January’s gathering of wildlife and zoo veterinarians had a great collection of interesting cases. Here are some of the highlights.
Mature Flamingo, found unable to rise
This flamingo did not have any history of disease and was up to date on vaccinations. His initial blood work was fairly normal. Radiographs showed increased opacity of the soft tissues including great vessels in the thorax, and mineralization of the kidneys. Later blood work showed increased renal values fitting with the radiographic signs of renal mineralization. Differentials could include primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism or gout. Post mortem examination confirmed crystals within the renal parenchyma and mineralization of vessels. Final results are pending.
Flying Fox with mass on mandible
Aspirates of this soft tissue mass were not conclusive. Dental radiographs with very nice detail showed a lucency at the apex of the left canine tooth in the mandible, indicating a periapical abscess.
Mature Sea Lion with open mouth
The Sea Lion had bilateral mandibular fractures located in the ramus of the mandibles. The temporomandibular joints were not directly involved. The fractures had some remodeling of the edges and were relatively well aligned. They were most likely a week or two old, and the massive masticatory muscles had kept the fractures from greater displacement. The animal was able to close its mouth and to eat. He did very well with supportive care. The group speculated on the type of trauma that would induce this type of injury, possibly an impact from the ventral or caudoventral area.
Harbor Seal pup with fractured radius
This pup had a fractured radius with several fragments. Radiographs over a period of 3 months showed progressive healing of the more proximal portion of the fracture, with incorporation of a fragment into the distal callus. This subsequently formed a mineral opacity sequestrum surrounded by a symmetric involucrum (radiolucent line around the sequestrum). The sequestrum dissolved completely over this period without surgical debridement.
River Otter found in parking lot
Thoracic radiographs showed a generalized cardiomegaly. The thorax of the otter was shaped like a feline thorax, and the heart appeared to be approximately twice normal size. The lungs and remainder of the thorax were normal. An unknown protozoal parasite was found in the muscles and myocardium. Final speciation was pending.
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