The aim of this study is to develop a reference interval for plasma protein electrophoresis for wild free-roaming central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). This will assist the veterinarian in diagnosing and monitoring diseases in wild and captive animals. The study group consisted of 29 wild central bearded dragons of which 22 were males and 7 were females. The plasma samples were obtained from animals in a previous study and were stored frozen at -20°C for 2-3 years before analysis. Plasma protein electrophoresis was performed on 100 uL of plasma. The data were evaluated for the difference between reproductively active females and pooled males with non-reproductively active females as well as the difference between biochemical and protein electrophoresis albumin. Biochemical albumin was found to be significantly higher than electrophoresis albumin in all animals, with a mild proportional bias present. Plasma protein electrophoresis identified albumin, α - 1 and 2, β - 1 and 2 and γ fractions. The reproductively active females in this study exhibited results that were distinct from pooled males and non-reproductively active females. This study provides a reference interval for plasma protein electrophoresis in central bearded dragons that can be used as a tool for health and disease monitoring and diagnosis. The importance of the use of method and sex/season appropriate reference intervals in reptile medicine is confirmed in this study.

The aim of the study is to provide haematology and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for wild free-roaming central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). These data will aid the veterinarian in determining the health and husbandry status of the pet bearded dragon. The study group consisted of 130 wild central bearded dragons. The data were assigned into two groups: Breeding Season (BS) from September to November and Non-Breeding Season (NBS) from December to March. These groups were further divided into sex and reproduction status with females determined to either be gravid or non-gravid. The 83 male and 47 female dragons were captured in north western New South Wales, Australia, centred around the towns of Bourke, Wanaaring and Tibooburra. Haematological and plasma biochemistry parameters were measured using standard methods. Data were analysed for the effects of sex, season and gravid status. There were significant differences between sexes in PCV, basophils, albumin, globulin, amylase, calcium, phosphate and triglycerides. There were seasonal differences in PCV, basophils, uric acid, glucose, globulin, calcium, phosphate, cholesterol and triglycerides. There were significant differences in phosphate and cholesterol between gravid and non-gravid dragons within the breeding season. There were variations in haematology and biochemistry parameters depending on sex, season and reproductive status of females. These reference intervals differed from previous studies of captive central bearded dragons and can provide some insight into captive conditions compared to wild animals.

BACKGROUND:To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of mast cell neoplasia in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).CASE REPORT:An adult female koala was presented for rapidly deteriorating health and death of a pouch young. Significant weight loss was apparent despite supplemental feeding; the abdomen was distended; and the koala was weak and mentally depressed. Haematology revealed a significant mastocytosis with a concurrent population of atypical mononuclear cells. The koala was euthanised and tissues were collected for histology. Bone marrow, lymph node, lung, stomach and spleen exhibited significant infiltration by mast cells. Atypical round cells consistent with those identified in the peripheral blood were also identified in the marrow. A diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis and probable mast cell leukaemia was made. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical staining was not able to further characterise the atypical cell population, and the mast cells exhibited only weak staining with CD117.CONCLUSION:The histological diagnosis, in this case, was systemic mastocytosis and myeloproliferative disease of uncertain origin. There was a dominant population of mast cells in the peripheral blood and marrow, and a population of circulating atypical mononuclear cells, appearing similar to mast cell leukaemia-acute myeloid leukaemia in humans.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of the present study was to investigate the frequency of abnormal clinicopathological parameters in a population of client-owned clinically healthy middle-aged dogs and cats.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Biochemical and haematological profiles, urinalysis and total T4 were measured in clinically healthy middle-aged dogs (age, 5-8 years) and cats (age, 6-9 years) presenting to veterinary practices for routine procedures.RESULTS:Of the 406 dogs, only 55 had no abnormalities identified in the testing panel. Most changes were minor or considered artifactual; however, changes that were diagnostic of significant disease or warranting additional evaluation were identified in 25 dogs (6.2%). Of the 130 cats, only 26 had no abnormalities identified in the testing panel. Most changes were minor or considered artifactual; however, changes diagnostic of significant disease or warranting additional evaluation were identified in 25 cats (19.2%). Significant abnormalities included anaemia, inflammation and evidence of liver, kidney and pancreatic disease.CONCLUSION:Biochemical and haematological testing as part of regular preventive health checks may facilitate early detection of diseases before they present clinically, allowing earlier intervention and better health outcomes.

