Jennifer E. Graham

Graham Veterinary Consulting LLC

OBJECTIVE To compare effectiveness of glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions for cryopreservation of avian RBCs. SAMPLE RBCs from 12 healthy Ameraucana hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). PROCEDURES RBCs were stored in 20% (wt/vol) glycerol, 10% (wt/vol) DMSO freezing medium, or various concentrations of HES sol...

Three rabbits (8 months to 1.5-years-old) were evaluated for nonspecific clinical signs including hyporexia/anorexia, lethargy, and decreased/absence of fecal output 5 days to 4 months after undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE) procedures. Each external physical examination performed on the rabbits revealed decreased gastrointestinal sounds, abdomin...

Quick reference to essential information on 200 diseases and conditions commonly seen in birds in clinical practice. Covering topics ranging from infectious and non-infectious diseases to diseases by organ system, Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Avian fills a unique niche by providing comprehensive information on common topics in avian...

In 2022–2023, the first survey of clinicians regarding Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection of rabbits was undertaken. The purpose was to assess the current worldwide knowledge of clinicians regarding influence of breed and age, clinical presentations, use of various diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens and to explore how responses may differ by...

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize the bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in domestic rabbits and to evaluate the effect of different diet characteristics, such as pelleting, extrusion, and hay supplementation. ANIMALS 30 New Zealand White rabbits (15 male and 15 female; 6 to 7 months old) were fed 1 of...

Objectives To describe the perceived prevalence of zoological companion animal (ZCA) species being evaluated and treated by American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) diplomates and Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) residents in an emergency room (ER) setting and to assess potential interest in further training for the ACVE...

OBJECTIVE To document clinicopathologic findings in domestic rabbits with liver lobe torsion and identify prognostic factors. ANIMALS 82 rabbits. PROCEDURE Medical records of 4 institutions were reviewed to identify rabbits with an antemortem diagnosis of liver lobe torsion that were examined between 2010 and 2020. RESULTS The prevalence of live...

Background Chordomas on the tip of the tail are tumors commonly diagnosed in ferrets. Chordomas are known to originate from intraosseous remnants of the fetal notochord. Reportedly, they occur less frequently in the spinal column. Case description Three cases of cervical chordoma using advanced diagnostic modalities including computed tomography (...

Background – To survey macronutrients and two micronutrients (copper and zinc) in commercial ferret diets to investigate dietary factors that may influence copper-associated hepatopathy in ferrets. Methods – Proximate analysis and copper and zinc concentrations of 12 commercially-available dry adult maintenance ferret diets. Medians were calculate...

OBJECTIVE To determine hepatic copper concentrations and zonal distribution in ferrets with and without hepatobiliary disease, validate rhodanine-based qualitative copper scoring and digital copper quantification in ferret hepatic samples, and ascertain whether clinical features predicted copper accumulation. ANIMALS 34 ferrets, including 7 with n...

Chinchillas are becoming increasingly popular as companion animals and are frequently presented for emergency care. While closely related to guinea pigs, the diseases occurring in chinchillas and their medical management are vastly different. Chinchillas frequently suffer from dental disorder, including periodontal disease, conjunctivitis, penile d...

In biomedical research, rabbits are commonly sedated to facilitate a variety of procedures. Developing a sedation assessment scale enables standardization of levels of sedation and comparisons of sedation protocols, and may help in predicting sedation level requirements for different procedures. The goal of this study was to develop a rabbit sedati...

Rabbits are popular companion animals that are presented to veterinary clinics for routine and emergency care. As hindgut fermenters and prey species, special consideration should be taken in their handling, housing, and treatment to avoid undue stress or disruption of normal digestive processes. Dental, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurologi...

A 26-year-old, male eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) was presented to its primary care veterinarian for a 10-day history of increased respiratory effort, lethargy, and a single episode of regurgitation. Hepatomegaly, proventricular enlargement, cranial displacement of the ventriculus, and coelomic effusion were suspected based on a 1-view radiogr...

