@article{thomas_gaudette_spiro_dombrowski_ladouceur_2024, title={Presumed hemocytic neoplasms in scorpions}, ISSN={["1544-2217"]}, DOI={10.1177/03009858241257898}, abstractNote={Although neoplasia has been documented in invertebrates, it has not been reported in scorpions. This report describes presumed hemocytic neoplasia in 2 scorpions: a >3-year-old, female emperor scorpion (}, journal={VETERINARY PATHOLOGY}, author={Thomas, Shawn and Gaudette, Christopher and Spiro, Simon and Dombrowski, Daniel S. and LaDouceur, Elise E. B.}, year={2024}, month={Jun} }
 @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{browder_kapp_ange-van heugten_flowers_christian_dombrowski_2023, title={The Effect of Pyrantel Pamoate Treatment on Fecal Pinworm (<i>Leidynema appendiculata</i>) Parasites of Dietary Dubia Roaches (<i>Blaptica dubia</i>): Efforts to Eliminate Passthrough Fecal Pseudoparasites in Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs (<i>Echinops telfairi</i>)}, volume={4}, ISSN={["2673-5636"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg4010015}, DOI={10.3390/jzbg4010015}, abstractNote={Pinworm ova were discovered on lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi) fecal exams. Ova were passthrough pseudoparasite pinworms originating from feeder roaches (Blaptica dubia). Roaches were maintained as a feeder colony and offered to tenrecs as a portion of their diet. Pinworms were identified as Leidynema appendiculata. This study aimed to determine if these pinworms could be eliminated from the roaches. Roaches were randomly assigned into groups (n = 24), including a control (A) and four treatment groups (B–E). Treatment group roaches received oral dosing of anthelmintic pyrantel pamoate at four concentrations (mg/g as offered): 3.5 (Group B), 14.0 (Group C), 26.0 (Group D), and 35.0 (Group E). Roach diets were made weekly and offered to roaches 2 consecutive days per week for 3 consecutive weeks. The total pinworm ova per gram of roach feces examined were visually reduced in all treatment groups compared to controls at the end of the feed dosing period (Day 23). Post-treatment pinworm numbers were visually reduced in all treatment groups compared to controls on Day 29 and Day 65. Groups receiving higher concentrations of the oral dosing (C–E) significantly differed from controls at Day 29 (p = 0.0086, p = 0.0045, and p = 0.0013, respectively) with a concentration-dependent response. Parasites were not eliminated in any group at Day 29 or 65 post-treatment, with an increasing visual trend indicating recontamination. This is the first report confirming a passthrough pseudoparasite in tenrecs from dubia roaches, and anthelmintic dosage research is warranted.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS}, author={Browder, Elizabeth and Kapp, Sabrina and Ange-van Heugten, Kimberly and Flowers, James and Christian, Larry S. and Dombrowski, Daniel S.}, year={2023}, month={Mar}, pages={146–157} }
 @article{hastain_buchy_dombrowski_womble_armwood_gruber_2023, title={What is your diagnosis? Ulcerative shell lesions from a diamond-backed terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)}, volume={7}, ISSN={["1939-165X"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.13291}, DOI={10.1111/vcp.13291}, abstractNote={An adult female intact diamond-backed terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences presented for an episode of scute sloughing and cystic ulcerative pitting lesions on the carapace and plastron. The patient was wild-caught as a hatchling or juvenile by another institution in 2004 and obtained by the museum in 2007. Since acquisition, this turtle has had a chronic history of pitting shell lesions, keratin scute flaking, and excessive keratin scute buildup. This turtle had two notable episodes with deep shell lesions and scute sloughing, the first of which completely resolved with topical antibiotics. During the second episode, the multifocal deep ulcerative lesions cultured positive for multiple aerobic bacteria that were initially susceptible to topical and injectable antibiotics. Healing was prolonged due to the development of antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic therapy was altered according to sensitivity results. Complete gross resolution occurred after 4 months of treatment. On presentation, multiple ulcerated and hemorrhagic lesions were present on the carapace after acute sloughing of the scutes, most notably between the right first and second costal scutes. The deep ulcers were associated with tan to yellow dry caseous granuloma-like exudative lesions that penetrated into the bone. Swabs from these lesions were submitted for cytology (Figure 1). The patient was otherwise active and eating well. Fungal hyphae with mild heterophilic inflammation The sample is of low cellularity consisting mostly of keratinized squamous epithelial cells. Focal areas of the slides contain low numbers of poorly preserved heterophils (not pictured). Numerous variably staining fungal hyphae are associated with many of the keratin aggregates. The hyphae are found individually and in mats. Hyphae are approximately 2–4 μm in diameter and septate, with thin nonstaining walls that are mostly parallel but occasionally nonparallel. They display internal complexity, often containing variably sized clear, distinct vacuoles. Rare acute and right-angled lateral branching is observed. Gross examination of the dermal fragments and multiple fragments of surrounding tissue reveals multifocal to coalescing pale tan plaques, nodules, and pitting lesions (Figure 2). On histopathologic examination, the superficial dermis is expanded by epithelial inclusion cysts. Cyst structures are lined by well-differentiated stratified squamous epithelium with central keratinization and the accumulation of lamellated layers of keratin debris (Figure 3A). Embedded within the central layers of keratin are numerous fungal hyphae highlighted by Grocott's methenamine silver stain (Figure 3B). Hyphae are approximately 4 μm in diameter with nonparallel cell walls and display acute and right-angle branching and septation. The dermal fragments display marked orthokeratotic to parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, with conglomerates of keratin debris, degenerative leukocytes, and eosinophilic fluid also containing the fungal hyphae (not pictured). A pooled swab prepared from the oral cavity, cloaca, and shell submitted to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Zoological Pathology Program Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory tested positive for Emydomyces testavorans by quantitative PCR. Ulcerative shell disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in captive and free-ranging populations of turtles,1, 2 and clinical signs include shell erosions, lethargy, and emaciation.3 Reported causes of ulcerative shell disease include trauma, malnutrition (eg, calcium and vitamin D3 deficiencies), and various bacterial and fungal etiologies, though the cause is often unknown.1, 4 In captive individuals, poor husbandry practices such as inappropriate temperature, humidity, lighting, and/or nutrition are considered predisposing factors.4 Infectious causes are most often identified as gram-negative commensals within the Enterobacteriae order, including Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter spp.4 Bacterial ulcerative shell disease has the potential to progress to septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD), in which bacterial dermatitis and osteomyelitis may be identified.1 Fungal causes of ulcerative shell disease are rarely reported, and the majority of published reports are from nonaquatic turtle species.2 Emydomyces testavorans is a keratinophilic fungal organism in the Onygenales order.5 Onygenalean fungi have been identified as primary pathogens for ulcerative dermatitis in captive and free-ranging reptilian species, including crocodilians, lizards, and snakes.1 E. testavorans has only been recently described and has been isolated from ulcerative shell lesions in aquatic turtles, causing keratin discoloration, flaking and textural change, erosion, ulceration, and osteonecrosis.2, 5 The most consistent and striking histopathologic lesion with E. testavorans infection is the presence of epithelial inclusion cysts, identified in more than 90% of cases.2 Epithelial inclusion cysts are cystic spaces lined by stratified squamous epithelium with central keratinization. E. testavorans hyphae are typically embedded in keratin debris.5 Although the underlying mechanism of epithelial inclusion cyst formation with E. testavorans infection is unclear, it is presumed that the excessive keratinization occurs secondary to the fungal infection rather than fungal infection with tropism for previously established epithelial inclusion cysts. Since epithelial inclusion cysts in other species are not often associated with fungal infections, it is possible that immunosuppression is contributing to the pathogenesis in aquatic turtles. Definitive diagnosis of E. testavorans typically requires PCR with or without DNA sequencing. Although culture can be performed, it may be complicated by sample contamination with other common environmental bacterial and fungal organisms and by the requirement for reptile keratin-enriched media. Preferred samples are lesion