Pyelonephritis associated with Staphylococcus intermedius in a Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)

Pyelonephritis, in which Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated, was diagnosed in a 4-year-old female Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). At necropsy, the renal pelvis was dilated with a large amount of purulent exudates. Microscopically, the lesions of renal pelvis and medulla consisted of necrotic foci intermingled primarily with numerous degenerative neutrophils and a few lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages. Bacteriology showed the presence of S. intermedius. This is the first report on pyelonephritis associated with S. intermedius in wild felidae.     

Birth of Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) cubs after transvaginal artificial insemination.

A captive 9-yr-old female Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) at the Lisbon Zoo was treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin followed 80 hr later by human chorionic gonadotropin to stimulate follicular development and ovulation, respectively. Forty-one hours after the second hormone administration, the tiger was subjected to transvaginal artificial insemination with diluted fresh semen containing 500 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa obtained from an 8-yr-old male Siberian tiger via electroejaculation. After anesthesia, the female tiger was placed in an inclined position with the hind limbs elevated during and after the insemination and was maintained in this position for 15 min to minimize semen reflux. An anesthetic reversal agent was then administered. After a 103-day gestation, the female gave birth to three apparently healthy cubs that survived 24-48 hr. These results demonstrate that transvaginal artificial insemination can be successfully performed in the Siberian tiger to produce full-term offspring.     

Klinefelter syndrome (39 XXY) in an adult Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).

Fibroblast cultures of a skin biopsy from an adult intact male Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) revealed an abnormal standard and G-banded karyotype diploid chromosome number of 2n = 39 XXY due to an extra sex chromosome as opposed to the expected 2n = 38 XY. The tiger was euthanatized 1 yr later due to acute multifocal intervertebral disc disease. Histopathology of the reproductive tract demonstrated a paucity of seminiferous tubules and these were devoid of spermatagonia. An increase in fibrous connective tissue was noted in sections of the prostate and epididymis, and expansion of the fibrous interstitium was observed in the testes.     

Xylazine-midazolam-ketamine versus medetomidine-midazolam-ketamine anesthesia in captive Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica).

Two alpha2-adrenoceptor agents, xylazine and medetomidine, in combination with midazolam and ketamine safely and effectively immobilized Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica). The medetomidine protocol used smaller drug volumes, and induction and recovery times were shorter. Although cardiopulmonary abnormalities were noted, none were likely to be life threatening.     

Continuous lumbar hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc disease in an Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)

A 13-yr-old Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) was presented for an acute onset of paraplegia. Spinal imaging that included plain radiographs, myelography, and computed tomography performed under general anesthesia revealed lateralized spinal cord compression at the intervertebral disc space L4-5 caused by intervertebral disc extrusion. This extrusion was accompanied by an extensive epidural hemorrhage from L3 to L6. Therefore, a continuous hemilaminectomy from L3 to L6 was performed, resulting in complete decompression of the spinal cord. The tiger was ambulatory again 10 days after the surgery. This case suggests that the potential benefit of complete spinal cord decompression may outweigh the risk of causing clinically significant spinal instability after extensive decompression.     

一种东北虎全血DNA抽提的方法

以8只东北虎全血为材料，用CTAB自配细胞裂解液和细胞沉淀液，采用改进的方法提取基因组DNA。结果表明，提取的基因组DNA纯度高，用琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测基因组DNA，主带清晰、无拖尾现象。     

日粮和管理对东北虎血液指标及免疫功能的影响

从营养和管理方式均不同的两组东北虎群中各选5只体型适中的成年雄性东北虎作为研究对象，其中笼养组以纯肉为日粮，散养组以混合饲料为日粮。麻醉后采集静脉血，测定血液中各项生理生化指标，外周血淋巴细胞增殖性反应，以及血清中白细胞介素-2（IL-2）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）和肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）的含量。结果：散养组外周血淋巴细胞增殖性反应显著高于笼养组（P〈0．05）；血清尿素、肌酐、淀粉酶、谷丙转氦酶、谷草转氦酶等指标在两组间差异显著（P〈0．05）：全血红细胞计数、白细胞计数、血红蛋白含量、血清蛋白、甘油三酯、总胆固醇等指标组间差异不显著（P〉0．05）。结果显示：营养和管理方式对东北虎某些血液指标产生影响，混合日粮和散养方式更有利于维持东北虎的正常免疫机能和健康。     

Mammary carcinoma in a tiger (Panthera tigris): morphological and immunohistochemical study

The histologic and immunohistochemical features of a case of mammary gland carcinoma are described in a 14-yr-old female tiger (Panthera tigris). Immunoreactivity to estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), tumoral protein 53 (p53), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), and cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) was investigated. Neoplastic cells were negative for ER, PR, and p53 but showed positivity for VEGF, HER-2, and COX-2, both in the primary and the metastatic lesions. Histopathologic findings and immunohistochemistry results suggested that the malignant behavior of the reported case could be comparable with some aggressive cat mammary carcinomas.     

