Journal of herpetological medicine and surgery, 2003
ABSTRACT Trauma of undetermined cause resulted in the massive injury, infection, and subsequent s... more ABSTRACT Trauma of undetermined cause resulted in the massive injury, infection, and subsequent stranding of a juvenile green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas. With an initial calculated total leukocyte count of zero cells/μl and no mature circulating heterophils on the differential, the turtle was treated with antibiotics and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, (hG-CSF, filgrastim), in an attempt to increase heterophil production and possibly activation. Three daily doses o f hG-CSF at 6.7 mcg/kg given subcutaneously resulted in a rapid increase in acidophilic progranulocytes, which subsequently declined over the next three days. A second regimen, consisting of a repeat of the first three-dose daily regimen followed by continued dosing every 48 hr for an additional nine days, maintained a white blood cell count of 11,600 – 24,700 cells/μl. Three weeks after initiating therapy, mature heterophils began to appear in the peripheral blood and the hG-CSF was discontinued. Finally, after the tur...
Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and e... more Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and estuarine organisms worldwide, including fish and marine mammals, birds, and turtles. The effects of these algal blooms on marine organisms are due to the various toxins produced by the different algal species. In southwest Florida, frequent blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which produces neurotoxins known as brevetoxins, cause widespread fish kills and affect many marine animals. In 2005-2007, numerous sea turtles of several species underwent treatment for brevetoxicosis at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. In green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys kempii, symptoms associated with brevetoxicosis were limited to neurologic signs, such as the inability to control the head (head bobbing) and nervous twitching. For these turtles, treatment involved removing the turtles from the environment containing the toxins and providing short-term supportive care. In loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, symptoms were more generalized; thus, a similar approach was unsuccessful, as was routine treatment for general toxicosis. Loggerhead sea turtles had more extreme neurologic symptoms including coma, and other symptoms that included generalized edema, conjunctival edema, and cloacal or penile prolapse. Treatment of brevetoxicosis in loggerhead sea turtles required a therapeutic regimen that initially included dehydration and systemic antihistamine treatment followed by supportive care.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Sep 28, 2021
Abstract: The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized den... more Abstract: The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized dental pads at the most rostral aspect of their mouth to assist with mastication. This unique development is thought to be an adaptive response to their highly abrasive diets that contain phytoliths and sediments that may accelerate dental wear. In May 2013, two Florida manatees presented with multiple fractures in their inferior dental pads. The fractures were successfully managed with nutritional modifications, dental pad trimming, and vigilant monitoring through behavioral husbandry training. Signs of spontaneous healing were observed as early as 60 days after initial presentation with subsequent full resolution. Although surgical intervention was planned, the spontaneous healing mitigated significant health risks associated with the procedure. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of dental pad fractures and their spontaneous healing and resolution in manatees.
Mating-induced ovulation is common in mammals, but has been rarely described in other taxa. Obser... more Mating-induced ovulation is common in mammals, but has been rarely described in other taxa. Observations of several mature female loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, held in captivity seemed to indicate that ovulation did not occur in the absence of a male. This study was designed to determine whether this was an effect of captivity or an effect of the absence of a male. Two mature female loggerheads were followed over six annual reproductive cycles. Ultrasound exams were performed approximately every 2 weeks to follow the development of follicles in the ovaries. During the first two seasons, no male was present, in the next two seasons, a mature male was present without mating, and in the final two seasons a mature male was present, mating with one or both females. When no male was present or when present without mating, ovarian follicles developed to full size, but ovulation did not occur and the follicles gradually began to decrease in diameter and undergo changes evident on ultrasound. In the fifth season, only one of the females mated, dropping two eggs after 7 days, and continued to oviposit throughout the following months (total 275 eggs). The unmated female did not ovulate, showing the same pattern as earlier seasons. In the final season, both females mated and ovulated, dropping eggs for the next four months (total 539 eggs). The following year, no males were present and neither female ovulated. This study provides clear evidence that ovulation in loggerhead sea turtles is induced by mating.
The loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, one of the seven species of threatened or endangered ... more The loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, one of the seven species of threatened or endangered sea turtles worldwide, is one of the most commonly encountered marine turtles off the eastern coast of the United States and Gulf of Mexico. Although biochemical reference ranges have been evaluated for several species of sea turtles, tissue specificity of the commonly used plasma enzymes is lacking. This study evaluated the tissue specificity of eight enzymes, including amylase, lipase, creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in 30 tissues from five stranded loggerhead sea turtles with no evidence of infectious disease. Amylase and lipase showed the greatest tissue specificity, with activity found only in pancreatic samples. Creatine kinase had high levels present in skeletal and cardiac muscle, and moderate levels in central nervous system and gastrointestinal samples. Gamma-glutamyl transferase was found in kidney samples, but only in very low levels. Creatine kinase, ALP, AST, and LDH were found in all tissues evaluated and ALT was found in most, indicating low tissue specificity for these enzymes in the loggerhead.
Although lungworms are known to infect many mammalian species and a few are known to infect snake... more Although lungworms are known to infect many mammalian species and a few are known to infect snakes, lizards, and birds, previously none were known to infect chelonians. This study documents the first three known cases of lungworms in loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta. It is unlikely that the lungworms were the primary cause of illness in any of the cases, and they may be only contributory or even incidental. Changes observed in the two cases that died included tracheal and bronchial epithelial hyperplasia and goblet cell hyperplasia. Lesions caused directly by the parasites seem to be restricted to the upper respiratory tree (trachea and main bronchi), but changes in the lungs themselves may be caused by the debris produced by the worms. Although neither case was successfully treated for the lungworms prior to death, it would appear that oxfendazole may be an effective treatment and has been used in the third case that is still undergoing rehabilitation.
The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg ... more The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) injections in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 8 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) injection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Plasma was collected laterally from the tail vein for drug analysis at various time intervals up to 72 h following the injection of ketoprofen. In trout, area under the curve (AUC) levels were 115.24 µg hr/mL for IM and 135.69 µg hr/mL for IV groups with a half-life of 4.40 and 3.91 h, respectively. In both trout and tilapia, there were detectable ketoprofen concentrations in most fish for 24 h post-injection. In tilapia, there was a large difference between the R-and S-enantiomers, suggesting either chiral inversion from R-to S-enantiomer or more rapid clearance of the R-enantiomer. AUC values of the Sand R-enantiomers were 510 and 194 µg hr/Ml, respectively, corresponding to a faster clearance for the R-enantiomer. This study shows that there were very high plasma concentrations of ketoprofen in trout and tilapia with no adverse effects observed. Future studies on the efficacy, frequency of dosing, analgesia, adverse effects, and route of administration are warranted.
Rehabilitation efforts for live stranded marine mammals are guided by diagnostic measures of bloo... more Rehabilitation efforts for live stranded marine mammals are guided by diagnostic measures of blood chemistry and hematology parameters obtained from each individual undergoing treatment. Despite the widespread use of blood parameters, reference values are not available in the literature from healthy rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) with which to infer the health status of an animal. We examined serum or plasma chemistry and hematology data from 17 rough-toothed dolphins either housed at Dolphin Quest French Polynesia or during their rehabilitation at the Dolphin and Whale Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, US between 1994 and 2005. Blood parameters were compared among healthy animals, rehabilitation animals that were eventually released, and rehabilitation animals that died. This study indicated significant differences in many blood parameters for the poorly known roughtoothed dolphin that are likely to vary between healthy and sick animals. These included aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bicarbonate, and globulins, which were greater in sick dolphins, and alkaline phosphatase and total protein which were greater in healthy individuals. Total white blood cell counts were lower in healthy animals as were the absolute numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Analysis of first blood sample levels for glucose, sodium, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate may have value for triage and prognostic evaluation.
Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and e... more Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and estuarine organisms worldwide, including fish and marine mammals, birds, and turtles. The effects of these algal blooms on marine organisms are due to the various toxins produced by the different algal species. In southwest Florida, frequent blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which produces neurotoxins known as brevetoxins, cause widespread fish kills and affect many marine animals. In 2005-2007, numerous sea turtles of several species underwent treatment for brevetoxicosis at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. In green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys kempii, symptoms associated with brevetoxicosis were limited to neurologic signs, such as the inability to control the head (head bobbing) and nervous twitching. For these turtles, treatment involved removing the turtles from the environment containing the toxins and providing short-term supportive care. In loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, symptoms were more generalized; thus, a similar approach was unsuccessful, as was routine treatment for general toxicosis. Loggerhead sea turtles had more extreme neurologic symptoms including coma, and other symptoms that included generalized edema, conjunctival edema, and cloacal or penile prolapse. Treatment of brevetoxicosis in loggerhead sea turtles required a therapeutic regimen that initially included dehydration and systemic antihistamine treatment followed by supportive care.
