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The objective of this investigation was to assess the usefulness of three different doses of alfaxalone administered intramuscularly in amphibian species. Thirty-two healthy, adult (5–9 years old) captive Spanish ribbed newts (Pleurodeles waltl) were used. Alfaxalone at a dose of 15, 20, and 30 mg/kg was administered into the muscles of the front legs of each newt, with a 4-week washout period between trials. Heart rate and depth of sedation were assessed for each animal prior to the administration of anesthetic (T0), and at 2-minute intervals over the initial 20 minutes, then at 5-minute intervals over 60 minutes, and at 15-minute intervals until a full duration of 120 minutes for each trial. The average induction time was reduced with increasing doses. The recovery period was prolonged with increasing doses. Intramuscular administration of alfaxalone proved a feasible method for immobilization and sedation in Spanish ribbed newts and resulted in loss of both the escape reflex and righting reflex.

Ferrets are nowadays frequently used as animal models for biomedical purposes; in many cases, immunosuppression of experimental animals is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intramuscular dexamethasone administration (2 mg/kg as the initiation dose continued with 1 mg/kg q 12 h applied 5 times) on ferret's immune system. In comparison with ferrets which received the saline (n = 5), significantly lower total counts of leukocytes (P0.01), lymphocytes (P0.01) and monocyte (P0.05), as well as absolute numbers of CD4+CD8- (P0.01) and CD4-CD8+ (P0.01) subsets were noted in dexamethasone treated ferrets (n = 5) the first day after the treatment (D1). Absolute number of CD79+ lymphocytes remained unchanged throughout the experiment. The proliferation activity of lymphocytes in dexamethasone treated ferrets was lower only in D1 using concanavalin A (conA), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM); statistical significance was noted using PHA 40 (P0.05) and PWM 10 (P0.01). Lower neutrophil activity (P0.01) was detected in D1 after the dexamethasone treatment in both production of reactive oxygen species (chemiluminescence test) and ingestion of particles (phagocytosis assay). The dexamethasone treatment proved to be useful for short-term immunosuppression in ferrets. The results closely resembled data previously reported in human studies and indicate classification of ferrets as steroid-resistant species.

This study focuses on the method for sperm extraction and artificial insemination in snakes. Ten adult healthy snakes (4.6) have been included in the study ( Pantherophis guttatus 1.3; Hydrodynastes gigas 1.1; Corallus hortulanus 1.1; and Sanzinia madagascariesis 1.1). Massage of the ventral part of the caudal third of the male snake body for two to three minutes was performed successfully for the semen collection. Both female and male P. guttatus and H. gigas were placed in brumation, with the female snakes being assessed for ovarian activity after emerging from dormancy. Only females showing ultrasonographic evidence of vitellogenic follicles were included in the study. Sanzinia madagascariensis and C. hortulanus were maintained at the same temperature through the year, and the ovarian activity was assessed ultrasonographically prior to artificially inseminating the animal. With the aid of a rigid endoscope the fresh semen was delivered through cloaca into the females′ oviducts using a catheter connected to the syringe. The technique failed in female S. madagascariensis and H. gigas . Two female P. guttatus laid eggs two months after artificial insemination, with hatchlings emerging following two months of development within the eggs. The third female corn snake did not lay an egg. The female C. hortulans produced eggs four months after insemination. The method of sperm collection consisting of manual massage in male snakes and endoscopy-assisted insemination in female snakes may be useful for conservation programs.

A 3-year-old, 920g intact female guinea pig presented with a 4-month history of nonpruritic hair loss on the ventral abdomen. The physical examination revealed flank and ventral abdominal alopecia, mucoid vulvar discharge, and abdominal distension. Bilateral rounded masses just caudal to the kidneys and structures consistent with enlarged uterine horns were detected on abdominal palpation. Abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral ovarian cysts, thickened uterine horns, and multiple circular hypoechoic and anechoic structures in the uterine wall. The patient underwent ovariohysterectomy. Gross examination of the uterus revealed a piece of hay in the left uterine horn. A final diagnosis was hormonally active ovarian follicular cysts, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, and purulent bacterial endometritis caused by Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum , and Arthrobacter spp. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia is infrequently reported in guinea pigs, and this report describes an associated bacterial endometritis and uterine foreign body with concurrent ovarian cysts.