Feline pancreatitis is a common but likely an under-diagnosed condition. The recent development of pancreatic-specific lipase testing for this species has resulted in improved diagnostic testing. In cats, the effect of renal insufficiency has not been adequately evaluated. This paper reveals increased pancreatic-specific lipase in cats with renal insufficiency, but not pre-renal azotaemia, and suggests a significant effect of renal insufficiency on serum pancreatic-specific lipase concentrations.

A 13-year-old female neutered Boxer dog was presented with a history of chronic intermittent haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Cytological evaluation of fine-needle aspirate samples from an enlarged mesenteric lymph node revealed an individualised round to polygonal cell population with poorly defined cell margins and marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. The nuclei were round to oval with lacey chromatin and commonly nucleoli. The cytoplasm was lightly basophilic and rarely contained variable numbers of fine red to purple granules. The cytological interpretation was anaplastic neoplasia, most likely a poorly differentiated, high-grade mast-cell neoplasm. Histologic evaluation of the lymph node and a liver nodule revealed densely cellular, solid sheets and nests of pleomorphic round to polygonal neoplastic cells separated by a fine fibrovascular stroma. The cells had granular cytoplasm with no evidence of metachromatic staining using toluidine blue and Giemsa stains. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase and synaptophysin, and negative for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and S-100. A final diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma was made.

Abstract To evaluate the health and nutritional status of 3 wild Australian psittacine species, plasma and hepatic mineral concentrations and plasma biochemical values were measured in wild-caught galahs (Eolophus roseicapilla), long-billed corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris), and sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita). No correlations were found between hepatic and plasma mineral levels. Mean plasma calcium (1.79 mmol/L [7.16 mg/dL]) and sodium (103 mmol/L [103 mEq/L]) concentrations were lower, whereas mean total phosphorus (6.53 mmol/L [20.22 mg/dL]) and potassium (8.87 mmol/L [8.87 mEq/L]) concentrations were higher than values for captive counterparts. Plasma iron levels were higher than those reported for captive counterparts, with evidence of interspecific (sulphur-crested cockatoos, 109 µmol/L [609 µg/dL]; corellas, 57 µmol/L [318 µg/dL]; galahs, 90 µmol/L [503 µg/dL]) and temporal variation (galahs: May, 107 µmol/L [598 µg/dL]; July, 59 µmol/L [330 µg/dL]). Hepatic iron concentrations were as high as 1030 mg/kg. Interspecific variation was minimal in mean plasma selenium (11.8 µmol/L [929 µg/L]) and zinc (31.2 µmol/L [204 µg/dL]) concentrations. Plasma biochemical values varied significantly from reported reference ranges. Ranges for total protein, albumin, and bile acid concentrations were lower, whereas uric acid, glutamate dehydrogenase, amylase, and cholesterol concentrations were higher than those previously reported for these species, and interspecific variation was evident. Variation in measures of mineral status or plasma biochemical values between males and females were negligible. An evaluation of fecal microflora showed a distinct absence of gram-negative bacteria or budding yeast. Results of this study show that analyte values used to determine health and nutritional status of wild birds differ from those published for captive counterparts. Although analyte values appear to vary minimally by sex, distinct taxonomic and some temporal differences exist in values from wild birds of these 3 species.

A nestling Derbyan parrot (Psittacula derbiana) was presented with unusual subcutaneous swellings of the thigh regions, and poor growth. Histological examination revealed actinomycetous bacteria associated with multifocal systemic granulomas. The clinical and pathological findings of the case are presented, and some relevant aspects of actinomycetous bacterial infections in mammals and birds are discussed. Although granulomatous disease is encountered at times in avian species, the actinomycetous bacteria (Nocardia and Actinomyces spp.) have rarely been reported in association with multifocal granulomatous disease in birds.

