Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are a popular feeder insect but, like most other insects, have an inverse calcium to phosphorous (Ca:P) ratio. A plethora of insect diets claim to correct this inverse ratio, but limited evidence-based data exists. The goals of this study were to determine whether diets claiming to correct the Ca:P ratio can do so, to determine the effect of diet on the nutritional value and mortality of dubia roaches, and to determine the fasting period required to empty the gut of dubia roaches. In phase one, nymphal roaches were fasted (24 h) and randomly divided into a control group (n = 6, baseline) and two experimental groups (n = 6 each). Each cohort represented approximately 75–80 roaches. Roaches in the experimental groups were fed either 50 g of a high calcium diet or low calcium diet (24 h). The Ca:P ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the high calcium group compared with the control and low calcium diet groups. In phase two, adult roaches (25.4–31.8 mm) were fasted (24 h) and then gut-loaded for 24 or 168 h on a high calcium or low calcium diet (n = 6/group). The Ca:P ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the high calcium group compared with the low calcium diet group, regardless of time. No significant difference (all P > 0.06) in mortality occurred across diets or overtime. In phase three, adult roaches were fasted (24 h), gut-loaded on the high calcium diet (24 h), and then fasted for 24, 48, or 72 h (n = 3). The Ca:P ratio did not decrease over time (P = 0.092). These results confirm that a high calcium diet can increase the Ca:P ratio in dubia roaches; however, not all gut-loading diets can alter the Ca:P ratio.

Viscoelastic testing evaluates the formation and lysis of a clot over time, allowing more complete assessment of patient hemostasis in real time, whereas traditional tests, such as prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, only measure coagulation factor function. Patient-side viscoelastic coagulation monitors are easy to use, portable, and provide faster turnaround time than commercial laboratories. Viscoelastic testing requires only 0.2 mL of blood and is useful in diagnosing and treating hemostatic disorders. Currently, there is no standardized coagulation testing method across bird species. In this cross-sectional study, a viscoelastic coagulation device, the Entegrion Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor-Vet (VCM-Vet), was evaluated. Blood samples were obtained from 26 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (HAPs) (Amazona ventralis) under manual restraint. Results were recorded on the device as graphical output with quantitative viscoelastic measurements. Results were reported using standard rotational thromboelastometry terminology, including clotting time, clot formation time, alpha angle, maximum clot firmness, clot firmness amplitude at 10 and 20 minutes after clot formation, and clot lysis at 30 and 45 minutes. The median clotting time was 463 seconds (reference interval: 56-1635 seconds), the mean clot formation time was 704.7 seconds (reference interval: 172-1697 seconds), the mean alpha angle was 27.3 (reference interval: 7-60), and the mean maximum clot firmness was 15.4 (reference interval: 7-25). Statistical analysis found that all parameters were normally distributed aside from clotting time in seconds. There was no appreciable breakdown of the clot during the 60-minute device runtime, and there was no significant difference in any parameter based on sex. The VCM-Vet produced clotting times for this population of HAPs and enabled the creation of reference intervals. Based on our findings, the VCM-Vet can be used to assess clot potential in HAPs and possibly other avian species.

Euthanasia is a common veterinary medical procedure performed on terminally ill backyard chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). To reduce stress for these animals, it is important to develop a euthanasia protocol that provides a rapid and humane death. For this prospective research investigation, we evaluated 2 different methods of euthanasia in chickens. Twenty-two adult female leghorn chickens were administered an intravenous (IV, n = 11) or oral transmucosal (OTM, n = 11) 602 mg/kg dose of pentobarbital sodium solution for humane euthanasia. Loss of consciousness (LOC) occurred in 95.4% (21/22) of the birds within 5 minutes. Both apnea and asystole were achieved in 100% (11/11) of the birds in the IV group and 54.5% (6/11) of the birds in the OTM group after 5 minutes; 45.5% (5/11) of the chickens in the OTM group had to be rescued. Birds administered the euthanasia solution IV were found to have faster times to LOC (Mann-Whitney U [MW]=110.5, P < 0.001), asystole (MW: 121, P < 0.001), and apnea (MW: 121, P < 0.001) compared with the OTM chickens. Overall, the OTM route for administering pentobarbital sodium in chickens resulted in a reliable LOC in all but 1 bird; however, it did not result in apnea and asystole for all birds within 5 minutes. Based on the results of this study, the OTM administration of pentobarbital sodium is not a reliable method to euthanize chickens.