The body temperature of 10 clinically healthy green iguanas (Iguana iguana) was measured using a thermographic camera (FLIR E6, Flir Systems Sweden) before and after the food was offered. For each animal there were performed a total of 6 measurements (3 before feeding and 3 after the food was offered). The purpose of this experiment was to observe the thermographic pattern of the body before and after the feeding, since herbivore reptiles tend to bask after the feeding to increase the body temperature that will help them afterwards digest the food. The animals were housed in individual vivariums with every animal having a basking spot available. The pictures were taken outside the vivarium in an adjacent room. The animals were handled with gloves and transported in a cardboard box in order to avoid heat transfer between the handler and the iguana that would have produced thermal artefacts. Each individual was placed on a table on a styrofoam slate, again, to avoid the heat transfer between the table and the animal`s body. For each animal a total of 4 pictures were taken (up, front, left and right). The pictures were analysed with the FLIR Tools program that is provided by the manufacturer and 3 temperatures were taken into consideration (the head temperature, body temperature on the right side and body temperature on the left side). The temperatures were compared between them and with the temperature of the vivariums that consisted of the average between the temperature in 3 different spots (basking spot, the feeding bowl site and the coldest spot) measured with an infrared thermometer GM300 (Benetech, China). The temperature of the body was dependent on the vivarium temperature and it was a significant temperature difference between the measurements before the feeding and after the feeding. Also we discovered a significant difference between the head temperature and the body temperature on the left side before the feeding that disappeared after the animals ate. There was also a significant difference between the temperature on right side and on left side of the animals both before and after the feeding. No significant temperature difference was observed between the head and the right side of the body neither before nor after the feeding.

Intravenous alfaxalone, administered at a dose of 5mg/kg in the jugular vein, was evaluated in 20 leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) to ascertain its ability to provide a level of anesthesia. The induction time, time to loss of mandibular tone, interval of deep anaesthesia, and full recovery time were 27.5 ± 30.7seconds (10–56seconds), 1.3 ± 1.4minutes (11 seconds-4 minutes), 12.5 ± 2.2minutes (11.11–15.39minutes) and 18.8 ± 12.1minutes (10.4–52.31minutes), respectively. A significant reduction in heart rate (74 ± 12.9 beats/minute) between 2–24minutes after alfaxalone administration was recorded. A significant decrease of respiratory rate (26.8 ± 10.1 breaths/minute) was recorded 2minutes after alfaxalone administration and respiratory rate remained lower than basal respiratory (31.4 ± 3.1 breaths/minute) for 24minutes, but without statistical significance. The intravenous administration of alfaxalone in leopard geckos achieved a rapid onset of anasthesia and a suitable recovery time. Based on this investigation the afaxalone dose and administration site has proved to be a suitable protocol for sedation prior to tracheal intubation through maintenance on gas anaesthesia. Moreover, the administration technique, jugular administration of the drug, was acceptable in leopard geckos, in which other venipuncture sites are challenging or inaccessible.

Ear disease is a common disorder seen in exotic companion mammals, especially in ferrets, rabbits, and rats. This article describes patient preparation, equipment, and video otoscopy technique in exotic companion mammals. This noninvasive technique facilitates accurate diagnosis of diseases affecting the external ear canal or middle ear. Moreover, therapeutic otoscopic evaluation of the external ear facilitates foreign body removal, external ear canal flushing, intralesional drug administration, myringotomy, and middle ear cavity flushing.

Pulmonoscopy is a practical diagnostic tool for investigating respiratory diseases in snakes. Two different approaches exist for pulmonoscopy, tracheal and transcutaneous. The access to the proximal or distal lung is limited by the length and diameter of the endoscope when using the tracheal approach. The transcutaneous approach allows direct evaluation of the lung and distal trachea through the air sac. Both of the methods are safe, and specific contraindications for pulmonoscopy in snakes are not known except for any anesthesia contraindication.