Hepatic toxicosis caused by copper accumulation has been reported in most domestic species, as well as multiple small exotic mammals, including ferrets, fruit bats, and sugar gliders. The purpose of this study was to determine the signalments, clinical presentation, and histologic findings associated with hepatic copper accumulation in sugar glider...

Emergency presentations of chickens may include acute and chronic conditions. This chapter will review aspects of emergency care for chickens including triage and patient assessment, diagnostics, supportive care procedures, and common emergency presentations. Basic life support is the most important component of cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitati...

Ferrets, rabbits, and other exotic companion mammals are often admitted to animal shelters. It is imperative for shelters to be aware of the unique anatomic features, husbandry requirements, and safe handling techniques for these species. This chapter reviews some of the most important aspects of appropriate care for these animals in a shelter sett...

Cytology can be a valuable diagnostic tool in small companion mammal species based on low cost and non‐invasiveness. This chapter emphasizes diagnostic cytology of pet ferrets, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats. The primary diagnostic applications for cytology in these species relate to infectious and neoplastic conditions of the skin, whi...

Background Although rabbits are commonly used as laboratory models for human glaucoma, management of this disease in pet rabbits has received little attention in the current literature. Spontaneous congenital glaucoma was initially described in New Zealand Whites as an autosomal recessive trait manifesting early in life. Glaucoma may also develop s...

Objective To describe the diagnosis, management, and outcome of a ferret with spontaneous hemoperitoneum with surgical intervention and xenotransfusion of type A feline packed red blood cells (pRBCs). Case Summary A domestic ferret diagnosed with a spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to a hepatic mass received isotonic crystalloids, hypertonic sa...

Rabbits are popular companion animals. Practices equipped for small animals can easily adapt to dealing with rabbits. Proper housing conditions should be provided to minimize the risk of injuries and minimize stress. Because of the anatomy of rabbits, appropriate handling techniques are essential to minimize injury. Physical examination should be p...

The purpose of this study was to determine reference ranges for the Nova tabletop blood gas analyzer laboratory parameters in ferrets. Blood was collected from 40 clinically healthy ferrets, ranging in age from 1 to 5 years old (28 neutered males, 12 spayed females). The evaluated parameters were measured using whole blood and included hematologic...

Objective: To describe the clinical findings and short-term outcomes for rabbits with signs of gastrointestinal tract dysfunction or rabbit gastrointestinal syndrome (RGIS). Animals: 117 client-owned rabbits. Procedures: The electronic medical records database of a veterinary teaching hospital was searched to identify rabbits that were examine...

Background Mammary fibroadenomas are one of the most common tumors of female companion rats (Rattus norvegicus forma domestica). The objectives of this study were to determine if subcutaneous administration of a deslorelin implant following excision of fibroadenomas can prevent or delay development of additional mammary tumors and increase survival...

OBJECTIVE To use duplex Doppler ultrasonography to compare gastrointestinal activity in healthy sedated versus nonsedated rabbits and to evaluate agreement between B-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler (PWD) ultrasonographic measurements. ANIMALS 10 healthy client-owned rabbits brought for routine physical examination and 11 brought for routine ovarioh...

Lymphoma is the 3rdmost common neoplasm in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furoi). The objective of this study was to describe case demographics and outcomes of ferrets diagnosed and treated for lymphoma. Forty-four ferrets from two institutions were retrospectively evaluated for case demographics, subjective response to treatment, date of last...

OBJECTIVE To assess whether IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) and intraosseous regional limb perfusion (IORLP) of ceftiofur sodium resulted in clinically relevant drug concentrations in the synovial fluid of the tibiotarsal-tarsometatarsal joint of chickens (ie, an avian model) and to determine whether one of those techniques was superior to the o...

OBJECTIVE To assess whether IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) and intraosseous regional limb perfusion (IORLP) of ceftiofur sodium resulted in clinically relevant drug concentrations in the synovial fluid of the tibiotarsal-tarsometatarsal joint of chickens (ie, an avian model) and to determine whether one of those techniques was superior to the o...