The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg ... more The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) injections in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 8 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) injection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Plasma was collected laterally from the tail vein for drug analysis at various time intervals up to 72 h following the injection of ketoprofen. In trout, area under the curve (AUC) levels were 115.24 µg hr/mL for IM and 135.69 µg hr/mL for IV groups with a half-life of 4.40 and 3.91 h, respectively. In both trout and tilapia, there were detectable ketoprofen concentrations in most fish for 24 h post-injection. In tilapia, there was a large difference between the R-and S-enantiomers, suggesting either chiral inversion from R-to S-enantiomer or more rapid clearance of the R-enantiomer. AUC values of the Sand R-enantiomers were 510 and 194 µg hr/Ml, respectively, corresponding to a faster clearance for the R-enantiomer. This study shows that there were very high plasma concentrations of ketoprofen in trout and tilapia with no adverse effects observed. Future studies on the efficacy, frequency of dosing, analgesia, adverse effects, and route of administration are warranted.
Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 2003
ABSTRACT Trauma of undetermined cause resulted in the massive injury, infection, and subsequent s... more ABSTRACT Trauma of undetermined cause resulted in the massive injury, infection, and subsequent stranding of a juvenile green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas. With an initial calculated total leukocyte count of zero cells/μl and no mature circulating heterophils on the differential, the turtle was treated with antibiotics and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, (hG-CSF, filgrastim), in an attempt to increase heterophil production and possibly activation. Three daily doses o f hG-CSF at 6.7 mcg/kg given subcutaneously resulted in a rapid increase in acidophilic progranulocytes, which subsequently declined over the next three days. A second regimen, consisting of a repeat of the first three-dose daily regimen followed by continued dosing every 48 hr for an additional nine days, maintained a white blood cell count of 11,600 – 24,700 cells/μl. Three weeks after initiating therapy, mature heterophils began to appear in the peripheral blood and the hG-CSF was discontinued. Finally, after the tur...
Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, 2002
Atropine, an anticholinergic agent commonly used in human and veterinary medicine, is reported to... more Atropine, an anticholinergic agent commonly used in human and veterinary medicine, is reported to cause toxicity associated with its antimuscarinic action. A juvenile pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps, was treated with atropine in an attempt to relieve symptoms similar to pyloric stenosis, as has been used in humans. Two doses of 0.01 mg/kg were given i.m., 12 hr apart, followed by three doses of 0.005 mg/kg i.m. s.i.d. over the next 3 days. Symptoms associated with atropine toxicity developed gradually and included hyperexcitability, a generalized ascending paralysis of body musculature, shallow, rapid respiration, vomiting, aspiration of seawater, and pulmonary edema. Treatment with physostigmine salicylate (two doses of 2 mg i.m., I hr apart) was effective in counteracting the paralysis, as well as other symptoms, beginning in as little as 17 min after the first dose, and the whale was back to swimming on its own after 8 hr. All overt symptoms of atropine toxicity were gone in a...
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2016
The oceanic dolphin genus Stenella is underrepresented in cetacean hearing data. In this study th... more The oceanic dolphin genus Stenella is underrepresented in cetacean hearing data. In this study the hearing of three Stenella spp. dolphins was measured using auditory evoked potential (AEP) methods. A single male juvenile Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) was rehabilitated in Key Largo, Florida, after being sighted alone and emaciated. The Atlantic spotted dolphin’s greatest sensitivity was at 40 kHz, with functional hearing up to 128 kHz. A female spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), housed at Mote Marine Laboratory, had peak sensitivity at 40 kHz and functional hearing up to 120 kHz, the highest frequency tested. The sensitive high frequency hearing of the spinner and Atlantic spotted dolphin is similar to that found in other oceanic odontocetes. A pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) was housed at Mote Marine Laboratory and hearing thresholds were determined using AEP and behavioral methods. The pantropical spotted dolphin had a peak sensitivity at 10 ...
