@article{gaudette_ladouceur_troan_whitehurst_dombrowski_lewbart_linder_passingham_christian_schreeg_2023, title={Retrospective analysis of histologic lesions in captive arachnids}, volume={4}, ISSN={["1544-2217"]}, DOI={10.1177/03009858231162948}, abstractNote={Invertebrates, including arachnids, are a common taxon in zoological collections. Invertebrate medicine and pathology are emerging subspecialties, but there is limited reference material or published resources describing histologic lesions in arachnids. Histopathology of 26 captive arachnids (20 spiders and 6 scorpions) from institutional collections was reviewed. Most animals were found dead with limited clinical signs. Tissues evaluated included body wall (cuticle and epidermis), skeletal muscle, book lungs, digestive tract (pharynx, esophagus, sucking stomach, midgut tube, midgut diverticula, and stercoral pocket), central and peripheral nervous system, heart, hemolymph vessels and sinuses, Malpighian tubules, coxal glands, and gonads. Inflammation was frequent (24/26, 92%), and seen in multiple organs (18/24, 75%) with the midgut diverticulum most commonly affected (14/24, 58%) followed by the book lungs (13/24 arachnids, 54%), and body wall (8/24 arachnids, 33%). Inflammation comprised hemocyte accumulation, hemocytic coagula, melanization, and nodulation. Infectious agents, including bacteria (11/26, 42%), fungi (10/26, 38%), and parasites (2/26, 8%), were seen within inflammatory aggregates. Coinfection with multiple infectious agents was common (6/24, 25%). No etiologic agent was identified in 7/24 (29%) cases with inflammatory lesions. Lesions suggestive of decreased nutritional status or increased metabolic rate included midgut diverticula atrophy in 11/26 (42%) animals and skeletal muscle atrophy in 6/26 (23%) animals. Atrophic lesions were seen in combination with infection (8/11, 73%), pregnancy (2/11, 18%), male sex (2/11, 18%), or without other lesions (1/11, 9%). Other suspected contributors to death included dysecdysis-associated trauma (2/26, 8%) and uterine intussusception (1/26, 4%). No animals had neoplasia.}, journal={VETERINARY PATHOLOGY}, author={Gaudette, Chris and LaDouceur, Elise E. B. and Troan, Brigid V. and Whitehurst, Nathan and Dombrowski, Daniel S. and Lewbart, Gregory A. and Linder, Keith E. and Passingham, Kent and Christian, Larry S. and Schreeg, Megan E.}, year={2023}, month={Apr} }
 @article{duke_harrison_moresco_trout_troan_garner_smith_smith_harrison_2022, title={A Multi-Institutional Collaboration to Understand Neoplasia, Treatment and Survival of Snakes}, volume={12}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, url={https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/3/258}, DOI={10.3390/ani12030258}, abstractNote={This multi-institutional collaborative study of neoplasia in snakes reviewed medical records of snakes at each facility to determine species prevalence, survival, and methods of treatment. Complete species numbers of snakes were also collected at each facility. In total, 65 species, 133 snakes, and 149 unique neoplasias were included in this study. Affected species, age, sex, and their tumor prevalence, tumor type and location, metastasis, treatment, and survival data are reported. The highest species-specific tumor prevalence was in Common or Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) (30.8%, n = 4 of 13), Eastern Diamond-Backed Rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) (26.3%, n = 5 of 19), and Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) (22.7%, n = 5 of 22). Malignant tumors predominated (86.6%, n = 129 of 149) with soft tissue sarcomas being the most common (30.2%, n = 45 of 149). Snakes with malignant neoplasia, metastases, or indeterminate presence of metastases were statistically more likely to die from their neoplasms than snakes having either benign neoplasia or no diagnosed metastases (p < 0.05). Gender, taxonomic family, and species of those evaluated did not significantly affect the outcome of snakes with neoplasia. Only 27.1% (n = 36 of 133) of snakes received a reported form of treatment and, for those treated, surgical excision was the most common treatment modality. There was not a significant difference in outcome based on treatment; however, surgery and chemotherapy were associated with death from a cause other than their tumor.}, number={3}, journal={ANIMALS}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Duke, Elizabeth G. and Harrison, Scott H. and Moresco, Anneke and Trout, Tim and Troan, Brigid V. and Garner, Michael M. and Smith, Madison and Smith, Sidney and Harrison, Tara M.}, year={2022}, month={Feb} }
