Darryl J Heard

• University of Florida

Reptile white blood cell (WBC) morphological features are strikingly variable across species. In the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae), red tegu (Salvator rufescens), and Savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus), previous reports described a WBC type with a single distinct, clear, linear- to ovoid- to crescent-shaped inclusion of...

Common Loons (Gavia immer) winter primarily in marine coastal areas and utilize a forage base that is poorly defined, especially for offshore areas. Information on dive activity is needed for describing foraging strategies and for inferring prey distribution. Archival geolocator tags were used to determine the wintering locations and dive character...

Whole blood samples for lead analysis were collected from 441 raptors admitted to the Zoological Medicine Service at the University of Florida between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017. The species included Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Ospreys (Pandio haliaetus), Black (Coragyps atratus) and Turkey (Cathartes aura) Vultures, Barred (St...

Austwickia (Dermatophilus) chelonae is a filamentous, gram-positive Actinobacteria in the Dermatophilaceae family. It has caused fatal granulomatous disease in diverse captive reptile species on three continents, but its presence in wild or free-ranging populations was unknown. An adult female gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) was presented euh...

Identification of geographic linkages among breeding, migratory and wintering common loon Gavia immer populations is needed to inform regional and national conservation planning efforts and compensation of loons lost during marine oil spill events. Satellite telemetry and archival geolocator tags were used to determine the migration patterns and wi...

The genus Helicobacter includes spiral-shaped bacteria in the phylum Proteobacteria, class Epsilonproteobacteria, order Campylobacteriales, that have been associated with disease in animals, including reptiles. Three wild gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) index cases presented between 2012 and 2019 with nasal discharge, lethargy, and weight los...

Objective To perform retrospective analysis of captive pteropodid bats presented to the University of Florida for ocular or adnexal disease from 2003–2020. Animals studied Twenty‐four individuals from seven species were included. Procedures Records were analyzed for disease process, methods of treatment, and surgical techniques and complications....

Approximately 12 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were introduced to the forests along the Silver River, central Florida, USA, between 2 introductions in the 1930s and 1940s to increase tourism; this land is now Silver Springs State Park (SSSP). By the mid-1980s the population along the Silver River reached nearly 400 individuals. Approximately 1,0...

Common loons (Gavia immer) staging on the Great Lakes during fall migration are at risk to episodic outbreaks of type E botulism. Information on distribution, foraging patterns, and exposure routes of loons are needed for understanding the physical and ecological factors that contribute to avian botulism outbreaks. Aerial surveys were conducted to...

A neutered male Siberian tiger ( Panthera tigris altaica) presented with paraplegia of 5 days' duration. Thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a focal, linear T2-W hyperintense intramedullary lesion at the level of T10-11 as well as reduced size of the nucleus pulposus of the T10-11 intervertebral disc. The animal was humanely eut...

A 5-yr-old, captive, hatched, female false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) presented with a 1-mo history of cervical spinal curvature. Antemortem diagnostics, including blood work, electromyography, muscle biopsies, and advanced imaging tests, were either within reference ranges or did not identify any specific etiology. Necropsy revealed extensive,...

A 3-year-old female red corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was presented for a three-week history of anorexia and decreased defecations. On physical examination, a soft midbody intracoelomic swelling was palpated. Transcutaneous coelomic ultrasound revealed a target-like mass on a transverse section of the stomach, suggesting the presence of a gast...

Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) have the largest native range of any non-human primate. In both native and introduced ranges, rhesus macaques are capable of extensive population growth in a diversity of habitats, especially in areas where they are provisionally fed by humans. Rhesus macaques were introduced in a public park in Florida, U.S.A., to...

A hand-raised, 5-mo-old, intact male Brazilian porcupine ( Coendou prehensilis ) was evaluated for chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and anorexia. On presentation the porcupette was dull, dehydrated, and passing yellow, malodourous, watery diarrhea. Cytologic examination of feces revealed a large number of organisms, morphologically consistent w...