Abstract: The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized den... more Abstract: The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized dental pads at the most rostral aspect of their mouth to assist with mastication. This unique development is thought to be an adaptive response to their highly abrasive diets that contain phytoliths and sediments that may accelerate dental wear. In May 2013, two Florida manatees presented with multiple fractures in their inferior dental pads. The fractures were successfully managed with nutritional modifications, dental pad trimming, and vigilant monitoring through behavioral husbandry training. Signs of spontaneous healing were observed as early as 60 days after initial presentation with subsequent full resolution. Although surgical intervention was planned, the spontaneous healing mitigated significant health risks associated with the procedure. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of dental pad fractures and their spontaneous healing and resolution in manatees.
Rehabilitation efforts for live stranded marine mammals are guided by diagnostic measures of bloo... more Rehabilitation efforts for live stranded marine mammals are guided by diagnostic measures of blood chemistry and hematology parameters obtained from each individual undergoing treatment. Despite the widespread use of blood parameters, reference values are not available in the literature from healthy rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) with which to infer the health status of an animal. We examined serum or plasma chemistry and hematology data from 17 rough-toothed dolphins either housed at Dolphin Quest French Polynesia or during their rehabilitation at the Dolphin and Whale Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, US between 1994 and 2005. Blood parameters were compared among healthy animals, rehabilitation animals that were eventually released, and rehabilitation animals that died. This study indicated significant differences in many blood parameters for the poorly known roughtoothed dolphin that are likely to vary between healthy and sick animals. These included aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bicarbonate, and globulins, which were greater in sick dolphins, and alkaline phosphatase and total protein which were greater in healthy individuals. Total white blood cell counts were lower in healthy animals as were the absolute numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Analysis of first blood sample levels for glucose, sodium, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate may have value for triage and prognostic evaluation.
Abstract In this case study, phage therapy was applied to treat a multidrug‐resistant case of sep... more Abstract In this case study, phage therapy was applied to treat a multidrug‐resistant case of septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD) caused by Citrobacter freundii in a loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta. Phages were applied topically, intravenously, into the carapace, and into the exhibit water using various phage cocktails specific to the causative agent over an 8‐month period. This was performed in conjunction with antimicrobial therapy. The animal was monitored through weekly cultures, photographs, and complete blood cell counts, as well as immune assays (phagocytosis, plasma lysozyme and superoxide dismutase activity, and plasma electrophoresis profiles). The animal, in comparison to an untreated, unaffected control, had elevated antibody titers to the administered phages, which persisted for at least 35 weeks. Although cultures were clear of C. freundii after phage treatment, the infection did return over time and immune assays confirmed deficiencies when compared to a healthy loggerhead sea turtle. Immune parameters with statistically significant changes over the study period included the following: decreased phagocytosis, increased alpha‐ and gamma‐globulin protein components, and an increased albumin : globulin ratio. When C. freundii appeared again, the multidrug‐resistant status had reverted back to normal susceptibility patterns. Although not completely known whether it was another subspecies of bacteria, the therapy did resolve the multidrug‐resistant challenge. Phage therapy in combination with antimicrobial agents may be an effective treatment for sea turtles with normally functioning immune systems or less‐severe infections. Additional research is needed to better understand and quantify sea turtle immunology.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Official Publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Jun 1, 2013
Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and e... more Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and estuarine organisms worldwide, including fish and marine mammals, birds, and turtles. The effects of these algal blooms on marine organisms are due to the various toxins produced by the different algal species. In southwest Florida, frequent blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which produces neurotoxins known as brevetoxins, cause widespread fish kills and affect many marine animals. In 2005-2007, numerous sea turtles of several species underwent treatment for brevetoxicosis at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. In green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys kempii, symptoms associated with brevetoxicosis were limited to neurologic signs, such as the inability to control the head (head bobbing) and nervous twitching. For these turtles, treatment involved removing the turtles from the environment containing the toxins and providing short-term supportive care. In loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, symptoms were more generalized; thus, a similar approach was unsuccessful, as was routine treatment for general toxicosis. Loggerhead sea turtles had more extreme neurologic symptoms including coma, and other symptoms that included generalized edema, conjunctival edema, and cloacal or penile prolapse. Treatment of brevetoxicosis in loggerhead sea turtles required a therapeutic regimen that initially included dehydration and systemic antihistamine treatment followed by supportive care.