The field of reptile infectious disease epidemiology continues to grow and evolve, revealing a diverse variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Many of these organisms go beyond being opportunistic agents and serve as true obligate pathogens, with some being responsible for mortality events worldwide. Our knowledge about their classification, diagnosis, treatment, and management is continually being updated, so it is imperative for veterinarians working with reptiles to remain vigilant. Ultimately, our success with captive reptiles requires us to continue to refine our understanding of these pathogens to ensure we can protect the health and welfare of our reptile populations.

Several pulmonary lesions have been described in Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), but fungal pneumonia in this species is largely unrecognized. We retrospectively analyzed gross and histologic pulmonary findings in 28 opossums from Louisiana. Lung sections were evaluated for fungal organisms, associated histologic changes, and other concurrent pulmonary lesions. Seventy-five percent of opossums (21/28) had pulmonary fungal organisms, and gross lesions were characteristic, consisting of patchy to generalized, indistinct, pinpoint, light-yellow parenchymal foci. These areas corresponded to alveoli filled with foamy macrophages and multinucleated giant cells that contained distinctive intracytoplasmic budding cells, which were 3 to 5 × 2 µm, ovoid to elongate, and argyrophilic, as well as rare pleomorphic fungal hyphae. Purpureocillium lilacinum was identified based on pulmonary fungal isolation and/or fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing in a subset of cases. Other findings included verminous pneumonia (13/28, 46%), pulmonary neoplasms (7/28, 25%), bacterial pneumonia (5/28, 18%), and endogenous lipid pneumonia (2/28, 7%). The histologic severity of fungal infections was significantly positively correlated with gross lesion severity and abundance of alveolar macrophages (P-values both < .0001). Identification of fungal pneumonia was as likely as verminous pneumonia, and fungal pneumonia was significantly more severe in opossums with concurrent verminous pneumonia (P = .0011). Despite the pulmonary changes, respiratory signs were rarely noted, even in severely affected cases. This is the first report associating P. lilacinum with fungal pneumonia in opossums from Louisiana. The characteristic gross and histologic lesions should prompt diagnosticians to closely evaluate for fungal organisms and consider P. lilacinum as a differential diagnosis.

Currently, there are more than 7,700 described species of anurans. Unfortunately, amphibians are one of the most threatened classes of vertebrates. Because of this, anurans have become common in ex-situ programs. To provide a high level of care for these animals in captivity, sedation protocols are required to facilitate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) has been used in anurans; however, research with this anesthetic is limited across anuran species, and dosages are highly variable. The purpose of this study was to perform a pilot study to determine a concentration of MS-222 for sedating lemur frogs (Agalychnis lemur), a critically endangered species, and to test the efficacy of this concentration for sedating 16 juvenile frogs for microcomputed tomography (mCT) scans. For the pilot study, 400 mg/L and 800 mg/L concentrations were selected. Based on rapid induction and recovery times, the 800 mg/L concentration was selected. For the sedation trial, baseline heart and gular rates and palpebral, escape, and righting reflexes were measured; these measurements were continued every 5 min until the frogs recovered. Frogs were induced within 5 min, and the mean recovery time was 38 ± 12.6 min. Although a transient reduction in heart rate after induction occurred, it returned to baseline after the mCT scan. Gular movements decreased by 26% from baseline to recovery. All animals recovered without complications. The results of this study suggest 800 mg/L MS-222 is a safe and effective method of sedating lemur frogs for diagnostic imaging.