swabs and biopsy material that should be refrigerated for culture and frozen for molecular diagnostics.5 In summary, this case described the cytologic features of the onygenalean fungus E. testavorans, a newly described cause of ulcerative shell lesions in aquatic turtles. The frequent association of fungal hyphae with keratin and concurrent inflammation is consistent with histologic findings of epithelial inclusion cysts associated with E. testavorans.2 The heterophilic inflammation, in this case, could be in response to the fungus, keratin, and/or concurrent bacterial infection. Although bacteria were not identified cytologically, bacterial culture was not performed to exclude this possibility. A thorough examination of keratin aggregates for fungal hyphae elements is warranted in samples from ulcerative shell lesions in aquatic turtles. The authors have no affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in, or in financial compensation with, the subject matter or materials discussed in this article.}, journal={VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY}, author={Hastain, Sydney A. A. and Buchy, Jessica M. M. and Dombrowski, Daniel S. S. and Womble, Mandy A. A. and Armwood, Abigail R. R. and Gruber, Erika J. J.}, year={2023}, month={Jul} }
 @article{gorges_martinez_labriola_phillips_christian_chen_posner_lewbart_dombrowski_2022, title={EFFECTS OF TRICAINE METHANESULFONATE IN A MANAGED COLLECTION OF MOON JELLYFISH (AURELIA AURITA)}, volume={53}, ISSN={["1937-2825"]}, DOI={10.1638/2021-0028}, abstractNote={Abstract: The moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) is a scyphozoan frequently maintained in public and private aquaria. Little research has been conducted to investigate the effects of various drugs, such as anesthetics, in this species. Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222), a common immersion anesthetic for fish and amphibians, was evaluated in a managed population of moon jellyfish. Twenty-four clinically healthy jellyfish were assigned into three groups of eight for trials of 0.3 g/L MS-222 (low concentration [LC]), 0.6 g/L MS-222 (high concentration [HC]), and a saltwater control. The goal was to evaluate the effects of MS-222 administration on moon jellyfish movement and response to stimuli. Movement and response to stimuli were measured via rocking and probe stimulus tests and observations of bell contraction quality and body tone. These tests were performed at baseline and throughout both drug exposure and recovery periods. A threshold drug effect was defined based on systematic scoring criteria. Additionally, elastomer tags were administered to four of eight animals in each MS-222 group to evaluate response to tag placement after drug exposure. Threshold drug effect was achieved in six of eight individuals in the LC group and eight of eight individuals in the HC group. The LC group had median threshold and recovery times of 12.2 and 10.1 min, respectively, while the HC group had median threshold and recovery times of 4.0 and 19.9 min, respectively. The HC group had significantly faster time to threshold drug effect (P < 0.001) and longer recovery times (P= 0.005) than the LC group. In both the LC and HC tagged group, three of four jellyfish had no reaction to tag placement. All animals recovered uneventfully, and there were no mortalities. MS-222 at 0.3 and 0.6 g/L decreased movement and response to stimuli in moon jellyfish.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE}, author={Gorges, Melinda A. and Martinez, Kassandra M. and Labriola, Nicholas F. and Phillips, Brianne E. and Christian, Larry Shane and Chen, Emile P. and Posner, Lysa P. and Lewbart, Gregory A. and Dombrowski, Daniel S.}, year={2022}, month={Mar}, pages={100–107} }
 @article{gaudette_johnson_bakal_dombrowski_2022, title={HEMOLYMPH COLLECTION AND ISOFLURANE ANESTHESIA OF THE EMPEROR SCORPION (PANDINUS IMPERATOR)}, volume={53}, ISSN={["1937-2825"]}, DOI={10.1638/2020-0095}, abstractNote={Abstract: With captive invertebrates increasing in popularity, a safe and effective anesthesia protocol is required for their veterinary care. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of 5% isoflurane anesthesia and 0.26 ml hemolymph collection in subadult to adult emperor scorpions (Pandinus imperator; n = 14). Each scorpion was placed in a 2-L anesthetic chamber and induced with 5% isoflurane at a flow rate of 2 L/min oxygen. Anesthetic depth was assessed by rolling the animal into dorsal recumbency and rating the response from one to four: 1 = successful coordinated righting movement, 2 = successful uncoordinated righting movement, 3 = unsuccessful righting movement, 4 = no movement. Ratings 3 and 4 were both adequate for the hemolymph collection. The mean induction time was 4.2 min to reach a level 3 depth and 10.5 min to reach a level 4 depth. All animals were clinically normal for at least 1 yr post experiment. A mean hemolymph volume drawn of 1.92% of body weight, and an anesthetic induction with 5% isoflurane, appear safe in subadult to adult emperor scorpions.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE}, author={Gaudette, Christopher and Johnson, Brianna and Bakal, Robert and Dombrowski, Daniel S.}, year={2022}, month={Sep}, pages={573–577} }
