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The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol (CBD), a potential treatment option that may alleviate pain in companion animals and humans, in the Hispaniolan Amazon parrot (

Objective Alfaxalone is a popular veterinary anesthetic; however, research on this anesthetic in snakes has been limited to ball pythons, garter snakes and several Australian species. The objective was to evaluate the anesthetic effects of alfaxalone in corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus), a popular pet snake. Study design Prospective, randomized crossover study. Animals A total of eight corn snakes. Methods In phase I, snakes were subcutaneously administered three doses of alfaxalone (5, 10 and 15 mg kg–1) in the cranial third of the body to determine the most effective dose. In phase II, a dose of 15 mg kg–1 was administered in the cranial and caudal thirds of the snakes to determine if injection site affected anesthesia duration. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), righting reflex, escape response, tail pinch, needle prick and tongue flick were monitored at baseline and 5 minute intervals until the snakes fully recovered. Results Duration of anesthesia differed significantly, with higher doses lasting longer than lower doses: 5 mg kg–1 [23.8 ± 4.4 (15–30) minutes]; 10 mg kg–1 [40.6 ± 9.4 (25–55) minutes]; and 15 mg kg–1 [56.9 ± 8.4 (50–70) minutes], mean ± standard deviation (range). The tail pinch reflex was not completely lost in phase 1. There was a significant change in fR over time, but this was not related to dose. HR was not different by time or dose. Duration of anesthesia was not different after administration of alfaxalone (15 mg kg–1) in the cranial third versus the caudal third of the body; however, there was a significant decrease in HR and fR at this dose, regardless of injection site. Conclusions and clinical relevance Based on these results, alfaxalone (15 mg kg–1) provides adequate anesthesia for brief procedures or intubation; however, additional analgesia is required for painful procedures.

The subcarapacial vessel is a popular site for venipuncture and intravenous medication administration in chelonians. Reports of adverse effects when using this site have increased, prompting evaluation of its safety. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomy of the subcarapacial vessel in 25 individual chelonians (2 box turtles, 3 red-eared sliders, and 20 red-footed tortoises) using computed tomography (CT). Individuals were sedated and administered contrast in the subcarapacial vessel. The vessel was visualized in 50% of the box turtles and red-footed tortoises, and 100% of the red-eared sliders. All species had contrast extravasation in the subarachnoid space, with red-footed tortoises having the largest percentage (70% compared to 50% and 33% of box turtles and red-eared sliders, respectively). Extravasation of contrast in the trachea or bronchi (70%) and lungs (80%) was seen in the red-footed tortoises only. Higher prevalence of contrast extravasation in the red-footed tortoises is likely because of anatomical differences, including a more cranially extending lung field and domed-shaped carapace compared to the other species. These findings highlight the risk associated with using the subcarapacial vessel for intravenous medication administration in certain species of chelonian.

Ball pythons (Python regius) are one of the most popular pet snakes, with >1 million animals currently kept in captivity and zoos. Designer ball pythons with unique “morphs” are highly desirable, leading to a niche market for privately owned captive-bred animals. A survey of ball python breeders across the United States was conducted to quantitatively assess ball python ownership, including husbandry and breeding practices. Survey distribution occurred through a breeder conference and over hobbyist and online marketplaces. Results indicate that, despite this growing market, most snake breeders make no substantial income from the snakes they breed and instead rear snakes as a hobby. Respondents manage a median of 45 animals (range: 7–700), buy and sell 4 and 20 animals per year, respectively, and generate a median of 0% in personal income. The majority use commercial rack systems (62%) with enclosure temperature gradients (83.7%) and humidity management (50%). Females and males are first bred at mean weights of 1,500 and 600 g, respectively, and they are paired for an average of 3.3 days (range: 2–7 days). Eggs are primarily managed in custom incubators (70%), most commonly on vermiculite (42.9%), and at a temperature of 31.7°C (89°F) and humidity of 95%. Assistance during hatching is provided in a majority (55.1%) of cases, and sex determination is primarily (74%) done by hemipenal eversion. Notably, 62% of responding breeders will feed live prey, 59.2% do not regularly screen their collections for parasites, and 71.4% have visited a veterinarian for a snake.

A 26-year-old female umbrella cockatoo (

A 26-year-old female umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) was presented for reoccurrence of a soft tissue mass extending from a fractured area of the rhinotheca. The mass was originally observed 12 years before, after unknown trauma. Histopathology after initial removal was consistent with inflammatory granulation tissue. The mass reoccurred 3 additional times in the same location despite surgical removal and cryogenic therapy. On the fourth surgical resection, strontium-90 radiotherapy was applied to the site immediately after the surgical procedure. No recurrence of the tissue mass from this location has been observed for almost 2 years. This case demonstrates the novel use of strontium radiotherapy to treat exuberant granulation tissue in a bird.