Deslorelin acetate, a GnRH agonist, is commonly used to prevent folliculogenesis in several species. However, little is known of the effect of deslorelin acetate implants on the oestrous cycle of female guinea pigs. Fifteen intact healthy female guinea pigs were investigated in this study. Signs of sexual behaviour, the presence of a vaginal membrane along with plasma concentrations of oestradiol (E 2 ) and progesterone (P 4 ), were monitored during two consecutive oestrous cycles. At the beginning of the third oestrous cycle each guinea pig was administered an implant of the GnRH analogue, deslorelin acetate, (4.7 mg). When compared to the untreated state, deslorelin implantation was associated with altered signs of oestrus. The average time to opening of the vaginal membrane was delayed. After opening, the vaginas were found to be variably opened and closed. A significant reduction in P 4 (to less than 1.0 ng/ml) and cessation of P 4 cyclical variation was observed. Plasma E 2 remained high during the whole experimental period. This study shows that cessation of the oestrous cycle by the deslorelin implant might be useful in preventing pregnancy in guinea pigs.

The number of exotic companion pet rodents seen in veterinary practices is growing very rapidly. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association's surveys, more than 2,093,000 pet rodents were kept in US households in 2007 and in 2012 it was more than 2,349,000 animals. This article summarizes the most important evidence-based knowledge in exotic pet rodents (diagnostics of the hyperadrenocorticism in guinea pigs, pituitary tumors in rats, urolithiasis in guinea pigs, use of itopride as prokinetics, use of deslorelin acetate in rodents, cause of dental disease, and prevention of mammary gland tumors in rats).

Common reproductive problems in captive male lizards are hemipenile plugs in hemipenial sac, unilateral prolapse of hemipenis, or bilateral prolapse of hemipene. Although the orchiectomy is performed as a treatment for testicular disease, the effectiveness in reducing aggressive behavior is unclear. Female captive lizards suffer from cloacal prolapse, preovulatory follicular stasis, or dystocia. The veterinarian must differentiate between the disorders because the treatment differs. Mating, physical, or visual contact with the male stimulates ovulation and prevents preovulatory follicular stasis. Surgical intervention is usually required for dystocia. This article discusses selected procedures and use of ultrasonography and diagnostic endoscopy.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that has wide host distribution, but primary affects rabbits. This study presents a seroepidemiological study of E. cuniculi infection in 500 pet rabbits from the Czech Republic using ELISA capable of measuring IgM and IgG antibodies. Specific IgM antibodies, reflecting acute, reactivated infection or reinfection, were detected in 32.4% of all rabbits. IgG antibodies indicating chronic infection, were presented in 68.0% of all rabbits. The highest detection rate of IgM (54.4%) and IgG (86.1%) antibodies was ascertained in rabbits with neurological symptoms (n=79, group I). In rabbits with renal disorders (n=47, group II) 36.2% animals were specific IgM and 80.9% IgG positive. Out of 9 rabbits with ocular disorders (group III), 44.4% were positive for anti-E. cuniculi IgM and 77.8% for IgG antibodies. In rabbits with multiple signs (neurological and renal or ocular, n=16, group IV), 43.8% animals were specific IgM and 68.8% IgG positive. Out of 287 rabbits with other disease (group V), 26.5% were positive for anti-E. cuniculi IgM and 64.1% for IgG antibodies. However, the high presence of IgM (24.2%) and IgG (51.6%) antibodies was detected in clinically healthy rabbits (n=62, group VI). Toxoplasma gondii infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis for neurological and ocular disorders in rabbits. Using ELISA, 19.2% from all rabbits were positive for specific anti-T. gondii IgG. The highest seropositivity was detected in group III (44.4%). Simultaneous testing of IgM and IgG specific antibodies give an indication of the infection status. Presence of IgM antibodies is indicative for active infection with requirement to institute proper antimicrosporidial therapy. As active infection was detected in considerably high numbers of rabbits with clinical signs that are not usually associated with E. cuniculi, and even in asymptomatic rabbits, detection of both isotypes of specific antibodies should be a routine part of a health check in rabbits.