 @misc{abegglen_harrison_moresco_fowles_troan_kiso_schmitt_boddy_schiffman_2022, title={Of Elephants and Other Mammals: A Comparative Review of Reproductive Tumors and Potential Impact on Conservation}, volume={12}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, url={https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/15/2005}, DOI={10.3390/ani12152005}, abstractNote={Reproductive tumors can impact conception, pregnancy, and birth in mammals. These impacts are well documented in humans, while data in other mammals are limited. An urgent need exists to understand the reproductive impact of these lesions in endangered species, because some endangered species have a documented high prevalence of reproductive tumors. This article documents that the prevalence of both benign and malignant neoplasia differs between African and Asian elephants, with Asian elephants more frequently diagnosed and negatively affected by both. The prevalence of these tumors across mammalian species is compared, and impact plus treatment options in human medicine are reviewed to inform decision making in elephants. Evidence suggests that reproductive tumors can negatively impact elephant conservation. Future studies that document reproductive outcomes, including the success of various treatment approaches in elephants with tumors will benefit conservation efforts.}, number={15}, journal={ANIMALS}, author={Abegglen, Lisa M. and Harrison, Tara M. and Moresco, Anneke and Fowles, Jared S. and Troan, Brigid V and Kiso, Wendy K. and Schmitt, Dennis and Boddy, Amy M. and Schiffman, Joshua D.}, year={2022}, month={Aug} }
 @article{patania_troan_cullen_2021, title={Ductal Plate Malformations in Captive Snakes}, ISSN={["1544-2217"]}, DOI={10.1177/03009858211011941}, abstractNote={Ductal plate malformations are abnormalities in the liver that arise from inappropriate or incomplete remodeling of the embryologic ductal plate. Various types of ductal plate malformations are reported in the human and veterinary literature, most commonly affecting domestic mammalian species but also fish. We investigated the occurrence and described the histopathologic features of ductal plate malformations in captive snakes. Malformations were identified in 18 snakes: 10 colubrids, 6 vipers, and 2 boids. There was no sex predilection, and the mean age was 17 years. The majority of lesions were incidental with most snakes having one or more comorbidities, most commonly neoplasia or systemic inflammation, that resulted in natural death or euthanasia. Ductal plate malformations in all livers were broadly characterized by a well-demarcated nodule of irregular bile ducts embedded within a varying amount of fibrous stroma. Malformations were further categorized based on the amount of fibrous stroma and dilation of the bile ducts as von Meyenburg complexes, cystic liver disease, and/or an intermediate hybrid subtype representative of cysts arising within von Meyenburg complexes. Histochemical and immunohistochemical staining, including Gomori's trichome and pan-cytokeratin, respectively, were applied on select cases to confirm histologic features. Malignant transformation was not identified within this population.}, journal={VETERINARY PATHOLOGY}, author={Patania, Olivia M. and Troan, Brigid V. and Cullen, John M.}, year={2021}, month={May} }
 @article{cabot_troan_ange-van heugten_schnellbacher_smith_ridgley_minter_2021, title={Migration and Histologic Effects of Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) and Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags in the Marine Toad (Rhinella marina)}, volume={11}, ISSN={2076-2615}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani11113255}, DOI={10.3390/ani11113255}, abstractNote={Passive integrated transponder (PIT) and visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags are commonly used to identify reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Despite reports of good retention rates and little to no negative effect on survival time, migration remains a concern and histologic changes have not been widely evaluated. Fifty-six wild-caught marine toads (Rhinella marina) were marked with a PIT tag in the left caudal thigh and a VIE tag over the right gastrocnemius muscle prior to transport to the North Carolina Zoo. Fourteen toads were then humanely euthanized on day 9, 15, 32, and 62 for postmortem examination and histopathology which were compared to 10 control toads with no tags. All PIT tags were functional and 95% remained at the insertion site with minimal to no histologic changes. Externally, 48% of VIE tags were visible through the skin at the original site of injection under fluorescent or UV light. Upon gross examination of the tissues, VIE tags had an overall retention rate of 62% at the injection site, with similar retention rates across time points. Migrated VIE material was visible grossly and histologically in the kidneys of 98% of toads and along the right leg, proximally and distally, in 25% of toads. VIE material was also found sporadically in mesentery, colon, and free in the coelomic cavity. Histologically, VIE material in the skin was surrounded by minimal to mild granulomatous inflammation while in the kidney it was associated with dilation of the small vessels, edema, and granulomatous nephritis that progressed in severity over time. Based on these findings, the authors recommend the use of PIT tags over VIE tags for identification of adult anurans, when feasible.}, number={11}, journal={Animals}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Cabot, Megan L. and Troan, Brigid V. and Ange-van Heugten, Kimberly and Schnellbacher, Rodney W. and Smith, Dustin and Ridgley, Frank and Minter, Larry J.}, year={2021}, month={Nov}, pages={3255} }