An 11-day-old, captive-born, male prehensile-tailed skink (Corucia zebrata) was evaluated for a chronically swollen umbilicus. On presentation, the skink appeared dehydrated and weak. The umbilical stump was sensitive, edematous, and erythematous. Yellow fluid was readily expressed during palpation of the surrounding area, suggestive of urine. Foll...

A 3-yr-old, intact male Matschie's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) was examined for a 1-wk history of intermittent lethargy and tachypnea. An echocardiogram revealed concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricular free wall and interventricular septum. These findings were compared to measurements from healthy Matschie's tree kangaroos, support...

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a vulnerable terrestrial tortoise native of the southeastern United States, and is a frequent victim of direct and indirect human activity. The need for understanding the factors causing morbidity and mortality is of primary importance for conservation efforts. The medical records of 490 wild gopher tort...

This chapter covers the anesthesia, anatomy and physiology of bird groups. The main defensive weapon of birds is the beak, although the sharp talons of some species can also cause pain and injury. Restraint is similar for most bird species. Hyperthermia is common during restraint. This is exacerbated in birds adapted to cold environments. The main...

Rodents have four incisors, no canines, and there is a gap between the incisors and the cheek teeth. Some have cheek pouches, internal or external, that open near the angle of the mouth. During anesthesia, these pouches can be a source of aspirated food material. Care is taken with small rodents to avoid physical restraint in place of adequate anal...

Most galliformes are robust ground-dwelling birds, but are able to fly. This chapter discusses the avian anatomy and physiology relevant to anesthesia. The main threat to the human restrainer is the large spurs present in some galliformes species. Vascular access is as in other birds and includes the external jugular, the basilic and the medial tar...

The order Lagomorpha includes 91 living species distributed among two families: Leporidae and Ochotonidae (pikas). The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a popular pet, as well as food and fur animal, and one of the most common research mammals. Physical restraint devices are a useful adjunct to anesthesia, particularly in the induction per...

The order insectivora has traditionally been used to unite several disparate mammalian groups (i.e., hedgehogs, moles, tenrecs, shrews, and solenodons) based on size and “primitive characters” (Nowak 1999). The most commonly encountered insectivores in clinical practice in Europe and North America are the West European (Erinaceus europaeus) and fou...

The order Chiroptera contains 18 recent families and ≥1116 bat species. It is divided into suborders Microchiroptera and Megachiroptera. This chapter begins with a discussion on the zoonotic diseases of bats, and then goes on to explain the techniques for physical restraint, blood collection and handling, parenteral anesthesia and inhalation anesth...

Due to their longevity, strong site tenure, poikilothermic metabolism, and low-energy specializations, reptiles might serve as excellent environmental sentinels. Cottonmouth snakes are generalist predators and scavengers, and as such, may have higher exposure to persistent environmental contaminants as a result of bioaccumulation. Traditionally, as...

Limited information is available regarding the role of minerals and heavy metals in the morbidity and mortality of manatees. Whole-blood and serum mineral concentrations were evaluated in apparently healthy, free-ranging Florida (Trichechus manatus latirostris, n = 31) and Belize (Trichechus manatus manatus, n = 14) manatees. Toxicologic statuses o...

Tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) are broadly distributed in North America, use a wide variety of habitats, and exhibit diverse migration strategies. We investigated patterns of hematozoa infection in three populations of tundra swans that breed in Alaska using satellite tracking to infer host movement and molecular techniques to assess the prevale...