The aim of this study was to determine whether serum levels of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone are significant diagnostic tools for the confirmation of specific reproductive diseases associated with hyperes - trogenism. Thirty-one adult ferrets (Mustela putorrius furo) were divided into five groups. The levels of serum 17beta-estradiol differed significantly when comparing females with ovarian tumors (817.80 ± 433.90 pmol/l) to intact (83.50 ± 32.53 pmol/l) and spayed, healthy females (73.17 ± 0.41 pmol/l) as well as to females with prolonged estrus (274.75 ± 192.40 pmol/l). Concentrations of serum progesterone differed significantly when comparing females with ovarian tumours (2.10 ± 1.85 ng/ml) to intact (0.40 ± 0.40 ng/ml) and spayed, healthy females (0.30 ± 0.12 ng/ml). Our study has made it clear that a determination of serum concentrations of 17-beta estradiol and progesterone is not sufficient for distinguishing between prolonged estrus and the presence of ovarian tumours. Therefore, it is advisable to employ other clinical procedures, such as ones allowing organ visualization. Increased concentrations of 17beta-estradiol in ferrets persisted for two weeks after hCG administration. This is particularly important in clinical practice, as negative effects of estrogens on bone marrow could persist for more than 14 days. Therefore, ferrets should be clinically monitored for a longer period of time.

This article describes a case of severe acquired dental disease with elodontoma formation in the nasal cavity of a 3.5-year-old degu ( Octodon degus ). Physical examination revealed cachexia, bilateral serous nasal discharge, dehydration, inspiratory dyspnea and severe acquired dental disease. Diagnostic investigation revealed severe apical elongation of all cheek teeth, dental caries of the occlusal surface of the first right mandibular premolar, exposed crown lysis (osteoresorption) of the mandibular premolars, and multiple areas of increased opacity of the right nasal cavity with loss of conchal detail. Because of general poor condition and severity of disease, the animal was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a mass in the nasal cavity associated with the right maxillary incisor. The mass was characterized on histopathology as an elodontoma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first described case of elodontoma in this species.

A total of 10 clinically healthy green iguanas (5 males and 5 females, body weight ranging from 1 350 to 2 770 g) were given butorphanol by intramuscular injection following 24 h fasting. Inhalation anaesthesia was administered by mask (5% isoflurane with oxygen, 1.0 l/min), once reactions to external stimuli had decreased (15.45 ± 1.54 min later). Tracheal intubation was performed as soon as the iguanas exhibited complete tolerance to mechanical stimuli. A second study was performed 4 weeks later using the same green iguanas with no pre-medication. Marked individual reactions to masking were observed during both experiments. Some iguanas exhibited breath holding which prolonged anaesthetic induction. Physical stimulation was used in these cases in order to stimulate spontaneous breathing. The mean anaesthetic induction time was similar in both groups of green iguanas (4.34 ± 0.47 and 4.93 ± 0.88 min). There was also a comparable interval from masking to safe tracheal intubation in both experimental groups (15.21 ± 4.26 and 14.31 ± 1.39 min). In view of the results, pre-medication with butorphanol cannot be considered an effective method of anaesthetic induction in green iguanas.

