearctic snakes, and to evaluate whether the evidence supports the ongoing characterization of ophidiomycosis as an EID. Data from Canada remain scarce, so we supplemented the literature review with surveys for O. ophidiicola in the Canadian Great Lakes region. Peer-reviewed reports of clinical signs consistent with ophidiomycosis in free-ranging, Nearctic snakes date back to at least 1998, and retrospective molecular testing of samples extend the earliest confirmed record to 1986. Diagnostic criteria varied among publications (n = 33), confounding quantitative comparisons. Ophidiomycosis was diagnosed or suspected in 36/121 captive snakes and was fatal in over half of cases (66.7%). This result may implicate captivity-related stress as a risk factor for mortality from ophidiomycosis, but could also reflect reporting bias (i.e., infections are more likely to be detected in captive snakes, and severe cases are more likely to be reported). In contrast, ophidiomycosis was diagnosed or suspected in 441/2,384 free-ranging snakes, with mortality observed in 43 (9.8 %). Ophidiomycosis was only speculatively linked to population declines, and we found no evidence that the prevalence of the pathogen or disease increased over the past decade of targeted research. Supplemental surveys and molecular (qPCR) testing in Ontario, Canada detected O. ophidiicola on 76 of 657 free-ranging snakes sampled across ~136,000 km2. The pathogen was detected at most sites despite limited and haphazard sampling. No large-scale mortality was observed. Current evidence supports previous suggestions that the pathogen is a widespread, previously unrecognized endemic, rather than a novel pathogen. Ophidiomycosis may not pose an imminent threat to Nearctic snakes, but further research should investigate potential sublethal effects of ophidiomycosis such as altered reproductive success that could impact population growth, and explore whether shifting environmental conditions may alter host susceptibility.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 228-231
Author(s):  
Cheryl Corral

Canine degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, debilitating condition of older, often large breed dogs, and is seen on a fairly frequent basis in practice. This article discusses the background of the condition including clinical signs to be expected at different stages in the disease process, how the condition is diagnosed, and looks at how best the condition can be managed using rehabilitation therapies with no curative treatment currently available. It also includes a case study describing a rehabilitation protocol for a patient referred for rehabilitation by the referring veterinary surgeon following diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliott Chiu ◽  
Ryan M Troyer ◽  
Michael R Lappin ◽  
Sue VandeWoude

Objectives Several studies have reported that domestic cats can be naturally infected with bovine herpesvirus 4 (BHV4). Cats experimentally inoculated with BHV4 developed clinical signs involving the urinary tract, leading to the hypothesis that natural infection with BHV4 may be associated with feline lower urinary tract diseases. However, the question of whether BHV4 infection is common in cats remains equivocal. In this study, we sought to determine whether BHV4 is a common natural infection of domestic cats in the USA. Methods We used a sensitive nested PCR protocol specific to the BHV4 thymidine kinase gene to screen free-ranging domestic cat blood DNA samples (n = 101) collected from California, Colorado and Florida. Results Cats within this cohort were positive for seven other common pathogens of domestic cats, demonstrating the relatively high exposure of this population to endemic feline infections. In contrast, all domestic cat blood samples were negative for BHV4, while BHV4-containing tissue culture extracts were strongly positive. Conclusions and relevance BHV4 has been detected in tissues of latently infected cattle, though viral DNA is typically also detected in peripheral blood cells throughout infection. Our results suggest that persistent presence of BHV4 DNA in the blood of domestic cats is either rare or non-existent. We thus conclude that BHV4 is unlikely to be a major pathogen of cats.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e1008758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Olival ◽  
Paul M. Cryan ◽  
Brian R. Amman ◽  
Ralph S. Baric ◽  
David S. Blehert ◽  
...  

1998 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARIANN KLAEY ◽  
MARIA SANCHEZ-HIGGINS ◽  
D. P. LEADON ◽  
ANNE CULLINANE ◽  
R. STRAUB ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
AP Ferreira

This study focuses on metals analysis in kidney and liver tissues of Egretta thula which were collected prostrate or newly dead in Coroa Grande mangrove, Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between March 2005 and October 2008. Kidney and liver were collected and analysed to evaluate heavy metal pollution. High values and widest range were detected for all metals in liver and kidney tissues. Geometric mean differences from metals concentrations for Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Cr, respectively, were found in both organs. Results from linear regression analysis were non-significant in kidney (r = -0.79975, P = 0.10428), and in liver (r = -0.53193, P = 0.35618). With ANOVA analysis for metal accumulation differences (kidney*liver), at the 0.05 level, the results were significantly different (F = 33.17676, P = 0.00000; F = 12.47880, P = 0.00000). These results indicate that Sepetiba Bay shows worrying levels of metals in this study with E. thula, showing potential power of widespread biological and mutagenic adverse effects in trophic levels, and therefore, signalling risk to human health.