Hemorrhagic enterocolitis and death in two felines (Panthera tigris altaica and Panthera leo) associated with Clostridium perfringens type A

Severe hemorrhagic enterocolitis was observed in a Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) and a lion (Panthera leo). Both animals developed acute depression, anorexia, and bloody diarrhea several days before death. Small and large intestines were diffusely congested, edematous, necrotic, and filled with hemorrhagic fluid, and mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and congested. Pure and abundant growth of gram-positive bacilli was obtained in culture under anaerobic conditions from the livers of both felines. Identification of highly virulent Clostridium perfringens Type A was based on pathologic lesions, hemolytic patterns, morphologic structure, and polymerase chain reaction. Animal inoculation assays indicated that C. perfringens Type A played an important role in the pathogenesis of both felines.     

Chordoma of the thoracic vertebrae in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

A 19-year-old female Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was presented with hind limb weakness, ataxia and respiratory distress. Computed tomography revealed a mass between the left side of the T7 vertebra and the base of the left 7th rib. The tiger then died, and necropsy was performed. Grossly, the vertebral mass was 6 × 5.7 × 3 cm, and invaded the adjacent vertebral bone and compressed the T7 spinal cord. Histologically, the mass was composed of large, clear, vacuolated and polygonal cells with osteochondral matrix. Cellular and nuclear atypia were moderate. The vacuolated cells stained positively for cytokeratin and vimentin and negatively for S-100. Based on these findings, the present case was diagnosed as a vertebral chordoma; the first report in a tiger.     

圈养雄性东北虎春季粪便中皮质醇激素含量的变化及其指示作用

2013年3月上旬至6月底采集黑龙江省东北虎林园圈养东北虎的新鲜粪便,运用酶联免疫法(ELISA)测定圈养雄性东北虎不同年龄组春季粪便中皮质醇的含量。结果表明:壮年雄性虎皮质醇总体水平变化相对平稳,青年雄性虎皮质醇总体水平变化有小幅度的差异(P0.05),3月与4月有显著性差异(P0.05),老年雄性虎皮质醇总体水平变化差异极显著(P0.01);对于环境的改变接受能力最好的是壮年虎,青年虎次之,而老年虎则需要分泌更多的皮质醇来使其适应环境。因此,若对物种进行野化放归,壮年虎可优先考虑。     

Meloxicam and surgical denervation of the coxofemoral joint for the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).

An adult male white Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) with pronounced atrophy of the pelvic musculature was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joints. Initial management with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam and a semisynthetic sodium pentosan polysulfate resulted in clinical improvement and radiographic stabilization of the arthritic condition over several months. However, because pain was still evident, bilateral denervation of the coxofemoral joints was performed, successfully ameliorating the signs of osteoarthritic pain in the tiger. Meloxicam has shown good clinical efficacy for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other painful conditions in large felids. Coxofemoral joint denervation offers many advantages for the treatment of osteoarthritis in exotic carnivore species, and should be considered a viable treatment modality.     

Persistent right aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery in a white Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris).

A 3-mo-old male white Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) presented with the chief complaint of regurgitation of solid food since weaning at 2 mo of age. Compared with its littermates, the tiger was in poor body condition and weighed only 10.3 kg when its littermates were estimated at 20-25 kg. Thoracic radiographs showed a megaesophagus cranial to the heart base. A contrast esophagram more clearly outlined the megaesophagus, and fluoroscopy demonstrated normal motility of the caudal esophagus. Endoscopic examination revealed a structure coursing dorsally from right to left over the esophagus and a constrictive band on the left of the esophagus at the heart base. Nonselective angiography confirmed the presence of a persistent right aortic arch, as well as an aberrant left subclavian artery. A left fourth intercostal thoracotomy was performed, and the ligamentum arteriosum was double ligated and divided. The left subclavian artery did not cause significant compromise of the esophagus and was not manipulated at surgery. The tiger recovered well from anesthesia and surgery. Solid food was slowly introduced over a 2-mo period without any regurgitation. The cub gained weight rapidly after surgery.     

Preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) cub.

Preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus are described in a neonatal Sumatran tiger, Panthera tigris sumatrae. Eight days postpartum, the cub appeared weak, and it was separated from the dam for hand rearing. On examination it was dehydrated and hypothermic. Despite treatment, the animal's condition worsened and the cub died 12 days postpartum. Gross postmortem and histologic examinations revealed a preductal aortic coarctation and patent ductus arteriosus with a patent foramen ovale and moderate dilatation of the right ventricle of the heart. Focal pneumonia and mild hepatitis were also present; however, diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema were considered to be the proximate cause of death.     

Cavernous tuberculosis of the lungs and secondary hypertrophic osteo-arthropathy in a Siberian tiger (Panthera tigrus)

In a colony of large felines, a Siberian tiger died after having shown lameness for 4 months. X-ray examination 3 months prior to death revealed extensive bone proliferations around the left carpus and cavitations in the lungs. In spite of tuberculostatic therapy the animal died and a final diagnosis of cavernous lung tuberculosis(M. bovis) and a related osteo-arthropathy was made. A 7-year-old Siberian tiger owned by the Royal Rotterdam Zoo ‘Blijdorp’, was brought for examination to the veterinary surgery clinic of the State University of Utrecht. The patient walked with difficulty and showed thickening of the left and right carpi. The weight of the animal was 180 kg. After sedation by means of an intramuscular injection of 45 mg of phencyclidine (Sernylan-Parke Davis) and 90 mg of acepromazine (Ventranquil-Philips Duphar), combined with 10 mg of atropine, it was possible to inject 19 ml of 5 % thiopentone sodium (B.P. Boots Pure Drug Go. Ltd) into the tail vein. Narcosis was maintained using nitrous oxide and halothane (Fluothane-ICI Ltd). Résumé. Un tigre de Sibérie, appartenant à un groupe de gros félins est mort après avoir présenté pendant 4 mois des phénomènes paralytiques. Un examen radiologique, effectué 3 mois avant la mort a révélé d'importantes proliférations osseuses autour du carpe gauche et la présence de cavernes pulmonaires. Malgré l'institution d'un traitement anti-tuberculeux, l'animal mourut, et le diagnostic final était celui de tuberculose pulmonaire à Mycobacterium bovis avec ostéo-arthropathie de la même origine. Zusammenfassung. In einer Grosskatzenkolonie starb ein sibirischer Tiger, nachdem er 4 Monate lang Lahmheit gezeigt hatte. Die Röntgenuntersuchung 3 Monate vor dem Tode zeigte ausgedehnte Knochenwucherungen um den linken Carpus und Cavitationen in der Lunge. Trotz tuberculostatischer Therapie starb das Tier, und die abschliessende Diagnose lautete auf cavernöse Lungentuberkulose (M. bovis) und eine damit in Beziehung stehende Osteo-arthropathie.     

纤维素酶对生长猪的生长效果试验

选 ( 1 8 9± 2 2 )kg的杜×长×大三元杂交猪 96头。随机分成 4个处理 ,每个处理 4个重复 ,每个重复 6头猪。以玉米 豆粕 + 1 5 %麦麸为基础日粮 ,试验组在基础日粮的基础上添加 0 2 %的发酵所复合酶制剂 ,0 2 %的发酵所单一纤维素酶制剂和 0 2 %的赤峰宝山复合酶制剂。试验结果表明 :添加酶制剂在一定程度上可以促进生长 ,改善饲料利用率。与对照组相比 ,发酵所复合酶制剂组平均日增重提高 9 1 % (P >0 0 5 ) ,料重比提高 7% (P >0 0 5 ) ;发酵所单一酶制剂组平均日增重和饲料转化率分别提高 7 3% (P >0 0 5 )和 4 1 % (P >0 0 5 ) ;赤峰宝山复合酶制剂组平均日增重和饲料转化率分别提高 2 % (P >0 0 5 )和 3 3% (P >0 0 5 )。     