Canine mast cell neoplasia is a common diagnosis, comprising up to 17% of all canine skin neoplasms in Australian studies. This paper reviews 909 sequential submissions of canine mast cell neoplasia over 2006-7. Relative risk of different breeds, grading of the neoplasia by breed and site, and location of the neoplasms in different breeds are reported. A number of breeds not previously reported as being at increased risk of mast cell neoplasia are identified. [Jaensch SM (2008) Aust Vet Practit 38:115]

Two cases of peripheral erythrophagocytosis in reptiles are presented. The first case was from an anorectic and depressed adult bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) that had a massively elevated white blood cell count (158×10 9 /l) due to an increase in circulating azurophils with approximately 12% of these cells exhibiting erythrophagia. The second case was from an adult Children’s python ( Liasis childreni ) with a protracted history of anorexia after an episode of respiratory tract disease. Blood from the snake demonstrated a moderate basophilia (2.3×10 9 /l) and a normal azurophil count (4.1×10 9 /l) but with approximately 66% of the azurophils containing phagocytosed erythrocytes. While the cause of the erythrophagocytosis could not be definitively identified in these cases, a leukemoid-type monocyte population in the bearded dragon resulted in a differential of myeloproliferative disease, while the Children’s python exhibited cytological features suggestive of acquired haemophagocytic syndrome.

This report presents three cases of mycobacteriosis in gang gang cockatoos (Callocephalon fimbriatum) that highlight the potential variation in clinical presentation of this important avian disease. The first case was a female gang gang cockatoo with widespread skeletal disease that presented with a chronic history of weight loss and nonpainful, bilaterally symmetric, distal-wing and leg nodular swellings. The second case was a mature female in good muscle condition with a nodular granulomatous pericarditis and myocarditis causing severe hydropericardium and cardiac tamponade; it was presented for respiratory distress. The third case was one of alimentary mycobacteriosis that presented with a chronic history of weight loss. Some difficulties associated with confirming a premortem diagnosis of mycobacteriosis are discussed.

Scanning capacitance microscopy is an analytical technique able to provide direct carrier distribution information on the nanoscale using HF amplitude detection and lock-in techniques. For the reliability analysis of semiconductor devices also defect characterisation is necessary on the nanoscale. On the micrometer-scale the important parameters of deep defects in semiconductors (emission barrier energy, capture cross section, defect distribution) are determined by deep level transient spectroscopy where capacitance transients are measured with period widths ranging between microseconds and several seconds as a function of temperature. We designed an HF coaxial resonator with a resolution of 5.8×10−21F/Hz1/2 in combination with an IQ-demodulator system for temperature-dependent quantitative static and dynamic capacitance measurements on the nanoscale around the resonance frequency of ca. 2.2GHz of the sample-resonator unit. First results from isothermal spectroscopy measurements on a n-type conducting GaAs sample (n=1018cm−3) with native oxide reveal a “textbook” CV plot shifted on the voltage axis due to mobile ions.

Two episodes of accidental urea toxicosis are described in wild silver gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) following spillage of fertilizer grade urea at a commercial shipping facility near Perth, Western Australia. In both cases, urea spillage had been seen to contaminate freshwater wash-down pools on the wharves where ships were being unloaded and gulls were seen to be drinking and washing in the pools nearby the spillages. Affected birds were found moribund or dead. Necropsy and histopathological findings were non-specific and consisted of mild to moderate congestion of visceral organs and brain. Analysis of a water sample collected during Case 1 revealed a very high urea concentration of 4.124 mol/l (pH 5.5), and fluid from the proventriculus of two birds had urea concentrations of 382 and 308 mmol/l, respectively. Nine birds were examined during the second episode (Case 2) and, from heparinized heart blood samples collected (n = 5), the mean plasma urea (288 +/- 92.0 mmol/l), ammonia (43.9 +/- 34.2 mmol/l) and uric acid (7.45 +/- 1.99 mmol/l) concentrations were markedly elevated above the reference ranges for all bird species. Proventricular contents (n = 7) similarly contained high concentrations of urea (394 +/- 203 mmol/l) and ammonia (9.3 +/- 15 mmol/l). The probable mechanisms of urea and ammonia toxicity in these birds are discussed.