Journal of herpetological medicine and surgery, 2003
ABSTRACT Trauma of undetermined cause resulted in the massive injury, infection, and subsequent s... more ABSTRACT Trauma of undetermined cause resulted in the massive injury, infection, and subsequent stranding of a juvenile green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas. With an initial calculated total leukocyte count of zero cells/μl and no mature circulating heterophils on the differential, the turtle was treated with antibiotics and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, (hG-CSF, filgrastim), in an attempt to increase heterophil production and possibly activation. Three daily doses o f hG-CSF at 6.7 mcg/kg given subcutaneously resulted in a rapid increase in acidophilic progranulocytes, which subsequently declined over the next three days. A second regimen, consisting of a repeat of the first three-dose daily regimen followed by continued dosing every 48 hr for an additional nine days, maintained a white blood cell count of 11,600 – 24,700 cells/μl. Three weeks after initiating therapy, mature heterophils began to appear in the peripheral blood and the hG-CSF was discontinued. Finally, after the tur...
Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and e... more Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and estuarine organisms worldwide, including fish and marine mammals, birds, and turtles. The effects of these algal blooms on marine organisms are due to the various toxins produced by the different algal species. In southwest Florida, frequent blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which produces neurotoxins known as brevetoxins, cause widespread fish kills and affect many marine animals. In 2005-2007, numerous sea turtles of several species underwent treatment for brevetoxicosis at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. In green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys kempii, symptoms associated with brevetoxicosis were limited to neurologic signs, such as the inability to control the head (head bobbing) and nervous twitching. For these turtles, treatment involved removing the turtles from the environment containing the toxins and providing short-term supportive care. In loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, symptoms were more generalized; thus, a similar approach was unsuccessful, as was routine treatment for general toxicosis. Loggerhead sea turtles had more extreme neurologic symptoms including coma, and other symptoms that included generalized edema, conjunctival edema, and cloacal or penile prolapse. Treatment of brevetoxicosis in loggerhead sea turtles required a therapeutic regimen that initially included dehydration and systemic antihistamine treatment followed by supportive care.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Sep 28, 2021
Abstract: The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized den... more Abstract: The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized dental pads at the most rostral aspect of their mouth to assist with mastication. This unique development is thought to be an adaptive response to their highly abrasive diets that contain phytoliths and sediments that may accelerate dental wear. In May 2013, two Florida manatees presented with multiple fractures in their inferior dental pads. The fractures were successfully managed with nutritional modifications, dental pad trimming, and vigilant monitoring through behavioral husbandry training. Signs of spontaneous healing were observed as early as 60 days after initial presentation with subsequent full resolution. Although surgical intervention was planned, the spontaneous healing mitigated significant health risks associated with the procedure. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of dental pad fractures and their spontaneous healing and resolution in manatees.
Mating-induced ovulation is common in mammals, but has been rarely described in other taxa. Obser... more Mating-induced ovulation is common in mammals, but has been rarely described in other taxa. Observations of several mature female loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, held in captivity seemed to indicate that ovulation did not occur in the absence of a male. This study was designed to determine whether this was an effect of captivity or an effect of the absence of a male. Two mature female loggerheads were followed over six annual reproductive cycles. Ultrasound exams were performed approximately every 2 weeks to follow the development of follicles in the ovaries. During the first two seasons, no male was present, in the next two seasons, a mature male was present without mating, and in the final two seasons a mature male was present, mating with one or both females. When no male was present or when present without mating, ovarian follicles developed to full size, but ovulation did not occur and the follicles gradually began to decrease in diameter and undergo changes evident on ultrasound. In the fifth season, only one of the females mated, dropping two eggs after 7 days, and continued to oviposit throughout the following months (total 275 eggs). The unmated female did not ovulate, showing the same pattern as earlier seasons. In the final season, both females mated and ovulated, dropping eggs for the next four months (total 539 eggs). The following year, no males were present and neither female ovulated. This study provides clear evidence that ovulation in loggerhead sea turtles is induced by mating.
The loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, one of the seven species of threatened or endangered ... more The loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, one of the seven species of threatened or endangered sea turtles worldwide, is one of the most commonly encountered marine turtles off the eastern coast of the United States and Gulf of Mexico. Although biochemical reference ranges have been evaluated for several species of sea turtles, tissue specificity of the commonly used plasma enzymes is lacking. This study evaluated the tissue specificity of eight enzymes, including amylase, lipase, creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in 30 tissues from five stranded loggerhead sea turtles with no evidence of infectious disease. Amylase and lipase showed the greatest tissue specificity, with activity found only in pancreatic samples. Creatine kinase had high levels present in skeletal and cardiac muscle, and moderate levels in central nervous system and gastrointestinal samples. Gamma-glutamyl transferase was found in kidney samples, but only in very low levels. Creatine kinase, ALP, AST, and LDH were found in all tissues evaluated and ALT was found in most, indicating low tissue specificity for these enzymes in the loggerhead.
Although lungworms are known to infect many mammalian species and a few are known to infect snake... more Although lungworms are known to infect many mammalian species and a few are known to infect snakes, lizards, and birds, previously none were known to infect chelonians. This study documents the first three known cases of lungworms in loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta. It is unlikely that the lungworms were the primary cause of illness in any of the cases, and they may be only contributory or even incidental. Changes observed in the two cases that died included tracheal and bronchial epithelial hyperplasia and goblet cell hyperplasia. Lesions caused directly by the parasites seem to be restricted to the upper respiratory tree (trachea and main bronchi), but changes in the lungs themselves may be caused by the debris produced by the worms. Although neither case was successfully treated for the lungworms prior to death, it would appear that oxfendazole may be an effective treatment and has been used in the third case that is still undergoing rehabilitation.
The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg ... more The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) injections in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 8 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) injection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Plasma was collected laterally from the tail vein for drug analysis at various time intervals up to 72 h following the injection of ketoprofen. In trout, area under the curve (AUC) levels were 115.24 µg hr/mL for IM and 135.69 µg hr/mL for IV groups with a half-life of 4.40 and 3.91 h, respectively. In both trout and tilapia, there were detectable ketoprofen concentrations in most fish for 24 h post-injection. In tilapia, there was a large difference between the R-and S-enantiomers, suggesting either chiral inversion from R-to S-enantiomer or more rapid clearance of the R-enantiomer. AUC values of the Sand R-enantiomers were 510 and 194 µg hr/Ml, respectively, corresponding to a faster clearance for the R-enantiomer. This study shows that there were very high plasma concentrations of ketoprofen in trout and tilapia with no adverse effects observed. Future studies on the efficacy, frequency of dosing, analgesia, adverse effects, and route of administration are warranted.
Rehabilitation efforts for live stranded marine mammals are guided by diagnostic measures of bloo... more Rehabilitation efforts for live stranded marine mammals are guided by diagnostic measures of blood chemistry and hematology parameters obtained from each individual undergoing treatment. Despite the widespread use of blood parameters, reference values are not available in the literature from healthy rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) with which to infer the health status of an animal. We examined serum or plasma chemistry and hematology data from 17 rough-toothed dolphins either housed at Dolphin Quest French Polynesia or during their rehabilitation at the Dolphin and Whale Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, US between 1994 and 2005. Blood parameters were compared among healthy animals, rehabilitation animals that were eventually released, and rehabilitation animals that died. This study indicated significant differences in many blood parameters for the poorly known roughtoothed dolphin that are likely to vary between healthy and sick animals. These included aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bicarbonate, and globulins, which were greater in sick dolphins, and alkaline phosphatase and total protein which were greater in healthy individuals. Total white blood cell counts were lower in healthy animals as were the absolute numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Analysis of first blood sample levels for glucose, sodium, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate may have value for triage and prognostic evaluation.
Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and e... more Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and estuarine organisms worldwide, including fish and marine mammals, birds, and turtles. The effects of these algal blooms on marine organisms are due to the various toxins produced by the different algal species. In southwest Florida, frequent blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which produces neurotoxins known as brevetoxins, cause widespread fish kills and affect many marine animals. In 2005-2007, numerous sea turtles of several species underwent treatment for brevetoxicosis at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. In green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys kempii, symptoms associated with brevetoxicosis were limited to neurologic signs, such as the inability to control the head (head bobbing) and nervous twitching. For these turtles, treatment involved removing the turtles from the environment containing the toxins and providing short-term supportive care. In loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, symptoms were more generalized; thus, a similar approach was unsuccessful, as was routine treatment for general toxicosis. Loggerhead sea turtles had more extreme neurologic symptoms including coma, and other symptoms that included generalized edema, conjunctival edema, and cloacal or penile prolapse. Treatment of brevetoxicosis in loggerhead sea turtles required a therapeutic regimen that initially included dehydration and systemic antihistamine treatment followed by supportive care.