Research on the gut microbiome, which includes microbial communities and genetic material in the gastrointestinal tract, has revealed essential roles beyond digestion, such as immune regulation, metabolism, and homeostasis. However, studies on birds—key ecosystem members—remain limited. Injured wild birds admitted to wildlife hospitals often receive antibiotics that can alter gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis and promoting antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study examined how hospitalization and antibiotics influence the cloacal microbiota of barred owls admitted for fracture repair. A total of 17 cloacal swab samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing targeting 16S rRNA and AMR genes. Across all samples, Bacillota (Firmicutes), Actinomycetota (Actinobacteria), and Pseudomonadota (Proteobacteria) were the most abundant phyla. In non-antibiotic-treated owls, alpha and beta diversity showed no significant changes between admission and release; however, antibiotic-treated owls exhibited significant diversity shifts in these parameters at release. AMR genes were detected in most samples at admission, with some increasing significantly during hospitalization, suggesting an impact of antibiotic exposure. These findings provide insights into how antibiotics used in wildlife rehabilitation affect host microbiota and contribute to AMR gene dissemination.

Species-specific husbandry guidelines remain limited for blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua scincoides), especially in relation to ultraviolet B (UVB) lighting and vitamin D requirements. This study aimed to determine whether UVB exposure is necessary for these skinks and how long 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations persist after UVB withdrawal. Eleven adult skinks who had been fed with wet cat food were exposed to 12 or 2 h of UVB per day for four weeks. Plasma 25-OHD concentrations were very low at the baseline, and significantly increased post-UVB in both groups (p < 0.01), with the 12-hour group increasing from baseline concentrations of 18.5 [12.8–20.5] nmol/L to 820 [730–1251.3] nmol/L and the 2-hour group increasing from baseline concentrations of 22 [15.5–22] nmol/L to 635 [401–892.5] nmol/L. Following the discontinuation of UVB exposure, 25-OHD gradually declined and was not significantly different from baseline concentrations at 7 and 4 months for the 12-hour and 2-hour groups, respectively. Dietary vitamin D3 (2.5 IU/g as dry matter basis), provided through wet cat food alone, appeared insufficient to support sustained plasma 25-OHD concentrations. These findings strongly suggest that blue-tongued skinks rely on UVB exposure to increase their 25-OHD concentrations. Moreover, the shorter 2-hour exposure provided a significant rise in 25-OHD concentrations and remained above baseline for 4 months, suggesting the shorter exposure can benefit these animals, while potentially reducing secondary risks associated with UVB exposure.

Pre-, pro-, and post-biotics have been used with success in several commercially grown insect species to increase yields and improve health outcomes. However, few studies have been published evaluating the use of nutritional supplements in Acheta domesticus. For this study, we fed day-old, farm-raised, A. domesticus a Saccharomyces cerevisiae postbiotic product at one of three different inclusion rates (0, 0.25, and 0.5%) for 32 days. Crickets were analyzed for differences in average weights, total biomass, percent survival, nutritional analyses, viral qPCR, and 16S/18S microbiomes. Crickets receiving the 0.5% inclusion feed trended towards having a higher total biomass (F = 3.823, p = 0.052) and a higher percent survival per bin (F = 3.667, p = 0.057) than the crickets receiving lower inclusion feeds. No significant differences were found in viral prevalences or loads. Significant changes to the microbiomes were mostly defined by increased abundances of presumed beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia, Catenibacillus, and Odoribacter) in the groups receiving postbiotics rather than by losses of harmful bacteria. For the 18S results, there was an increased abundance of a Gregarian apicomplexan, Leidyana erratica in the treatment groups. Overall, the 0.5% inclusion feed appeared to be beneficial and further study investigating other forms of feed additives is warranted.