A total of 20 healthy green iguanas (14 males and six females with body weight ranging from 280 to 720 g) were divided into three groups and used for the experiment. Carprofen (2.0 mg/kg, i.m.) was administered to seven iguanas for 10 days, five were treated with meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, i.m.) for the same period, and eight iguanas received the same volume of saline solution (0.04 ml/kg). All iguanas were blood sampled on Day 1 and 11 to obtain haematological and biochemical parameters. Comparing the values within particular groups, a decrease in haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume accompanied by an increase in azurophils ( P < 0.05) was observed in iguanas treated with carprofen. Decreased values of haemoglobin and packed cell volume were also found in control iguanas ( P < 0.05). Increased ALT levels (P < 0.01) were found in all three groups of iguanas. A decrease in the concentration of Ca ( P < 0.01) was observed both in meloxicam-treated iguanas and in the con - trol ones. Mean ALT values of carprofen-treated iguanas (2.42 ± 0.52 μkat/l) were considerably higher ( P < 0.01) than those in iguanas treated with meloxicam (0.49 ± 0.18 μkat/l) or saline (0.43 ± 0.13 μkat/l). Repeated doses of carprofen induced higher levels of AST (0.82 ± 0.26 μkat/l) compared with saline ( P < 0.01, 0.31 ± 0.16 μkat/l) or meloxicam ( P < 0.05, 0.38 ± 0.16 μkat/l). All blood parameters of green iguanas following the 10-day intramuscular administration of both carprofen and meloxicam were within the physiological reference values of this species.

The aim of this study was to present outbreaks of infections with presumptive viral aetiology in boid snakes kept in different private collections in the Czech Republic. A total number of 16 boid snakes ( Boa constric- tor) from five private snake collections were included in this study. The patients exhibited neurological depres - sion, dehydration, chronic anorexia, recurrent regurgitation of food, weak muscle tone and stargazing. The blood profile of patients was characterised by extremely low haematocrit. Hyperuricaemia, hypoglycaemia and/or high concentration of phosphorus were measured in some snakes, but not in all patients. All examined faecal samples were negative for the presence of any species of protozoan parasites as well as for eggs of metazoan parasites. Antibodies against the ophidian paramyxovirus in serum samples were determined by a haemagglutination-inhi - bition assay. This serologic assay was in the suspect range in one snake. Samples of different tissues from snakes that died or were euthanised were collected for necropsy and prepared for a histological examination. Histology results indicated IBD at least in six snakes, basophilic intracytoplasmatic inclusion bodies were detected in the liver, kidneys, lungs, intestine, stomach, hearth, spleen and pancreas of these patients. More specific assays are needed for the clinical diagnosis and control of viral infections in reptilian breeding collections.

Pavlacik L., V. Celer Jr., V. Kajerova, V. Jekl, Z. Knotek, I. Literak: Monitoring of Antibodies Titre Against Canine Distemper Virus in Ferrets Vaccinated with a Live Modifi ed Vaccine. Acta Vet. Brno 2007, 76: 423-429. A group of fi ve ferrets vaccinated against the canine distemper virus (CDV) was evaluated as to the onset of anti-CDV antibody production and the serum levels of the animals were monitored for one year. The ferrets were immunized with a live attenuated vaccine. The vaccination pattern was as follows: primary vaccination at the age of 6 weeks, fi rst revaccination at 30 days after primary vaccination, and second revaccination after another 30 days. Blood samples were taken prior to primary vaccination and then at 30-day intervals (sampling 1 to 12). The whole experimental cycle covered the period of one year from primary vaccination (till the age of 1 year and 6 weeks). Serum samples were analysed for anti-CDV virus-neutralisation antibodies using a virus- neutralisation test using the Onderstepoort CDV strain. All ferrets had zero virus-neutralisation antibody titres before primary vaccination. Two ferrets produced virus-neutralisation antibodies as a response to fi rst revaccination. A stable antibody level (titre 256) was maintained between months 4 and 11 after primary vaccination and a sudden increase in antibody titre (titres 512 and 1024 - 2048) occurred in both animals in months 11 and 12. The reason for the abrupt rise in antibody titres in the two animals remains unclear. No anti-CDV seroconversion was observed in the three remaining animals. Regarding the results obtained in this study we do not consider commonly recommended vaccination with a live attenuated anti-CDV vaccine as an effective method of antibodies induction against distemper in young ferrets. Small mammals, Mustelidae, immunoprophylaxis, Morbillivirus

Ophthalmic diseases are common in rabbits and rodents. Fast and definitive diagnosis is imperative for successful treatment of ocular diseases. Ophthalmic examination in rabbits and rodents can be challenging. Oculoscopy offers great magnification for the examination of the ocular structures in such animals, including the evaluation of cornea, anterior eye chamber, limbus, iris, lens, and retina. To date, oculoscopy has been described only sporadically and/or under experimental conditions. This article describes the oculoscopy technique, normal and abnormal ocular findings, and the most common eye disorders diagnosed with the aid of endoscopy in rabbits and rodents.