A retrospective study of the haematological response to inflammation and/or traumatic injury was performed in two species of black cockatoos, namely white-tailed black cockatoos (WTBCs) (Calyptorhynchus funereus) and red-tailed black cockatoos (RTBCs) (C. magnificus). Evaluation of haematological data collected from 28 predominantly free-living birds was undertaken. The most consistent findings associated with inflammation or traumatic injury were mild to moderate anaemia, heterophilia and monocytosis. Changes in heterophil morphology were a relatively uncommon finding.

Australian Veterinary JournalVolume 81, Issue 7 p. 411-411 Knemidocoptes intermedius in a wild currawong (Strepera graculina) SM JAENSCH, SM JAENSCH IDEXX Laboratories, PO Box 227, Rydalmere, New South Wales 2116Search for more papers by this authorSR RAIDAL, SR RAIDAL Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150Search for more papers by this authorR HOBBS, R HOBBS Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150Search for more papers by this author SM JAENSCH, SM JAENSCH IDEXX Laboratories, PO Box 227, Rydalmere, New South Wales 2116Search for more papers by this authorSR RAIDAL, SR RAIDAL Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150Search for more papers by this authorR HOBBS, R HOBBS Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150Search for more papers by this author First published: 10 March 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2003.tb11550.xCitations: 7AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. References 1 Domrow R.. Acari Astigmata (excluding feather mites) parasitic on Australian vertebrates: an annotated checklist, keys and bibliography. Invertebr Taxon, 1992; 6: 1459–1606. 2 Mines JJ. Cnemidocoptes jamaicensis in goldfinches in Queensland. Aust Vet J, 1967; 43: 597. 3 Butcher GD, Beck C. Knemidocoptic mange in pet birds: Scaly face and scaly leg disease.http:edis.ifas.ufl.eduBODY_VM022. Retrieved 24 July 2002. . 4 Anon. Cnemidocoptes(Knemidocoptes) spp.http:www.missouri.eduvmicrorcArthropodsArachnidaCnemidoc.htm. Retrieved 23 July 2002. 5 Mason RW. Knemidocoptes intermedius identified in forest ravens (Corvus tasmanicus). Aust Vet J, 1988; 65: 260. 6 Permin A, Esmann JB, Hoj CH, Hove T, Mukaratirwa S. Ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens in the Goromonzi District in Zimbabwe. Prev Vet Med 2002; 54: 213–224. 7 Beck W. Schnabelraude durch Knemidocoptes pilae (Acaridida: Knemidocoptidae) beim Wellensittich - erregerbiologie, pathogenese, klinik, diagnose und therapie. Kleintierpraxis, 2000; 45: 409–492. 8 Mainka SA, Melville DS, Galsworthy A, Black SR. Knemidocoptessp. On wild passerines at the Mai Po nature reserve, Hong Kong. J Wildl Dis, 1994; 30: 254–256. Citing Literature Volume81, Issue7July 2003Pages 411-411 ReferencesRelatedInformation

An 18-month-old, male greylag goose was presented for assessment of multiple, semi-pedunculated cutaneous masses limited to non-feathered areas of skin. Initial biopsy and histopathology revealed a mesenchymal neoplasm suggestive of lipoblastomatosis or atypical xanthoma. Immunohistochemistry was unsuccessful in determining the tissue type of origin. Surgical resection of all masses was prevented by the mucocutaneous location of several masses. Chemotherapy using intralesion cisplatin was unsuccessful in resolving the masses but was well-tolerated by the goose. Serum lipid and lipoprotein analysis revealed a persistent hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia without biochemical evidence of an underlying metabolic disease. The persistent hyperlipidaemia may have contributed to the formation of the masses identified in this case.