 @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={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{moresco_munoz_gutierrez_arias-bernal_yarto-jaramillo_teixeira_pena-stadlin_troan_2020, title={Taxonomic Distribution of Neoplasia Among Non-Domestic Felid Species Under Managed Care}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122376}, DOI={10.3390/ani10122376}, abstractNote={As evidenced by numerous case reports from zoos, neoplasia in felids is common, but most reports are limited to Panthera species in North America or Europe. In order to obtain a wider epidemiologic understanding of neoplasia distribution, necropsy records at seven facilities (USA, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil) were evaluated. In contrast to others, this study population (195 cases, 16 species), included many non-Panthera felids. Overall neoplasia prevalence was 28.2% (55/195). Panthera species had a higher prevalence of neoplasia than non-Panthera species (52.5%; vs. 13.0%). Lions (66.7%), jaguars (55.0%), and tigers (31.3%) had the highest species-specific prevalence of neoplasia. Neoplasms in Panthera species were more frequently malignant than in non-Panthera (86.1% vs. 55.6%). The systems most commonly affected were the reproductive, hematolymphoid, and respiratory. The range of management conditions and more varied genetic backgrounds support a robust taxonomic pattern and suggest that the reported propensity for neoplasia in jaguars may have a genetic basis at a taxonomic level higher than species, as lions and tigers also have high prevalence. Given the high prevalence of neoplasia and high likelihood of malignancy, routine medical exams in all nondomestic felids, but Panthera species in particular, should include thorough assessments of any clinical signs of neoplasia.}, number={12}, journal={ANIMALS}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Moresco, Anneke and Munoz, Karina E. and Gutierrez, Federico and Arias-Bernal, Leonardo and Yarto-Jaramillo, Enrique and Teixeira, Rodrigo H. F. and Pena-Stadlin, Juliana and Troan, Brigid V}, year={2020}, month={Dec} }
 @article{gjeltema_troan_muehlenbachs_liu_da silva_qvarnstrom_tobias_loomis_de voe_2016, title={Amoebic meningoencephalitis and disseminated infection caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris in a Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)}, volume={248}, ISSN={["1943-569X"]}, DOI={10.2460/javma.248.3.315}, abstractNote={Abstract CASE DESCRIPTION A 22-year-old male gorilla ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla ) housed in a zoo was evaluated for signs of lethargy, head-holding, and cervical stiffness followed by development of neurologic abnormalities including signs of depression, lip droop, and tremors. CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination under general anesthesia revealed a tooth root abscess and suboptimal body condition. A CBC and serum biochemical analysis revealed mild anemia, neutrophilia and eosinopenia consistent with a stress leukogram, and signs consistent with dehydration. Subsequent CSF analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis and markedly increased total protein concentration. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Despite treatment with antimicrobials, steroids, and additional supportive care measures, the gorilla's condition progressed to an obtunded mentation with grand mal seizures over the course of 10 days. Therefore, the animal was euthanized and necropsy was performed. Multifocal areas of malacia and hemorrhage were scattered throughout the brain; on histologic examination, these areas consisted of necrosis and hemorrhage associated with mixed inflammation, vascular necrosis, and intralesional amoebic trophozoites. Tan foci were also present in the kidneys and pancreas. Immunohistochemical testing positively labeled free-living amoebae within the brain, kidneys, eyes, pancreas, heart, and pulmonary capillaries. Subsequent PCR assay of CSF and frozen kidney samples identified the organism as Balamuthia mandrillaris, confirming a diagnosis of amoebic meningoencephalitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Infection with B mandrillaris has been reported to account for 2.8% of captive gorilla deaths in North America over the past 19 years. Clinicians working with gorillas should have a high index of suspicion for this diagnosis when evaluating and treating animals with signs of centrally localized neurologic disease.}, number={3}, journal={JAVMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION}, author={Gjeltema, Jenessa L. and Troan, Brigid and Muehlenbachs, Atis and Liu, Lindy and Da Silva, Alexandre J. and Qvarnstrom, Yvonne and Tobias, Jeremy R. and Loomis, Michael R. and De Voe, Ryan S.}, year={2016}, month={Feb}, pages={315–321} }
 @article{niemuth_de voe_jennings_loomis_troan_2014, title={Malignant hypertension and retinopathy in a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)}, volume={43}, ISSN={["1600-0684"]}, DOI={10.1111/jmp.12114}, abstractNote={Background A 34-year-old western lowland gorilla presented with peracute blindness. Methods Clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, laboratory analyses, blood pressure measurements, and necropsy were performed. Results The clinical and postmortem findings supported malignant hypertension. Conclusions We describe a case of naturally occurring hypertensive encephalopathy and retinopathy in a gorilla.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY}, publisher={Wiley-Blackwell}, author={Niemuth, Jennifer N. and De Voe, Ryan S. and Jennings, Samuel H. and Loomis, Michael R. and Troan, Brigid V.}, year={2014}, month={Aug}, pages={276–279} }