| A retrospective study of pathologic findings in the Amazon and Orinoco river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) in captivity. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 17679501 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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River dolphins are especially susceptible to negative human impacts. For their conservation, attempts of relocation or procreation ex situ may become important in the future to avoid their extinction. Additional knowledge and medical experiences of river dolphin management in captivity may aid such conservation efforts. The medical records and necropsy and histopathology reports on 123 captive Amazon River dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) were re-viewed. Of these 123 animals, 105 were necropsied and 70 necropsies were supported with histopathology. Eighteen animals were not necropsied. Among wild-born animals, mortality was highest in the first 2 mo immediately postcapture and transport, accounting for 32 of 123 deaths. Pneumonia and skin lesions (cutaneous and subcutaneous ulcerations and abscesses) were the most common findings, found in 44 of 105 (42%) and 38 of 105 (36%) of gross diagnoses, respectively. At least 10 of 44 cases of pneumonia diagnosed grossly included a verminous component. Cachexia, from a variety of causes, was a major gross finding in 21 animals. Fifteen animals had histologic evidence of significant renal pathology, and this was the primary cause of death in 13 cases. Hepatic pathology was found in 18 cases, and bacterial sepsis was confirmed via histology in 16 cases. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that keys to successful maintenance of this species include 1) prophylactic anthelminthic and antibiotic therapy immediately post-capture; 2) maintenance of animals in larger enclosures than in past attempts, in compatible groups, and in facilities capable of separating aggressive animals; 3) maintenance in microbiologically hygienic water quality at all times; and 4) a proactive program of preventive medicine during the immediate postcapture, quarantine, and maintenance period of captivity. |
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Authors:
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Christopher J Bonar; Ernesto O Boede; Manuel García Hartmann; Joanne Lowenstein-Whaley; Esmeralda Mujica-Jorquera; Scott V Parish; James V Parish; Michael M Garner; Cynthia K Stadler |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Volume: 38 ISSN: 1042-7260 ISO Abbreviation: J. Zoo Wildl. Med. Publication Date: 2007 Jun |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2007-08-07 Completed Date: 2007-09-17 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8915208 Medline TA: J Zoo Wildl Med Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 177-91 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA. cjb@clevelandmetroparks.com |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animal Husbandry
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methods*,
standards* Animals Animals, Zoo Antibiotic Prophylaxis / veterinary Behavior, Animal / physiology Cause of Death Conservation of Natural Resources* Dolphins* / physiology Female Male Quarantine / veterinary Retrospective Studies Water Microbiology / standards |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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