 @article{mccallion_petersen_dombrowski_christian_lewbart_dillard_2021, title={ISOFLURANE ANESTHESIA IN THE MADAGASCAR HISSING COCKROACH (GROMPHADORHINA PORTENTOSA)}, volume={52}, ISSN={["1937-2825"]}, DOI={10.1638/2020-0153}, abstractNote={Abstract: This study investigated the efficacy of isoflurane in Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa). Cockroaches (n = 12) were placed in a 2-L anesthesia chamber with isoflurane initiated at 5% at 2 L/m. Movement of antennae, mandibles, and legs and righting reflex were assessed, with full induction achieved when all responses had ceased for 2 m. Cockroach movement became ataxic on average (±SD) 3.5 ± 0.9 m after isoflurane treatment, and induction occurred on average 18.7 ± 4.4 m after treatment. Loss of righting reflex was the most consistent indication of full induction. Cockroaches fully recovered on average 16.2 ± 5.6 m after removal of isoflurane inhalant. Induction was uneventful, and no mortality or obvious morbidity was observed in treated cockroaches up to 30 d posttreatment. The authors conclude that the use of inhalant isoflurane is both safe and effective for anesthesia of Madagascar hissing cockroaches.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE}, author={McCallion, Kathleen and Petersen, Kate and Dombrowski, Daniel S. and Christian, Larry Shane and Lewbart, Gregory A. and Dillard, Jacqueline}, year={2021}, month={Jun}, pages={710–714} }
 @article{veilleux_dombrowski_allender_lewbart_2020, title={Diagnosis, treatment and post-release monitoring of an eastern black rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) with ophidiomycosis and traumatic injuries}, volume={8}, ISSN={["2052-6121"]}, DOI={10.1136/vetreccr-2019-000954}, abstractNote={Ophidiomycosis, historically known as snake fungal disease, is caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola and has been reported in over 30 species of snakes. In July 2015, an adult female eastern black rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) was found at Prairie Ridge EcoStation, a North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS) field site in Raleigh, NC, with traumatic lesions consistent with injuries caused by landscaping equipment. The snake was brought to NCMNS Veterinary Services and tested positive via dermal swabs for O ophiodiicola on quantitative PCR (qPCR). The snake was treated with terbinafine (Terbinafine, 250 mg; InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, Hauppauge, NY, USA) nebulised at 2 mg/ml for 30 min every 24 hours for 30 days, and tested negative on further swabs for O ophiodiicola on qPCR before release. From April 2016 to November 2018, the snake was tracked via radio telemetry with physical examinations, bloodwork and qPCR swabs conducted multiple times a year.}, number={2}, journal={VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS}, author={Veilleux, Jacob and Dombrowski, Daniel Steven and Allender, Matthew C. and Lewbart, Gregory}, year={2020}, month={Jun} }
 @article{cerreta_mehalick_stoskopf_dombrowski_lewbart_2018, title={ASSESSMENT OF A VISUAL SCORING SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING AND QUANTIFYING ANEMIA IN MALE EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA)}, volume={49}, ISSN={["1937-2825"]}, DOI={10.1638/2018-0045.1}, abstractNote={Abstract The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) regularly admits wild eastern box turtles (EBT) (Terrapene carolina carolina) for treatment and rehabilitation. Adult males of this species generally have an impressive red coloration of the iris, a feature commonly used to differentiate them from their brown-eyed female conspecifics. Male EBTs that present often display marked pallor of the eyes, which has accompanied clinical anemia. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between eye color and packed cell volume (PCV) in adult male EBTs, and to assess the accuracy of using eye color to predict PCV. Eye-color scoring cards were created using Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop®. Each card was composed of blocks displaying progressively lighter tints of a red hue, with a number (score) assigned to each block. Five-block, six-block, and nine-block scoring cards were prepared, with lower numbers (scores) corresponding to lighter hues. To determine the variation in subjective color scores assigned by different human observers, 85 individuals were asked to score EBT eye color in three animals using each of the three scoring cards. Eye color of adult male EBTs that presented to the TRT (n = 18) and those housed at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (n = 6) were scored using each of the three cards, immediately preceding venipuncture of the occipital sinus for determination of PCV. All animals were scored by at least two individuals. Turtles with low scores (pale eyes) using all three scoring cards consistently had lower PCVs. The five- and six-block scorecards had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% while the nine-block score card had a PPV of 71.4%. This specific and noninvasive method for estimating PCV of male EBTs is clinically desirable in both rehabilitation and hospital settings.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE}, author={Cerreta, Anthony J. and Mehalick, Michelle L. and Stoskopf, Michael K. and Dombrowski, Daniel S. and Lewbart, Gregory A.}, year={2018}, month={Dec}, pages={977–982} }
 @article{raske_lewbart_dombrowski_hale_correa_christian_2012, title={BODY TEMPERATURES OF SELECTED AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE SPECIES}, volume={43}, ISSN={["1937-2825"]}, DOI={10.1638/2011-0244r.1}, abstractNote={Ectothermic vertebrates are a diverse group of animals that rely on external sources to maintain a preferred body temperature. Amphibians and reptiles have a preferred optimal temperature zone that allows for optimal biological function. Physiologic processes in ectotherms are influenced by temperature; these animals have capabilities in which they make use of behavioral and physiologic mechanisms to thermoregulate. Core body, ambient air, body surface, and surface/water temperatures were obtained from six ectothermic species including one anuran, two snakes, two turtles, and one alligator. Clinically significant differences between core body temperature and ambient temperature were noted in the black rat snake, corn snake, and eastern box turtle. No significant differences were found between core body and ambient temperature for the American alligator, bullfrog, mata mata turtle, dead spotted turtle, or dead mole king snake. This study indicates some ectotherms are able to regulate their body temperatures independent of their environment. Body temperature of ectotherms is an important component that clinicians should consider when selecting and providing therapeutic care. Investigation of basic physiologic parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature) from a diverse population of healthy ectothermic vertebrates may provide baseline data for a systematic health care approach.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE}, author={Raske, Matthew and Lewbart, Gregory A. and Dombrowski, Daniel S. and Hale, Peyton and Correa, Maria and Christian, Larry S.}, year={2012}, month={Sep}, pages={517–521} }
 @article{dombrowski_de voe_lewbart_2013, title={Comparison of Isoflurane and Carbon Dioxide Anesthesia in Chilean Rose Tarantulas (Grammostola rosea)}, volume={32}, ISSN={["0733-3188"]}, DOI={10.1002/zoo.21026}, abstractNote={This study investigated the use of two anesthetic agents, isoflurane and carbon dioxide, in Chilean rose tarantulas (Grammostola rosea). We compared the onset, duration of anesthesia, and recovery time with both gases, and made observations regarding the effects of the anesthetic protocols. Subjectively, episodes for the isoflurane animals were uneventful. The spiders were calm throughout and did not respond adversely to gas exposure. Conversely, animals anesthetized with carbon dioxide experienced violent inductions and recoveries; the tarantulas appeared agitated when the carbon dioxide flow began. Seizure‐like activity and defecation would frequently be noted prior to induction with carbon dioxide. Neither isoflurane nor carbon dioxide seemed to have any clinically apparent short‐ or long‐term impact. The animals were all normal for at least 1‐year postexperiment. Future studies should focus on defining the impact, if any, that these anesthetic agents have on the health of invertebrate species. Zoo Biol. 32:101‐103, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.}, number={1}, journal={ZOO BIOLOGY}, author={Dombrowski, Daniel S. and De Voe, Ryan S. and Lewbart, Gregory A.}, year={2013}, pages={101–103} }