@article{phillips_dierenfeld_english_troan_reininger_zombeck_devoe_wolfe_loomis_minter_2021, title={Retrospective Analysis of Cataract Formation and Nutritional Etiology in a Managed Collection of Parakeet Auklets (Aethia psittacula)}, volume={35}, ISSN={["1938-2871"]}, DOI={10.1647/20-00037}, abstractNote={Abstract: The parakeet auklet (Aethia psittacula) is a piscivorous seabird with a natural diet of various invertebrate and teleost species, which is challenging to replicate in a managed collection. A high prevalence of early onset cataracts was observed in a managed collection of parakeet auklets at the North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro, NC, USA), which was hypothesized to be related to inappropriate vitamin A and E levels. From 1994 to 2002, these parakeet auklets were offered dietary supplementation comprising Vita-Zu small bird tablets. In June 2002, the birds were transitioned to only Thiamin-E paste (vitamin E and thiamin only). Plasma samples were collected from birds with and without cataracts from 1998 to 2005 and submitted for vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) analysis. Food items comprising the birds' diet were also evaluated for vitamin content. This information was combined with clinical and necropsy data from medical records from 1994 to 2015. A total of 78% of birds (39/50) developed cataracts, with a median age of onset of 7 years (range, 2–12 years). Cataracts ranged from incipient to hypermature during both routine ophthalmic examinations and postmortem evaluations. The median (range) of plasma retinol and α-tocopherol values were 1.99 µg/mL (0.20–6.68 µg/mL) and 15.39 µg/mL (3.40–96.27 µg/mL), respectively. There were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of vitamins based on the animals' sex, origin, presence of cataracts, or administered vitamin supplementation product. No other etiologies for cataract development were identified in the population. Further research in free-ranging parakeet auklet nutrition and cataract occurrence is warranted for continued species collection management.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF AVIAN MEDICINE AND SURGERY}, author={Phillips, Brianne E. and Dierenfeld, Ellen S. and English, Robert and Troan, Brigid and Reininger, Ken and Zombeck, Debbie J. and DeVoe, Ryan S. and Wolfe, Barbara and Loomis, Michael R. and Minter, Larry J.}, year={2021}, month={Dec}, pages={390–401} }
 @article{sullivan_freeman_van heugten_ange-van heugten_wolfe_poore_2012, title={Impact of two types of complete pelleted, wild ungulate feeds and two pelleted feed to hay ratios on the development of urolithogenic compounds in meat goats as a model for giraffes}, volume={97}, ISSN={0931-2439}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2012.01297.x}, DOI={10.1111/j.1439-0396.2012.01297.x}, abstractNote={SummaryUrolith formation has been documented in giraffes and goats. As research in giraffes poses logistical challenges, 16 buck goats were used as a model. The impact of two commercially available, pelleted feeds used for giraffes, ADF‐16 and Wild Herbivore (WH), as well as the impact of alfalfa hay and pellet proportions (20% hay:80% pellets, 80P or 80% hay:20% pellet, 20P) on the formation of urolithogenic precursors in goat urine was accomplished in a 2 × 2 factorial balance study. Complete diets contained 0.60, 0.32, 0.35 and 0.26% phosphorus (P) with calcium:P ratios of 1.60, 4.16, 3.06 and 5.23, for 80P‐ADF‐16, 20P‐ADF‐16, 80P‐WH and 20P‐WH respectively. Total faeces and urine were collected over two 5‐day periods to assess N and mineral balance. Fresh urine samples were collected and evaluated microscopically for urolithic crystal content. Urinary nitrogen (N) was lower and N retention was higher in goats fed 80P diets (p < 0.05). Intake of P was greatest for goats fed 80P‐ADF‐16; however, urinary P excretion and P retention were not affected by treatment. Crystal scores were higher in animals receiving 80P diets (p = 0.08), with crystals being composed predominantly of calcium phosphate. Urine pH was alkaline (>8) for all treatments. Urinary P concentration, a risk factor for urolithiasis, was highest (p ≤ 0.06) in the 80P‐ADF‐16 treatment (0.38 vs. 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 mg/dl for 20P‐ADF‐16, 80P‐WH and 20P‐WH respectively), reflecting its highest dietary P level. Further investigation is recommended to determine the long‐term effects of these diets on urolithogenic compound formation.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Sullivan, K. and Freeman, S. and van Heugten, E. and Ange-van Heugten, K. and Wolfe, B. and Poore, M. H.}, year={2012}, month={Apr}, pages={566–576} }
 @article{hurley-sanders_bowman_wolfe_nutter_sladky_stoskopf_2012, title={Use of Thermography and Fluorescein Angiography in the Management of a Chilean Flamingo With Avascular Necrosis of the Wing}, volume={26}, ISSN={["1938-2871"]}, DOI={10.1647/2011-018r.1}, abstractNote={Abstract A Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) was presented to the veterinary clinic at the North Carolina Zoological Park for evaluation of acute weakness of the right wing. Results of a physical examination revealed a lack of a palpable pulse in the radial artery, which suggested occlusion or obstruction of the vessel. Radiography, thermography, and fluorescein angiography confirmed right wing injury and vascular compromise. Based on the poor prognosis for return to function associated with irreversible vascular damage, the wing was amputated. After a period of observation and treatment, the bird was returned to public exhibit.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF AVIAN MEDICINE AND SURGERY}, author={Hurley-Sanders, Jennifer L. and Bowman, Karl F. and Wolfe, Barbara A. and Nutter, Felicia B. and Sladky, Kurt K. and Stoskopf, Michael K.}, year={2012}, month={Dec}, pages={255–257} }
 @article{sullivan_van heugten_ange-van heugten_poore_dierenfeld_wolfe_2009, title={Analysis of nutrient concentrations in the diet, serum, and urine of giraffe from surveyed North American zoological institutions}, volume={29}, ISSN={0733-3188 1098-2361}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/zoo.20278}, DOI={10.1002/zoo.20278}, abstractNote={AbstractThe objectives of the present research were to conduct a survey to investigate the health history and feeding practices of giraffe in captivity in North America and to obtain samples of hay, concentrate, browse, urine, and serum to compare across zoos, possible factors relating to the development of urolithiasis. Forty‐one out of 98 institutions contacted responded, representing 218 giraffe. All responding zoos fed concentrate and alfalfa hay was the primary forage. Sixty‐five percent of zoos fed browse and 43 different species of browse were listed. Six zoos reported a history of urolithiasis, seven reported wasting syndrome, and 10 reported sudden death. The median daily amount (as fed) of concentrate and hay offered were 5.45 kg (range of 2.73–9.55 kg) and 6.82 kg (range of 2.53–12.50 kg), respectively. The concentrate:hay ratio of the offered diet ranged from 0.22 to 3.47 with a median value of 0.79. Forty‐three percent of the institutions offered a ratio greater than 1:1. Samples of concentrate and hay (six zoos), serum (five zoos), and urine (seven zoos) were obtained for chemical analyses. Analyzed nutrient content of the consumed diet, measured by weighing feed and orts for three consecutive days, met recommendations for giraffe, but was excessive for crude protein and P. Concentrate:hay and serum P were positively correlated (r=0.72; P<0.05). High dietary P content and a high level of concentrate relative to hay may be contributing factors to urolith formation and warrant further investigation. Zoo Biol 29:457–469, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.}, number={4}, journal={Zoo Biology}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Sullivan, Kathleen and van Heugten, Eric and Ange-van Heugten, Kimberly and Poore, Matthew H. and Dierenfeld, Ellen S. and Wolfe, Barbara}, year={2009}, pages={n/a-n/a} }