A 10-year-old, female umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) was presented for evaluation of a mass at the right commissure of the beak, with associated right periorbital swelling. A feather cyst was suspected, based on history and the results of a computed tomography scan and fine-needle aspirate. The cyst was surgically debrided and removed. Histopatho...

Objective: To investigate the reasons for evaluation on an emergency basis of and short-term outcomes for chickens from backyard flocks. Design: Retrospective case series. Animals: 78 chickens. Procedures: For chickens evaluated on an emergency basis at a New England veterinary teaching hospital in January 2014 through March 2017, informatio...

Thirty interstitial cell tumors (ICTs) from domestic rabbits collected from Zoo/Exotic Pathology Service, Northwest ZooPath, and Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University were submitted for histologic review and immunohistochemistry for p53 and Ki-67 along with Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. The objectives of this cross-secti...

Treatment options for animals with cancer are rapidly expanding, including in exotic animal medicine. Only limited information is available, however, about treatment effects in exotic pet species beyond individual case reports. Consequently, most cancer treatment protocols in exotic animals are extrapolated from those described in humans, dogs, and...

Mammary fibroadenomas are the most common subcutaneous tumors of female companion rats (Rattus nor-vegicus). 1 In premenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers, GnRH agonist treatment is recommended. 2 Female intact client-owned rats with mammary fibroadenomas were recruited in this random-ized blinded trial followed by cohort s...

CASE DESCRIPTION 3 ferrets ( Mustela putorius furo ), aged 1 to 2 years, were referred for evaluation of a 4-day to 2-week history of gastrointestinal signs, including anorexia, regurgitation, and vomiting. CLINICAL FINDINGS All 3 ferrets had clinical signs suggestive of dysphagia or esophagitis on initial examination. Esophagoscopy, barium-contras...

Macropods are susceptible to trauma, and fractures of the cervical vertebrae due to collisions are relatively common. A 4-yr-old, intact male Bennett's wallaby ( Macropus rufogriseus ) was presented acutely nonambulatory and tetraparetic but with motor function present in all limbs. Cervical radiographs revealed a C4 vertebral fracture. Surgical st...

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118934598,subjectCd-VE00.html#student Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Avian presents complete information on diseases and conditions seen in birds in a quick-reference format ideal for clinical practice. • Offers fast access to essential information on 128 avian diseases and syndrom...

This article reviews diagnosis and management of liver lobe torsion in rabbits. Practitioners should recommend initial diagnostics including radiographs and blood work on rabbits presenting with nonspecific signs of gastrointestinal (GI) stasis to better determine possible etiology and make the best treatment recommendations. If hepatic enzyme elev...

This article reviews diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases in guinea pigs and rabbits. The review includes established causes of gastrointestinal disease in these species. The authors highlight syndromes that may be considered emerging or less-recognized causes of gastrointestinal stasis, including gastric dilation and volvulus in g...

A recent publication outlined the successful outcome of hepatectomy as treatment for liver lobe torsion in four domestic rabbits.

4 rabbits (1.5 to 6 years old) were evaluated at the Angell Animal Medical Center from June 2007 to March 2009 because of nonspecific clinical signs including anorexia, lethargy, and decreased fecal output. Physical examination revealed signs of pain in the cranial portion of the abdomen, gas distention of the gastrointestinal tract, and diminished...

AbstractProblem-oriented avian medicine is a system based on logic and focused on the identification and resolution of a patient's problems. The problem-oriented approach requires identification of the problem(s), formulation of a plan for working up each problem, and case follow-up over time. Although the problem-based approach ultimately should l...

A 25-year-old intact female orange-winged Amazon parrot (Amazona amazonica) presented for a 2-week history of straining to defecate, lethargy, open-beak breathing, decreased vocalization, and ruffled feathers. On physical examination, the parrot had a heart murmur, increased air sac and lung sounds, open-beak breathing, increased respiratory rate a...