A 9-month-old, 630-g male peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was admitted for examination with a history of a suspected traumatic injury acquired during training. A circular, 5-mm diameter wound was found in the skin overlying the left pectoral muscle. A similar wound was located in the midline in the apertura thoracis cranialis (thoracic inlet). Radiographic examination revealed the presence of a bullet in the coelom on the midline, immediately ventral to the base of the heart. The shape of the bullet was consistent with those fired from an air-powered rifle. Endoscopy through a left lateral approach facilitated visualization of the bullet, which was then removed with a pair of flexible grasping forceps. This minimally invasive approach enabled removal of the foreign body without damage to vessels or internal organs.

Blood haematology and plasma chemistry profiles were examined in a group of ten 17 months- old green iguanas two minutes before propofol administration (10 mg/kg of body weight) and two minutes after recovery from anaesthesia. The induction time was very short (35.50 ± 22.54 s), the recovery time was 21.50 ± 7.44 minutes. At five and fifteen minutes of anaesthesia there was a considerable drop in the heart rate. The most marked drop, however, was noted during the tenth minute. Following the administration of propofol green iguanas showed marked changes in the respiratory frequency that were not accompanied by any changes in the levels of SpO 2 . RBC (1.06 ± 0.08 vs. 1.21 ± 0.06 10 12 /l) were decreased with a high significance (P < 0.01) two minutes after recovery from the propofol anaesthesia. At the same time there was a significant ( P < 0.05) decrease of haemoglobin concentration (76.70 ± 13.39 vs. 83.73 ± 9.24 g/l) and PCV (0.34 ± 0.04 vs. 0.36 ± 0.04 l/l) as well as a significant (P < 0.05) increase of WBC (7.95 ± 3.38 vs. 5.20 ± 2.52 10 9 /l), heterophils (3.14 ± 1.48 vs. 1.43 ± 0.43 10 9 /l) and basophils (0.60 ± 0.53 vs. 0.23 ± 0.17 10 9 /l). The following parameters increased two minutes after anaesthesia with

This case report describes the clinical signs and treatment of demodicosis in nine pet prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Clinical records including history, clinical examination, microscopic evaluation and fungal culture of the skin lesions were available for all nine animals. In seven animals, blood was obtained for haematological and biochemical analyses. Clinical signs comprised bilaterally symmetrical alopecia extending from the middle part of the back down to the skin of the thighs and the dorsal and ventral parts of the tail. Demodex mites were found in skin scrapings from all cases. Treatment with amitraz at 250 p.p.m. resulted in resolution of lesions and hair regrowth. This is the first report of demodicosis in this species.

A six year old male iguana (Iguana iguana) was brought to our clinic after a fall from a height of 1.5 meters. The patient showed apathy, dehydration, and paresis of all the limbs. Postural reflexes, palpebral reflex, and response to painful stimuli were minimal. The patient had extremely high levels of uric acid (1 734.0 µmol/l) and phosphorus (9.80 mmol/l), ratio of calcium to phosphorus (0.18), leucocytosis (23.3×10 9 /l) with heterophilia (17.10×10 9 /l), and high activity of ALT, AST and CK (2.09, 6.59, and 260.0 µkat/l). Tracheoscopy and pneumoscopy revealed presence of blood clots in the trachea and lungs with haemorrhage within the parenchyma. Based on the results of the clinical examination, endoscopy and laboratory diagnostics, the clinical diagnosis was chronic kidney failure, liver lipidosis and lung haemorrhage. Because of a very poor prognosis, the patient was eutha- nised. At necropsy, the signs of visceral gout and hepatomegaly with diffuse yellowish white discoloration and with dotted brown pigmentation were also observed. The kidneys were enlarged, and stained brown grayish. The gross and histopathological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of visceral gout, chronic kidney failure, liver steatosis and granulomatous pneumonia, with lung haemorrhage associated with urate deposits in lung tissue and posttraumatic status.