The number and proportion (in parentheses) of samples testing positive for Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus/Parahaemoproteus/Plasmodium infection from populations of Alaska tundra swans as determined by nested PCR. The number and proportion of unresolved samples is also reported. (XLSX)

Reference sequences used to create hematozoa phylogenies. (XLSX)

Model selection results using the information theoretic approach with unresolved samples considered as positive for infection. (XLSX)

Estimated detection probabilities for Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus / Parahaemoproteus / Plasmodium infections in Alaska tundra swans from the highest ranking model using AIC where unresolved samples were considered positive for infection. (XLSX)

Estimated prevalence of Leucocytozoon (white bars) and Haemoproteus/Parahaemoproteus/Plasmodium (gray bars) infection in populations of Alaska tundra swans with unresolved samples considered as positive for infection. Associated 95% confidence intervals for estimates are indicated with error bars. (XLSX)

The Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus poliontus trissyllepsis) is an endangered mammal indigenous to the panhandle beaches of Northwest Florida. A captive 3.5-y-old female mouse was evaluated because of severe pruritus, diffuse alopecia, skin reddening, and ulcerations over the dorsum of her body. Initial skin biopsy of the affected area suggeste...

An 18-yr-old, male, albino, American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) was evaluated for decreased appetite and abnormal buoyancy. Computed tomography (CT) of the coelomic cavity showed multifocal mineral and soft tissue attenuating pulmonary masses consistent with pulmonary fungal granulomas. Additionally, multifocal areas of generalized, sev...

Medetomidine (0.03 mg/kg) and medetomidine/ketamine (0.05/5.0 and 0.025/2.5 mg/kg), administered by intravenous injection, were evaluated for short-term immobilization of wild-caught variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus). Medetomidine alone produced incomplete chemical restraint and a stressful, prolonged induction. Both ketamine/medetomidin...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of several parenteral anesthetics in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Thirty-one animals were administered one or more of the following drugs by injection into the hemolymph (i.v.) through an arthrodial membrane: etomidate, ketamine, lidocaine, pentobarbital, propofol, tiletamine-...

Two wild adult Common Loons (Gavia immer) were evaluated after being found stranded in mainland north-central Florida on separate occasions. On the basis of upper airway endoscopic and cytologic findings, we diagnosed severe ulcerative tracheitis antemortem in one of the birds while more subtle lesions were observed in the other. A novel herpesviru...

On Jun 11, 2014 this sequence version replaced gi:329755206.

PROPOFOL is widely used for anaesthetic induction in reptiles whenever vascular access can be achieved because of its rapid onset of action and fast recovery. However, vascular access can be difficult in conscious chelonians. The subcarapacial or supravertebral venous sinus is regarded as a

Three pediatric chimpanzees and one pediatric gibbon were anesthetized for routine physical examination. Anesthesia was maintained with inhalant delivered via a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The LMA was easy to insert, provided adequate control of the airway for ventilation, and caused no tracheal stimulation. No complications were observed. As comp...

In 2003, the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) created an Office of International Programs (OIP) in response to one of ten initiatives of the UF Strategic Plan: internationalization of the curriculum. The OIP has developed coursework that provides students with an opportunity for international exposure during the veter...

Florida cottonmouth snakes (Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti) were anesthetized with the injectable anesthetic propofol, and venom expulsion was induced with a commercially available human nerve stimulator. We observed rapid anesthetic induction with strong correlation between animal mass and both propofol dose and induction time. We also found a pos...

An adult osprey (Pandion haliaetus) was evaluated because it was unable to fly and was experiencing severe respiratory distress. Despite supportive care, the bird died. Significant histopathologic findings included widespread, multifocal hemorrhage in parabronchi and air capillaries and emboli consisting of adipose connective tissue containing hema...

A 36-yr-old male captive siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) was evaluated for mange in the form of generalized alopecia, flaky skin, and pruritus of 1 mo duration. Multiple skin scrapings and biopsies revealed high numbers of trombidiiform mites identified as Psorobia (formerly Psorergates) sp. near cercopitheci (Acarina: Psorergatidae) based on mo...

This study was conducted to study the effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, deslorelin, on luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (males), semen characteristics and pregnancy in the variable flying fox Pteropus hypomelanus. Male (n = 3) and female (n = 5) bats received a 4.7-mg implant and were housed with untreated bats (eigh...