An adult African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was examined because of bilateral periorbital swelling of 1-year duration. Ultrasonographic imaging revealed bilateral periorbital and retrobulbar soft tissue swelling, most consistent with fat echogenicity. The bird was euthanatized, and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI...

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Raptors may present with a variety of conditions, such as trauma, debilitation, and disease, that necessitate emergency care. Emergency treatment should prioritize stabilization of the patient. Diagnostic testing should be delayed until feasible based on patient status. This article reviews emergency medicine in raptors, including appropriate handl...

Rodents may be presented on an emergency basis with various conditions causing debilitation and disease. Common causes of emergent presentations include trauma, respiratory disease, dental disease, gastrointestinal disease, reproductive disorders, and urinary tract obstruction. Emergency treatment should always include immediate stabilization of th...

A 4-year-old, male, neutered ferret presented with squamous cell carcinoma of the right maxillary region associated with the tissues surrounding the upper canine tooth. A rostral maxillectomy was performed to excise the mass. Histopathologic examination showed questionable margins of tumor removal. Approximately 2 months after surgery, the ferret r...

Rabbits are popular companion animals that present to veterinary clinics for routine and emergency care. Clinics equipped for treat-ing dogs and cats may be easily adapted to accommodate rabbits. This article reviews common procedures performed by the clinician specific to rabbits. Topics include handling and restraint, triage and patient assessmen...

The majority of information on oncology therapies has been reported in humans, canine, and feline patients, and laboratory animals with experimentally induced tumors. A variety of treatments,including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and others have been used with exotic animals. There are many species of exotic pets, and anat...

After a description of anatomy and physiology of the avian respiratory system, an approach to the dyspneic patient is discussed. Diagnostics that may be helpful in determining the cause of dyspnea include radiographic imaging, ultrasound, cytology of sinus or tracheal flushes, and endoscopy. Various avian respiratory diseases that may present on an...

To assess the use of a caudal external thoracic artery axial pattern flap to treat sternal cutaneous wounds in birds. 16 adult Japanese quail. A cutaneous defect in the region of the mid-sternum was surgically created in all quail. In 6 quail (group I), an axial pattern flap was created from the skin of the lateral aspect of the thorax and advanced...

A 2-year-old female Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was presented with a 20-month history of chronic malodorous diarrhea. Megacloaca with cloacitis, suspected clostridial enteritis, and suspected chronic synsacral and caudal vertebral osteomyelitis were diagnosed on the basis of radiograph results, laboratory testing, radiographic and fluor...

In conclusion, rabbits have a variety of common disease presentations that require wound management. Anatomic and physiologic characteristics should be kept in mind, as they may have influences upon the management of wounds. Many new topical medications and dressings have been designed that are routinely used in mammalian wound management cases and...

A 16-year-old female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented with a history of a nutritionally inadequate diet, inappetence, and mild depression. Clinical signs included severe dyspnea depression, anorexia, coelomic distention, and cloacal prolapse. Radiographs indicated a soft tissue mass in the midcoelomic cavity. Laparo-scopic examinati...

A 17-yr-old pet female peach-fronted conure (Aratinga aurea) was presented with the chief complaints of mild lethargy and weight loss with increased appetite. Antemortem diagnostics included complete blood count, plasma biochemistry, and radiography. Abnormal findings included elevated inflammatory parameters (hyperfibrinogenemia) and a space-occup...

A 5-year-old spayed ferret was presented for examination of a 0.5 × 0.5-cm mass in the right perianal area. Cytologic examination of a fine-needle aspirate of the mass revealed a likely diagnosis of carcinoma. Rapid growth of the mass precluded surgical resection; therefore, a definitive course of radiation therapy was initiated. The mass recurred...

A mature great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) was presented to a raptor rehabilitation center because of head injury and severe trauma to the left eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed a painful left eye with evidence of chronic inflammation and blindness. After evisceration of the left eye, an intraocular silicone prosthesis was implanted to maintai...