The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg ... more The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) injections in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 8 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) injection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Plasma was collected laterally from the tail vein for drug analysis at various time intervals up to 72 h following the injection of ketoprofen. In trout, area under the curve (AUC) levels were 115.24 µg hr/mL for IM and 135.69 µg hr/mL for IV groups with a half-life of 4.40 and 3.91 h, respectively. In both trout and tilapia, there were detectable ketoprofen concentrations in most fish for 24 h post-injection. In tilapia, there was a large difference between the R-and S-enantiomers, suggesting either chiral inversion from R-to S-enantiomer or more rapid clearance of the R-enantiomer. AUC values of the Sand R-enantiomers were 510 and 194 µg hr/Ml, respectively, corresponding to a faster clearance for the R-enantiomer. This study shows that there were very high plasma concentrations of ketoprofen in trout and tilapia with no adverse effects observed. Future studies on the efficacy, frequency of dosing, analgesia, adverse effects, and route of administration are warranted.
Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 2003
ABSTRACT Trauma of undetermined cause resulted in the massive injury, infection, and subsequent s... more ABSTRACT Trauma of undetermined cause resulted in the massive injury, infection, and subsequent stranding of a juvenile green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas. With an initial calculated total leukocyte count of zero cells/μl and no mature circulating heterophils on the differential, the turtle was treated with antibiotics and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, (hG-CSF, filgrastim), in an attempt to increase heterophil production and possibly activation. Three daily doses o f hG-CSF at 6.7 mcg/kg given subcutaneously resulted in a rapid increase in acidophilic progranulocytes, which subsequently declined over the next three days. A second regimen, consisting of a repeat of the first three-dose daily regimen followed by continued dosing every 48 hr for an additional nine days, maintained a white blood cell count of 11,600 – 24,700 cells/μl. Three weeks after initiating therapy, mature heterophils began to appear in the peripheral blood and the hG-CSF was discontinued. Finally, after the tur...
Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, 2002
Atropine, an anticholinergic agent commonly used in human and veterinary medicine, is reported to... more Atropine, an anticholinergic agent commonly used in human and veterinary medicine, is reported to cause toxicity associated with its antimuscarinic action. A juvenile pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps, was treated with atropine in an attempt to relieve symptoms similar to pyloric stenosis, as has been used in humans. Two doses of 0.01 mg/kg were given i.m., 12 hr apart, followed by three doses of 0.005 mg/kg i.m. s.i.d. over the next 3 days. Symptoms associated with atropine toxicity developed gradually and included hyperexcitability, a generalized ascending paralysis of body musculature, shallow, rapid respiration, vomiting, aspiration of seawater, and pulmonary edema. Treatment with physostigmine salicylate (two doses of 2 mg i.m., I hr apart) was effective in counteracting the paralysis, as well as other symptoms, beginning in as little as 17 min after the first dose, and the whale was back to swimming on its own after 8 hr. All overt symptoms of atropine toxicity were gone in a...
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2016
The oceanic dolphin genus Stenella is underrepresented in cetacean hearing data. In this study th... more The oceanic dolphin genus Stenella is underrepresented in cetacean hearing data. In this study the hearing of three Stenella spp. dolphins was measured using auditory evoked potential (AEP) methods. A single male juvenile Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) was rehabilitated in Key Largo, Florida, after being sighted alone and emaciated. The Atlantic spotted dolphin’s greatest sensitivity was at 40 kHz, with functional hearing up to 128 kHz. A female spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), housed at Mote Marine Laboratory, had peak sensitivity at 40 kHz and functional hearing up to 120 kHz, the highest frequency tested. The sensitive high frequency hearing of the spinner and Atlantic spotted dolphin is similar to that found in other oceanic odontocetes. A pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) was housed at Mote Marine Laboratory and hearing thresholds were determined using AEP and behavioral methods. The pantropical spotted dolphin had a peak sensitivity at 10 ...