Author(s):  
Pradeep G. Desai ◽  
Mukund P. Dhule

Aims: To evaluate the qualitative and quantitative assessment of vata doshain a case of gridhrasi by nadi tarangini device. Introduction: Ayurveda has an unique method of patient examination by ashtavidha pareeksha. i.e. nadi, mutra, mala, jivha, shabda, sparsha, drik and akruti. Amongst which examination of nadi becomes prominent examination which helps in better diagnosis of a disease/vyadhi. Gridhrasi is shoola pradhana vataja nanatmaja vatavyadhi, affecting the back involving lower limb which hampers patient’s daily routine activity. Line of Management of gridhrasi includes siravyadha, bastikarma and agnikarma. Siravyadha and agnikarma are considered as instant pain relieving methods. Raktamokshana by siravyadha is considered to be ardha chikitsa according to Sushruta. Siravyadha is specially indicated in case of gridhrasi. It is a simple OPD level procedure affordable/economical to all categories of patients and time saving. As siravyadha gives instant relief and gridhrasi is vataja nanatmaja vyadhi, it is easy for the assessment and understanding of reduction in symptoms by nadi tarangini device. Hence, in this case study an attempt is made to assess the quantitative and qualitative analysis of vata dosha before and after the procedure of siravyadha. Case Study: A patient, 45 years old; he showed the main clinical signs and symptoms of gridhrasi came to our OPD, had a history of 2 years, and had worsened in the past two days. He underwent a careful examination and we recorded a detailed medical history. With all purva, pradhana and paschat karma, siravyadha procedure was done and nadi tarangini readings were taken before, after and on 10th day of siravyadha procedure. Place and Duration of the Study: Study was conducted in ‘Sri Jain AGM Ayurved Medical College & Hospital, Varur-Hubballi (Karnatak). Study duration was 10 days. Results: Patient got marked relief in subjective criteria i.e. stambha, toda, ruk, toda, spandana, gaurava and also in objective parameters i.e. straight leg raise test, lassegue’s test and Oswestry low back pain score. It was seen that, there was visible difference in the analysis of nadi tarangini report. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, siravyadha gives better relief in gridhrasi. And it was found that nadi tarangini can be used to assess the dosha dushti and many other parameters.


Author(s):  
Tanima Choudhury

Background: The Indian kennel club has determined the weight and height characteristics of adult Indian free-ranging dogs but not for the puppies despite the dogs existing in India for centuries. The formation of a growth chart for these dogs may help veterinarians to be better able to determine the age and health status of the rescued puppies.Methods: In this study, the weekly weight gains and monthly total length increases of a female Indian free-ranging puppy were observed from 5th - 22nd week of the puppy’s life in order to form a growth chart. The puppy’s life during observation was divided into three phases-pre-weaned, weaned and scavenge by itself. The mother’s monthly weight gain was measured.Result: The puppy showed 0.71+0.30 kg in the first, 0.45+0.48 kg in the second and 0.38 +0.40 kg increase in the third phase of the observation period. No significant difference in weight gain was observed in the three phases. The monthly weight gain and length increase were 1.95+0.587 kg and 21.25+19.05 cm respectively. No correlation was observed between them. No correlation between months after birth and mother’s weight gain were observed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley P. Smith ◽  
Shennai G. Palermo ◽  
Lyn Watson

As we enter an era of global mass extinctions, it is important to tackle wildlife research and conservation from multiple fronts, including those made available by wildlife organisations, zoos and sanctuaries. Captive studies are particularly useful when studying free-ranging populations is difficult, and/or when controlled conditions are required. Yet, despite the significant role that they play in supporting research and conservation of species and ecosystems, they are rarely recognised in the scientific literature. Here we present a case study of the Australian Dingo Foundation (ADF), a private organisation and captive breeding facility that actively supports research and conservation efforts relating to the dingo ( Canis dingo). Over the past decade (2010 to 2020), the ADF has facilitated research across eight research disciplines that include archaeology, behaviour, biology, cognition, evolutionary psychology, non-lethal management, reproduction and parental behaviour, and vocalisations. This has resulted in at least 21 published scientific studies which are summarised in this paper. As this case study demonstrates, captive facilities have the potential to contribute to the understanding and conservation of dingoes by providing practical alternatives to, and/or supplement studies of free-ranging populations. We conclude by outlining some of the implications and limitations of conducting research using captive dingo populations.


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