东北虎巴氏杆菌病的病原分离鉴定及耐药性分析

为确定从死亡东北虎脏器组织中分离获得的1株细菌的特性，通过菌体形态、菌落形态、革兰氏和美蓝染色特性、生化特性、血清型、动物致病性试验等系统鉴定，确定其为高致病性的多杀性巴氏杆菌。20种常用抗菌药物的纸片法药敏试验结果证明，该菌株仅对新霉素、头孢唑啉和卡那霉素3种药物敏感，对大多数抗菌药物高度耐药。经电镜负染观察及传代细胞系和鸡胚进行病毒分离，结果均为阴性。     

Antibody response to vaccines for rhinotracheitis, caliciviral disease, panleukopenia, feline leukemia, and rabies in tigers (Panthera tigris) and lions (Panthera leo)

This article presents the results of a study of captive tigers (Panthera tigris) and lions (Panthera leo) vaccinated with a recombinant vaccine against feline leukemia virus; an inactivated adjuvanted vaccine against rabies virus; and a multivalent modified live vaccine against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus. The aim of the study was to assess the immune response and safety of the vaccines and to compare the effects of the administration of single (1 ml) and double (2 ml) doses. The animals were separated into two groups and received either single or double doses of vaccines, followed by blood collection for serologic response for 400 days. No serious adverse event was observed, with the exception of abortion in one lioness, potentially caused by the incorrect use of the feline panleukopenia virus modified live vaccine. There was no significant difference between single and double doses for all vaccines. The recombinant vaccine against feline leukemia virus did not induce any serologic response. The vaccines against rabies and feline herpesvirus induced a significant immune response in the tigers and lions. The vaccine against calicivirus did not induce a significant increase in antibody titers in either tigers or lions. The vaccine against feline panleukopenia virus induced a significant immune response in tigers but not in lions. This report demonstrates the value of antibody titer determination after vaccination of nondomestic felids.     

Alterations triggered by steroid gonadal hormones in triglycerides and the cellular immune response of Calomys callosus infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi

Calomys callosus is a wild rodent found naturally infected with different Trypanosoma cruzi strains. In the work described here, groups of male and female C. callosus were subjected to orchiectomy, ovariectomy and sham operation. One month after surgery, animals were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 4x10(4) blood trypomastigotes of the "Y" strain of T. cruzi. Parasitemia, triglycerides, nitric oxide (NO) and concanavalin A (ConA)-induced proliferation were evaluated. Parasitemia during the course of infection was significantly higher in infected and sham operated animals as compared to infected orchiectomized animals. The opposite was observed in the ovariectomized and infected group. Orchiectomized and infected animals displayed elevated triglyceride levels, as well as a more vigorous immune response, with higher splenocyte proliferation and elevated concentrations of NO. Ovariectomy resulted in an impaired immune response, as observed by a reduction of splenocyte proliferation and NO concentration. The results suggest a pivotal role for gonadal hormones in the modulation of triglyceride levels and the magnitude of the immune response during the acute phase of T. cruzi infection.     

Studies on the functional relationship between thyroid, adrenal and gonadal hormones

In order to clarify the functional relationship between thyroid, adrenal and gonadal hormones, hypothyroidism was induced by administration of thiuoracil in adult male and female rats, and the effects of hypothyroidism on the adrenal and the gonadal axes were investigated in the present study. 1. The functional relationship between thyroid and adrenal hormones: Adrenal weights and corticosterone were lowered, whereas the secretion of ACTH, corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) increased in hypothyroid rats compared to euthyroid rats. These results indicate that hypothyroidism causes adrenal dysfunction directly and results in hypersecretion of CRH and AVP from the hypothalamus. 2. The functional relationship between thyroid and gonadal hormones: The pituitary response to LHRH was lowered, whereas the testicular response to hCG was not changed in hypothyroid rats. Hypothyroidism suppressed copulatory behavior in male rats. These results suggest that hypothyroidism probably causes dysfunction in gonadal axis at the hypothalamic-pituitary level in male rats. In adult female rats, hypothyroidism inhibited the follicular development accompanied estradiol secretion, whereas plasma concentrations of progesterone and prolactin (PRL) increased in hypothyroid female rats. Hypothyroidism significantly increased the pituitary content of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) though it did not affect dopamine synthesis. These results suggest that hypothyroidism increases pituitary content of VIP and this increased level of VIP likely affects PRL secretion in a paracrine or autocrine manner. In female rats, inhibition of gonadal function in hypothyroid rats mediated by hyperprolactinemia in addition to hypersecretion of endogenous CRH.