Anatomy and Physiology Related to Anesthesia Physical Restraint Anesthetic Agents Techniques and Monitoring Complications Sedation Pain Management Recovery References

Introduction Pharmacokinetics Pharmacodynamics Inhalant Anesthetics Injectable Anesthetics Opioids Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatories Neuroleptics References

Taxonomy and Biology Anatomy and Physiology Related to Anesthesia Analgesia Physical and Mechanical Restraint Sedation and Tranquilization Endotracheal Intubation Anesthesia of Giraffe Okapi Anesthesia References

Introduction Physiology and Anatomy Restraint Techniques Drug Delivery Monitoring Analgesia Sedatives Local Anesthetics Immobilizing Drugs Opioids Dissociative Anesthetics Barbiturates α-2 Adrenergic Agonists Other Injectable Agents Inhalant Anesthesia Anesthetic Protocols References

Welcome to the second edition of Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia. The publication of this edition occurs at a time when continual advances in wildlife anesthesia are being made. Increasingly, veterinarians, biologists, veterinary technicians, and others are challenged to provide exemplary care to threatened or endangered speci...

Shorttitle Title Copyright Contents Contributors Preface Acknowledgments

Twenty-eight Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) and 26 Barrow's Goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica) were captured in Prince William Sound, Alaska, between 1 and 15 March 2005. Blood was collected for quantification of element concentrations, prevalence of antibodies to several viruses, and hemoparasite prevalence and identification. Although...

Megachiropteran bats are biologically important both as endangered species and reservoirs for emerging human pathogens. Reliable detection of antibodies to specific pathogens in bats is thus epidemiologically critical. Eight variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus) were immunized with 2,4-dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA). Each b...

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a relatively common pathology in captive flying foxes (Pteropus spp.). The goal of this study was to establish quantitative reference range measurements that could be used to support a diagnosis of cardiac disease in these animals. Lateral and ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs from apparently healthy flying foxes (n = 66)...

Microchips are commonly used in companion, research, and zoo animal medicine for easy, reliable, and cost-effective identification with relatively low risk of side effects. This report describes development of a metastatic leiomyosarcoma associated with a microchip in an Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

The effects of the anticoagulant sodium heparin and time of centrifugation on 20 biochemical analytes in the blood of Malaysian flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) were evaluated. Paired plasma and serum samples were centrifuged at 1 hr and 6 hr postcollection. Heparinization and time of centrifugation did not significantly affect albumin, cholesterol...

As part of a clinical workup of dental problems in a large crocodilian collection, mandibular nerve blocks were performed in the animals. A nerve locator was used to facilitate placement of the nerve blocks in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare), and a dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis). Provision of...

A 32-yr-old white-throated capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) was presented for paraparesis. A diagnosis of protozoal meningitis was made on the basis of a lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated protein in cerebrospinal fluid and a positive serum titer to Toxoplasma gondii of 131,072 using an indirect hemagglutination test. Treatment with clindamycin...

Four medetomidine/ketamine (M/K) doses (30 microg/kg/3 mg/kg; 40/4; 50/5; 60/6), administered by intramuscular injection, were evaluated for short-term immobilization of adult male variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus). The highest dose (60 microg/kg/6 mg/kg) produced a significantly faster induction (31 +/- 46 sec) than the lowest dose (30/...

Reptile medicine has emerged as a specialty area within the broader field of zoological medicine. It encompasses the medical needs of approximately 7,500 vertebrate species. This vertebrate class is highly diversified, having biological and medical peculiarities that differ both between and within major groups. Historically, veterinarians who have...

A 32-yr-old white-throated capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) was presented for paraparesis. A diagnosis of protozoal meningitis was made on the basis of a lymphocytic pleocytosis with elevated protein in cerebrospinal fluid and a positive serum titer to Toxoplasma gondii of 131,072 using an indirect hemagglutination test. Treatment with clindamycin...

Few studies have been done to evaluate anticoagulants for use with blood samples from birds and reptiles. Heparin currently is the most commonly used anticoagulant in practice, but may adversely affect blood cell staining and quantitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of lithium heparin, K3-EDTA, and sodium citrate, with an...