Commercial cricket production has been plagued by viral disease outbreaks that have decimated their potential outputs and profit margins. To date, no epidemiological studies have been performed to estimate the prevalence of major viruses affecting crickets raised in commercial settings. A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the prevalence of three important viruses (Acheta domesticus densovirus [AdDV], Acheta domesticus volvovirus [AdVVV], and invertebrate iridovirus 6 [CrIV]). Samples were collected across age groups (2-, 4-, and 6-week-olds) and seasons (January, May, August, and October) to determine the effect that these variables had on the prevalence rates. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed and revealed the following high overall prevalence rates: 46.7, 100, and 100% for AdDV, AdVVV, and CrIV, respectively. Viral loads varied from 101–5 for AdDV, 102–7 for AdVVV, and 102–9 for CrIV. AdDV prevalence rates were statistically significant across age and season (age: χ2 = 8.3, p = 0.015; season: χ2 = 59.7, p < 0.001), with crickets more likely to be infected as they aged and during the colder winter months. CrIV followed similar trends when looking at changes in viral loads between ages and seasons. AdVVV experienced a spike in viral loads across all ages during the month of August. Understanding the epidemiology of these viruses is instrumental in determining best management practices for commercially raised crickets.

Kidney transcutaneous ultrasonography can be used to assess renal condition and is less invasive than transrectal ultrasonography, which typically requires intensive restraint, sedation, or general anesthesia. To date, this less invasive technique has not been evaluated in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). The gray level histogram technique associated with transcutaneous ultrasonography is a quantitative approach to objectively measure echogenicity and echotexture. This study utilized gray-level histograms (GLH) to assess echogenicity and echotexture of the kidneys, spleen, and liver of 49 captive Asian elephants via transcutaneous ultrasonography, to obtain a baseline for healthy animals and to compare various internal organs as a reference for quantitative analyses. Retroperitoneal fat was the most hyperechoic region identified, followed by the spleen. The renal medullas and the left cortex were the three most homogenous tissues. No significant differences were found between the sexes or age groups. This study found that transcutaneous ultrasonography could be used to quantitatively measure echogenicity and echotexture in captive Asian elephants using the GLH technique. Baseline GLH references were developed for healthy captive Asian elephants for renal, hepatic and splenic transcutaneous ultrasonography.

Anticoagulant choice can have significant effect on complete blood counts of reptiles and has not been reported in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Whole blood was collected from 14 captive individuals and aliquoted into separate blood tubes containing dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and lithium heparin. Samples were shipped and processed within 24 h. A CBC, including a WBC count using a commercial phloxine method, was performed on blood from both tubes. A WBC estimate, WBC differential, and morphologic review were performed on blood smears made from the anticoagulated blood, as well as on a direct blood smear made from anticoagulant-free blood. Some CBC values were significantly different between the EDTA and lithium heparin samples. Hematologic data generated from direct blood smears were more similar to data from EDTA samples than to data from lithium heparin samples. Additionally, multiple lithium heparin samples had poor phloxine stain uptake and leukocyte clumping, so that many WBC parameters were altered or unreportable. These results support EDTA as an appropriate anticoagulant for bearded dragon hematologic evaluation and suggest it may be superior to heparin for some individuals in generating a WBC count using a commercial phloxine method.