Knotek Z., O.A. Fischer, V. Jekl, Z. Knotkova: Fatal Myiasis Caused by Calliphora vicina in Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) Acta Vet. Brno 2005, 74: 123-128. An extensive myiasis was observed in an adult male Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) with a missing distal part of the right forelimb and an exposed right humerus. Haematological examinaton indicated very low haemoglobin levels (37.00 g/l), low packed cell volume (PCV = 0.17 l/l), significant leucopenia (WBC = 2.75 G/l), an extremely low glucose concentration (0.64 mmol/l), hyperuricaemia (519.9 µmol/l), and a high ALP (30.10 µkat/l). Forty-three blowfly larvae were removed from the wound with a pair of foceps, using a lavage with saline and lowconcentration povidone-iodine solution. The remaining part of the humerus was surgically dissected from the humeral girdle. Necrotizing edges were removed and the opening to the body cavity was closed with sutures. After the surgery was completed, the tortoise responded poorly to external stimuli and died 12 hours after the surgery. A post-mortem examination of the body cavity revealed only an enlarged, ochre coloured liver and no pathological changes could be detected in the other organs. A histological examination diagnosed steatosis and toxic necrosis of the hepatic parenchyma. Twenty-three larvae were kept on 20 g of beef at room temperature. Twenty puparia were available after 7 days. After 20 – 21 days, 19 fly imagoes (5 females, 14 males) were obtained and identified on the basis of their morphological features as the blowfly (Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830; Diptera: Calliphoridae). It is the first case of fully documented fatal reptile myiasis in the Czech Republic. Reptiles, hepatodystrophy, intoxication, Diptera, Calliphoridae

Pejfiilova S., Z. Knotkova, Z. Knotek, V. Vrbas: Age-related Changes of the Haematological Profile in Green Iguana (Iguana iguana rhinolopha).Acta Vet Brno 2004, 73: 305-312. Most haematological trials focusing on green iguanas have had the form of one-off blood sample-taking analysis. Our project therefore set out to perform a long-term ontogenetic trial on blood-related animals kept in identical conditions. The trial involved 11 green iguanas ( Iguana iguana rhinolopha), 5 males and 6 females, from a single clutch. The reptiles were kept in experimental terraria with a specific light regime (12 h/12 h), at temperature ranging from 24 to 35 °C and air humidity from 60 to 80%. The health status of the iguanas was monitored at regular intervals. At the age of 14 to 36 months, the iguanas were sampled for blood at intervals of at least 30 days. Total red blood cell and white blood cells counts were performed manually, using haemocytometer with the Natt and Herrick’s solution; packed cell volume (PCV) was established using the microhaematocrit method; haemoglobin concentration was determined spectrophotometrically by using a standard cyanmethaemoglobin method. The leukocyte differential counts were evaluated and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were established. No seasonal changes of the haematological indices were observed. No significant differences in the haematological indices between male and female subpopulations were found. As to the number of erythrocytes, a statistically significant drop ( p < 0.01) was observed comparing the data at 14 to 15 months of age (1.64 ± 0.58; 1.17 ± 0.18 10 12 /l) with those at 34 to 36 months (1.01 ± 0.14; 0.88 ± 0.12; 0.93 ± 0.08 10 12/l). Apart from that, we recorded a statistically significant (p < 0.01) drop in packed cell volume (PCV) comparing the figures at 14 to 18 months (0.39 ± 0.04; 0.38 ± 0.03; 0.39 ± 0.04 l/l) with those obtained at 34 to 35 months of age of the animals (0.32 ± 0.03; 0.35 ± 0.02 l/l). On the other hand, our results confirmed a statistically significant ( p < 0.01) rise in haemoglobin concentration comparing the data at 23 to 24 months (73.1 ± 7.2; 64.5 ± 8.8 g/l) with those at 35 to 36 months (92.5 ± 7.4; 94.0 ± 4.6 g/l). A similar statistically significant rise (p < 0.01) was confirmed for computed red cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), too. The physiological basis underlying these changes remains to be examined in the future. Reptiles, blood, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, leukocyte differential counts