This study evaluated the relationship between blood iron parameters and hepatic iron concentrations, and correlation of histologic findings with hepatic iron concentrations in a captive population of Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) and island flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus). Blood samples were collected for complete blood counts, pl...

The technical feasibility of performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in domestic pigeons was investigated. Imaging was performed with a 1.5 Tesla magnet using a human knee surface coil. The head and coelomic cavity of isoflurane-anesthetized birds were imaged in the dorsal, sagittal, and transverse planes to produce T1-weighted, T2-weighted, an...

Twelve healthy approximately 3-yr-old captive-born 4.5-9 kg American alligators (Alligator mississipiensis) each had bronchoscopy and tracheal washes performed four times during a 10-mo period to evaluate seasonal respiratory microbiology and cytology. Cytologic evaluation of most samples showed a small amount of mucus and low numbers of ciliated c...

Stomatitis is a common problem in lizards, and the etiologies of stomatitis in lizards are not well understood. Four green tree monitor lizards (Varanus prasinus) from two different collections were evaluated because of proliferative stomatitis. Degenerate PCR primers targeting a conserved region of herpesvirus DNA-dependent DNA polymerase were use...

Eleven wild-caught Fly River turtle hatchlings, Carettochelys insculpta, were presented for anorexia and circular shell lesions. One animal died shortly after arrival, and three others within the next month. Necropsy of two animals and one shell biopsy revealed systemic and shell mycoses. A biopsy culture demonstrated infection due to Paecilomyces...

Wound management is an important and challenging aspect of care in the chelonian patient. Shell injuries are slow to heal and wound management is labor intensive. While shell fractures can be reduced with screws and wire or metal bridging, shell defects exposing underlying soft-tissue are usually treated with wet-to-dry bandages. These bandages nee...

A mass was removed from the left flank of a 10-yr-old male king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), and histologic examination revealed granulomatous dermatitis with intralesional gram-positive cocci and filamentous bacteria. Fourteen months later, a histologically similar subcutaneous mass was removed from a different site. One year later, a large subcuta...

A 4.5-yr-old male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) was evaluated for a mass on the right side of the face. A complete blood count and blood chemistry revealed anemia and hypoproteinemia. Radiographs did not reveal bony involvement. The mass was resected and Pythium insidiosum was cultured. The camel was treated with an experimental immunothera...

Traumatic elbow luxation was diagnosed in a common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) and a bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata). In the common squirrel monkey, the luxation was complicated by an ulnar fracture and would not stay reduced when attempts at closed reduction were made. The luxation was surgically reduced and a transarticular type I external...

Twenty-six captive, adult Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) were tested for the presence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) using a rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test before and after vaccination. The bats were randomly assigned into three treatment groups: group A (n = 10) bats each received one 0.1-ml dose of monovalent...

A novel Pasteurella-like organism was recovered postmortem from lung tissue of two captive Wahlberg's epauleted fruit bats (Epomophorus wahlbergi), with severe, unilateral pneumonia. The bats had been recently shipped and died shortly after release from a 30-day quarantine. One presented with clinical signs of anorexia and lethargy before death; th...

Bats in captivity reproduce well and contraceptive techniques are needed. In initial attempts at vasectomy using a prescrotal approach, it was difficult to identify the mesoductus deferens. The technique described here uses a scrotal approach with exteriorization of the testis, followed by identification and ligation of the mesoductus deferens. Nin...

Tissues were evaluated from emerald tree boas, Corallus caninus, from a collection in which chlamydiosis was diagnosed. To determine the strain of chlamydia infecting these snakes, tissue samples from 5 frozen snakes were tested by a quantitative TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and a PCR sequence analysis test. Of the 22 samples tested,...

Maintenance of fluid support is an important aspect of care in the critical lizard or crocodilian patient. However, obtaining and maintaining vascular access in reptilian species has previously been reported to be challenging. A technique is described for vascular catheter placement in the tail of lizards and crocodilians. The practitioner should b...