Current sedation protocols for chelonians can pose a challenge to clinicians because of prolonged induction and recovery times, difficulties in gaining venous access, and natural species variation. This study evaluated the sedative and physiologic effects of intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) alfaxalone in six wild-caught adult eastern mud turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum). The turtles received alfaxalone 10 mg/kg IM and IV in a randomized cross-over design. A 10-day washout period occurred between trials. Baseline parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and reflexes) were assessed prior to injection and every 5 min post-injection until recovery. Three venous blood gas samples were also collected and analyzed over the course of each trial (baseline, induction, and recovery). Intravenous alfaxalone resulted in a significantly faster induction (p = 0.016; median: 1.5 min, 25–75%: 1–7.5, minimum–maximum: 1–21) and a shorter total sedation time (p = 0.041; median: 52 min, 25–75%: 34.5–62.5, minimum–maximum: 33–87) when compared with IM alfaxalone (induction, median: 20 min, 25–75%: 15–22.5, minimum–maximum: 15–25; total, median: 70 min, 25–75%: 65–82.5, minimum–maximum: 65–90). Blood gas and physiologic parameters were not significantly different between groups; however, the pH (p = 0.009) and glucose (p = 0.0001) significantly increased, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (p = 0.024) significantly decreased over time. This study demonstrated that alfaxalone 10 mg/kg IV or IM can be used to provide safe and effective sedation in eastern mud turtles.

Common blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua scincoides) are popular pet reptiles; however, there has been limited research to investigate sedatives for this species. The purpose of this study was to measure the physiologic effects of four combinations of alfaxalone, dexmedetomidine, and midazolam for minor procedures such as intubation and blood collection. Eleven common blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua scincoides) were used for this prospective, randomized cross-over study. The subcutaneous combinations were used as follows: 20 mg/kg alfaxalone (A); 10 mg/kg alfaxalone and 1 mg/kg midazolam (AM); 0.1 mg/kg dexmedetomidine and 1 mg/kg midazolam (DM); and 5 mg/kg alfaxalone, 0.05 mg/kg dexmedetomidine, and 0.5 mg/kg midazolam (ADM). Heart rate, respiratory rate, palpebral reflex, righting reflex, escape reflex, toe pinch withdrawal reflex, tongue flicking, and the possibility of intubation were recorded at baseline and every 5 min for 60 min. Venous blood gases were measured at baseline, full sedation, and recovery. Heart and respiratory rates decreased significantly in all groups, but the reductions were most prominent in DM and ADM. Analgesic effects, as measured by the toe pinch withdrawal reflex, were only observed in DM and ADM. Intubation was possible in all four protocols; however, it was not possible in two DM skinks. Based on these trials, ADM and AM are recommended for minor procedures in blue-tongue skinks.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation on the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in pet cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) living in their home environments. Methods: Thirty client-owned cockatiels were allocated to an intervention group, consisting of exposure to a commercial coil fluorescent bulb, or a control group, with no exposure to supplemental lighting. Blood samples were collected at baseline (Day 0) and 6 months after simple randomization for measurement of 25(OH)D (Day 180). A linear mixed model was used to determine if serum 25(OH)D concentrations were influenced by time, group, age, or sex. Results: At baseline, median 25(OH)D concentration for the whole study population was 13 nmol/L (range, 0.0-15.0 nmol/L). At the end of the study, median 25(OH)D concentration for the whole study population was 6.5 nmol/L (0.0-15.0 nmol/L), for the control group was 3 nmol/L (0.0-8.0 nmol/L) and for the UVB group was 7.5 nmol/L (6.0-11.0 nmol/L). There was a statistically significant 50% reduction in 25(OH)D concentrations from the baseline to the final sampling period for the overall population, but no differences by group, age, or sex. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The addition of a UVB bulb for 6 months to the enclosures of cockatiels did not increase their serum 25(OH)D concentrations. There was an unexplained decrease in both groups when comparing Day 0 to the Day 180 sampling period. The 50% attenuation in the UVB lighting group, although not statistically significant, may be clinically relevant and deserves further investigation.