The air sac functional anatomy of sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) during isoflurane anesthesia was studied by evaluation of respiratory casts of sulphur-crested cockatoos, blood gas analysis, and air sac gas analyses. The air sac anatomy of the sulphur-crested cockatoo was different from that described previously in nonpsittacine bird species, with more extensive cranial and caudal thoracic air sacs and smaller abdominal air sacs. Blood gas analysis results indicated arterial and venous hyperoxia as a result of using 100% O2 as the anesthetic carrier gas, the significance of which in birds is currently unclear. Cranial and caudal thoracic air sac oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures (Po2 and Pco2, respectively) were similar to those previously described in birds ventilated with 100% O2. Clavicular air sac Po2 and Pco2 were significantly lower than the cranial thoracic air sac, indicating significantly less ventilation of the clavicular air sac than of either the cranial or caudal air sacs.

The effects of normobaric oxygen exposure were investigated in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Sixty birds were randomly divided into four equal groups of 15. These groups were randomly allocated as control, acute exposure, repeated acute exposure or chronic exposure. Control birds were exposed to 72 continuous hours of 21% oxygen in a sealed, enclosed chamber. Acute exposure, repeated acute exposure and chronic exposure groups were exposed oxygen at minimum concentration of 95% for a single 3-h period, a 3-h period daily for three sequential days, or a single 72-h period in a sealed, enclosed chamber, respectively. Oxygen exposure resulted in significant alteration in the histological morphology of respiratory exchange tissue, with severe oedema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Electron micrographs revealed thickening of the blood-gas barrier with the tissue harmonic thickness increasing from 226 - 90 nm in control birds to 639 - 393nm following repeated acute exposure, with the total harmonic thickness increasing from a control value of 345 - 146nm to 837 - 423 nm at the same time. Chronic oxygen exposure resulted in significant changes in cell morphology including thickening of endothelial cells, ruffling of type I respiratory endothelial cells and interstitial vacuolation. These results indicate that budgerigars undergo significant morphological and ultrastructural changes in respiratory exchange tissue following exposure to 100% oxygen.

The effects of acute (3 h), repeated acute (3 exposures each of 3 h) and chronic (72 h) normobaric hyperoxic exposure in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) were evaluated by monitoring the effects on pulmonary enzymic antioxidants, and indicators of lipid peroxidation. All durations of oxygen exposure resulted in significant respiratory alkalosis and elevated pulmonary and blood glutathione peroxidase concentrations. The concentrations of other pulmonary enzymic antioxidants including glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase were not significantly altered by oxygen exposure. Pulmonary concentrations of the lipid peroxidation markers malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenal were not significantly elevated following oxygen exposure. Plasma concentrations of 8-epi isoprostane F(2alpha) were significantly elevated following both acute and repeated acute exposure. The results indicate that in budgerigars, both acute and chronic oxygen exposure can result in significant alteration in respiratory function and increased production of reactive oxygen species.

Ten sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) were anesthetized twice, 2 weeks apart, to evaluate the effects on respiratory function of endotracheal (ET), caudal thoracic (CT) air sac, and clavicular air sac administration of isoflurane anesthesia. Four administration methods were evaluated by administering anesthetic gases through either the ET tube or the air sac as an open or closed system. Respiratory function was monitored by arterial and venous blood gas determination, gas-in-gas determination of both ET tube and air sac gases, and spirometry. Both ET tube and CT air sac administration provided a reliable method of maintaining anesthesia and resulted in minimal alteration in respiratory function. Blood pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P-CO2), bicarbonate, total carbon dioxide, and base excess were not significantly altered by CT air sac administration. Increased partial pressure of oxygen and oxygen saturation were evidence of hyperoxia. CT air sac P-CO2 decreased to 12.7 +/- 7.9 mm Hg with CT administration, and this was sufficient to maintain spontaneous respiratory movements. Spirometry demonstrated maintenance of tidal and minute volumes with each administration method despite apparent reduction in visible respiratory movements. Clavicular air sac administration was not successful in providing ventilation or maintaining anesthesia. Despite the demonstrated ability to flush a bolus of gas through this air sac and out the ET tube, no spontaneous ventilation was detected in this air sac in either an open or closed system, preventing delivery of sufficient isoflurane to maintain anesthesia.