Abstract: The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized den... more Abstract: The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) has well-developed keratinized dental pads at the most rostral aspect of their mouth to assist with mastication. This unique development is thought to be an adaptive response to their highly abrasive diets that contain phytoliths and sediments that may accelerate dental wear. In May 2013, two Florida manatees presented with multiple fractures in their inferior dental pads. The fractures were successfully managed with nutritional modifications, dental pad trimming, and vigilant monitoring through behavioral husbandry training. Signs of spontaneous healing were observed as early as 60 days after initial presentation with subsequent full resolution. Although surgical intervention was planned, the spontaneous healing mitigated significant health risks associated with the procedure. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of dental pad fractures and their spontaneous healing and resolution in manatees.
Rehabilitation efforts for live stranded marine mammals are guided by diagnostic measures of bloo... more Rehabilitation efforts for live stranded marine mammals are guided by diagnostic measures of blood chemistry and hematology parameters obtained from each individual undergoing treatment. Despite the widespread use of blood parameters, reference values are not available in the literature from healthy rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) with which to infer the health status of an animal. We examined serum or plasma chemistry and hematology data from 17 rough-toothed dolphins either housed at Dolphin Quest French Polynesia or during their rehabilitation at the Dolphin and Whale Hospital in Sarasota, Florida, US between 1994 and 2005. Blood parameters were compared among healthy animals, rehabilitation animals that were eventually released, and rehabilitation animals that died. This study indicated significant differences in many blood parameters for the poorly known roughtoothed dolphin that are likely to vary between healthy and sick animals. These included aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bicarbonate, and globulins, which were greater in sick dolphins, and alkaline phosphatase and total protein which were greater in healthy individuals. Total white blood cell counts were lower in healthy animals as were the absolute numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Analysis of first blood sample levels for glucose, sodium, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate may have value for triage and prognostic evaluation.
Abstract In this case study, phage therapy was applied to treat a multidrug‐resistant case of sep... more Abstract In this case study, phage therapy was applied to treat a multidrug‐resistant case of septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD) caused by Citrobacter freundii in a loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta. Phages were applied topically, intravenously, into the carapace, and into the exhibit water using various phage cocktails specific to the causative agent over an 8‐month period. This was performed in conjunction with antimicrobial therapy. The animal was monitored through weekly cultures, photographs, and complete blood cell counts, as well as immune assays (phagocytosis, plasma lysozyme and superoxide dismutase activity, and plasma electrophoresis profiles). The animal, in comparison to an untreated, unaffected control, had elevated antibody titers to the administered phages, which persisted for at least 35 weeks. Although cultures were clear of C. freundii after phage treatment, the infection did return over time and immune assays confirmed deficiencies when compared to a healthy loggerhead sea turtle. Immune parameters with statistically significant changes over the study period included the following: decreased phagocytosis, increased alpha‐ and gamma‐globulin protein components, and an increased albumin : globulin ratio. When C. freundii appeared again, the multidrug‐resistant status had reverted back to normal susceptibility patterns. Although not completely known whether it was another subspecies of bacteria, the therapy did resolve the multidrug‐resistant challenge. Phage therapy in combination with antimicrobial agents may be an effective treatment for sea turtles with normally functioning immune systems or less‐severe infections. Additional research is needed to better understand and quantify sea turtle immunology.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Official Publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Jun 1, 2013
Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and e... more Harmful algal blooms are known to cause morbidity and mortality to a large number of marine and estuarine organisms worldwide, including fish and marine mammals, birds, and turtles. The effects of these algal blooms on marine organisms are due to the various toxins produced by the different algal species. In southwest Florida, frequent blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which produces neurotoxins known as brevetoxins, cause widespread fish kills and affect many marine animals. In 2005-2007, numerous sea turtles of several species underwent treatment for brevetoxicosis at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. In green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys kempii, symptoms associated with brevetoxicosis were limited to neurologic signs, such as the inability to control the head (head bobbing) and nervous twitching. For these turtles, treatment involved removing the turtles from the environment containing the toxins and providing short-term supportive care. In loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, symptoms were more generalized; thus, a similar approach was unsuccessful, as was routine treatment for general toxicosis. Loggerhead sea turtles had more extreme neurologic symptoms including coma, and other symptoms that included generalized edema, conjunctival edema, and cloacal or penile prolapse. Treatment of brevetoxicosis in loggerhead sea turtles required a therapeutic regimen that initially included dehydration and systemic antihistamine treatment followed by supportive care.
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Papers by Lynne Byrd