Anthropogenic activities have negatively affected many birds, including owls. The Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana (WHL) has seen a 3.2-fold increase in barred owl (Strix varia) cases over the past eight years (2023, 134; 2015, 42). Because most of these animals present with traumatic injuries, analgesics should be considered in their treatment plan. To date, no study has measured the pharmacokinetics of an analgesic in barred owls. The goals of this study were to determine the harmonic means, times to maximum concentration, and elimination half-lives for single 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg intramuscular doses of meloxicam. Twelve barred owls (1 mg/kg, n = 6; 2 mg/kg, n = 6) admitted to the WHL and determined to be clinically normal based on examination and blood work were recruited for this study. Meloxicam was administered intramuscularly, and blood samples were collected intermittently over 12 h to measure plasma concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography. Both doses had rapid elimination half-lives (1 mg/kg, 0.99 ± 0.1 h; 2 mg/kg, 1.07 ± 0.43 h) and were below the limits of quantification (0.1 µg/mL) by 6–12 h. Based on these results, 1 and 2 mg/kg doses of meloxicam were found to produce plasma concentrations below therapeutic concentrations for less than four hours, making current twice-daily recommended dosing intervals unlikely to provide desired analgesia.

Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are native to Central and South America, and this species is commonly offered to captive reptiles; however, our understanding of their nutritional value is limited. Moreover, they have a natural inverse calcium to phosphorous (Ca:P) ratio. Reptiles fed non-gut loaded insects are more susceptible to developing nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. The purpose of this study was to measure the nutritional content of these insects and determine whether a high-calcium (8% dry matter) commercial gut loading diet could be used to produce a positive Ca:P ratio in these insects. Roaches (0.2 g, 16 mm) were fasted for 24 hours and then randomly divided into a control group (n = 6, baseline) and three experimental groups (12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours; n = 6 each). Each cohort (n) represented approximately 75- 80 roaches (15-18g). Roaches in the experimental groups were gut loaded on 50 g of the Fluker’s High-Calcium Dubia Roach Diet (Fluker Farms, Port Allen, LA, USA) for 12, 24, and 48 hours. All groups were humanely euthanized by isoflurane overdose and freezing at -80°C (-112°F). Samples were sent on ice packs to Dairy One (Ithaca, NY, USA) for nutritional analysis. At baseline, all control cohorts had a severe inverse Ca:P ratio (mean: 0.15±0.007, min-max: 0.14- 0.16); however, the Ca:P ratios were found to significantly increase at all three time points compared to baseline (P < 0.0001; all means > 1.4). These results confirm that dubia roaches fed a high-calcium diet can be used to provide an appropriate Ca:P ratio for captive reptiles.

Chameleons represent one of the most endangered groups of lizards, with most being characterized as threatened or near-threatened. Anthropogenic impacts on their native habitat are responsible for their declines. To protect these animals, we must develop functional assisted reproductive programs. However, a full understanding of their basic reproductive biology is required to develop such a program. This study represents the first attempt at characterizing the reproductive cycles of male chameleons. Sixteen veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and 16 panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) being housed in captivity under static conditions were used for this study. Chameleons were anesthetized twice monthly for semen collection via electroejaculation, blood sampling to measure plasma testosterone concentrations, and ultrasonographic testicular measurements. Plasma testosterone concentrations were found to be significantly different between species (P= 0.02) and in the interaction of species and month (P= 0.04). In veiled chameleons, plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly elevated during October through December, while for panther chameleons plasma testosterone concentrations were elevated in July through September, and December. Electroejaculation success was found to be seasonal in both species. In veiled chameleons, semen collection was highest in April, May, and June, while in panther chameleons semen collection success was highest in March, April, May, and June. Median spermatozoa concentrations for veiled and panther chameleons were 6.66 and 7.52 × 107 sperm/ml, respectively. Motility was lower than expected for both veiled (median 23%) and panther chameleons (median 25%). Spermatozoa clumping was a common finding. The majority of the spermatozoa (mean 51%) were found to have normal morphology. The results of this study confirm that veiled chameleons have a prenuptial reproductive strategy, while panther chameleons have a postnuptial reproductive strategy. Additionally, this study demonstrated that chameleons can undergo repeated electroejaculations under anesthesia, twice monthly, for a year without significant mortality or clinical disease associated with the procedures.