Paulo Mota Bandarra

Melanophoroma is a neoplasm of reptilian pigment cells, considered uncommon and part of a group of neoplasms called chromatophoromas. The objective of this work was to describe a case of melanophoroma in a free‐living Lichtenstein's green racer snake (Philodryas olfersii), presenting with an ulcerative nodular neoformation in the integument of the head region. In the neurologic evaluation, a proprioceptive deficit was observed. Ultrasound, X‐ray, and mass cytology examinations were performed. Radiographic and ultrasound findings of the tumor indicated infiltrative behavior, and cytology indicated a presumptive diagnosis of a melanocytic neoplasm. Based on the results of the examinations and the patient's clinical condition, euthanasia was chosen. At necropsy, there was a nodule measuring 4.5 × 2.5 × 2.0 cm, with a blackish‐colored cut surface, mottled by gray areas, which infiltrated soft tissue and bone, and extended dorsally from the mouth to the cervical musculature. On microscopy, a non‐delimited, non‐encapsulated, and invasive neoplastic proliferation was observed, with moderate cellularity, which was predominantly composed of fusiform cells with distinct borders and foci of epithelioid cells. The cells had ample cytoplasm, which had a brown to black (melanocytic) granular pigment compatible with a melanophoroma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a unique description of a melanophoroma in P. olfersii.

Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSH) is a metabolic disorder that mainly affects young animals. This disease causes imbalance between the levels of calcium and phosphorus, culminating in bone changes. Wild animals raised in captivity can develop the disease when they are given an inadequate diet. The aim of this study is to report the clinical findings, the complementary exams and the therapeutics utilized in a Leopardus geoffroyi (Geoffroy’s cat) cub originated from captivity. The animal went through complementary imaging exams and biochemical evaluation that respectively revealed generalized osteopenia and pathological fracture of the right femur, reduction of serum calcium level and elevation of serum phosphorus level. After diagnosis, a correction of the diet and mineral and vitamin supplementation was performed. The NSH diagnosis was stablished by associating history, clinical signs, imaging exams findings and serum biochemicals. The early identification of this disease is of paramount importance, because in this way corrections can be made in food management, in order to provide successful clinical recovery and promote quality of life for wild captive animals.

The lesser grison (Galictis cuja) is a mammal that belongs to the Mustelidae family and is found in a number of countries in South America. This article describes the nutritional and biometric data and clinical parameters for four G. cuja pups cared for at the Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre e Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (Nurfs/Cetas) [Nucleus for the Rehabilitation of Wild Fauna and Wild Animal Evaluation Centre] of Universidade Federal de Pelotas, RS, Brazil. The pups were assessed clinically and subject to nutritional and biometric monitoring in order to learn more about the species and its development rate, given the lack of information available in the literature. All the pups demonstrated gradual body growth from arrival until the moment of release, and the nutritional management regime was shown to be appropriate for raising G. cuja in captivity.

The presence of contaminated animals in wildlife rehabilitation centers poses a threat for both animals and humans that come into contact with them or the contaminated environment. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), as well as studying the biofilm formation capacity of these isolates, Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter spp. in wild animals from a rehabilitation center. During a two-year period, feces were collected from animals that were admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center (n=324 samples). The pathogens were isolated from 51 (15.7%) animals of different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Forty isolates (12.3%) were identified as S. aureus, of these, 32 (9.9%) were identified as MRSA and 72.5% were able to form biofilm. Y. enterocolitica was found in five mammals (5.1%), three reptiles (21.43%) and two birds (0.94%). Salmonella and Campylobacter were isolated from one bird each (0.67% and 0.67%, respectively). A wide diversity of animal species in rehabilitation centers, including birds, mammals and reptiles, can carry MRSA and enterobacteria of one health concern and eliminate in the feces. The presence of these pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract of wild animals admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center shows the importance of microbiological monitoring of animals at the time of their admission and reinforces the need for specific hygienic-sanitary care.

This chapter describes the liver biopsy as a useful diagnostic method for detecting Senecio poisoning in live cattle. The biopsy results revealed...