Knotek Z., Z. Knotkova, J. Doubek, S. Pejfiilova, K. Hauptman: Plasma Biochemistry in Female Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) with Calcium Metabolism Disorders . Acta Vet. Brno 2003, 72: 183-189. Twenty-two female green iguanas (Iguana iguana) diagnosed with different forms of calcium metabolism disorders were classified into three groups: females with post-ovulatory egg stasis or pre-ovulatory follicle stasis (group A), females with acute hypocalcaemia (group B) and females with metabolic bone disease (group C). Group A females had the highest mean plasma values for uric acid (p < 0.05) and phosphorus (p < 0.05) compared to groups B and C. Mean values for uric acid, ALP, ALT, AST, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus were 351.11 � mol·l -1 , 0.12 � kat·l -1 , 1.42 � kat·l -1 , 6.81 � kat·l -1 , 5.93, 3.44 mmol·l -1 and 7.45 mmol·l -1 , respectively. The phosphorus to calcium ratio was 2.2. Group B females had the highest concentration of AST (p < 0.05), the highest phosphorus to calcium ratio ( p < 0.05) and the lowest plasma concentrations of total protein, glucose, cholesterol and calcium. The mean values for total protein, glucose, uric acid, ALT, AST ALP, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus were 47.11 g·l-1, 8.67 mmol·l-1, 233.26 � mol·l-1, 1.11 � kat·l-1, 12.14 � kat·l-1, 0.26 � kat·l -1 , 5.19, 1.18 and 5.65 mmol·l -1 , respectively. The phosphorus to calcium ratio was 4.8. Group C females had mean values for total protein, uric acid, ALT, AST, ALP, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus of 55.04 g·l -1 , 239.56 � mol·l -1 , 1.01 � kat·l -1 , 1.91 � kat·l -1 , 0.89 � kat·l

Hauptman K., Jekl V. Jr., Knotek Z.: Use of Medetomidine for Sedation in the Laboratory Rats (Rattus norvegicus). Acta Vet. Brno 2003, 72: 583-591. Sixty-three rats (Rattus norvegicus) assigned to ten groups of six to seven animals were evaluated for depth and quality of sedation induced by intramuscular medetomidine. The first group received a dose of 50 µg/kg of medetomidine and the dosages in the other groups were 150 µg/kg, 200 µg/kg, 250 µg/kg, 300 µg/kg, 350 µg/kg, 400 µg/kg, 450 µg/kg and 500 µg/kg respectively. Respiratory rate, peripheral pulse, blood oxygen saturation, and disappearance and recovery of reflexes were evaluated at 5-minute intervals for the period of 60 minutes from the medetomidine injection. Disappearance of the lateral reflex was observed within 15 minutes in the 3 rd group and within 10 minutes in the 4 th to 10 th group. The peak of the sedation of the rat population was located between minute 10 and minute 20. All groups showed a drop in pulse rate, namely by 26% on average in the 2 nd group, by 18% in the 3 rd group, and by over 30% in groups 4 to 10. In groups 2 and 4, the maximum drop in pulse rate in minute 60 compared with minute 5 was by 30%; the drop was by 63% in group 10. Statistical evaluation of blood oxygen saturation did not reveal any statistically significant differences between the individual groups. The average blood oxygen saturation was 90.9 ± 4.34%. Recovery of reflexes after the atipamezole injection was monitored at 1-minute intervals. All reflexes under evaluation were recovered within 5 minutes. Our recommendation regarding rat sedation is to apply medetomidine from 150 to 250 µg/kg. Higher dosages induce a relatively strong respiratory depression.

Knotkova Z.,J. Doubek, Z. Knotek, P. Hajkova: Blood Cell Morphology and Plasma Biochemistry in Russian Tortoises(Agrionemys horsfieldi). Acta Vet. Brno 2002, 71: 191‐198. Morphological characteristics of peripheral blood cells and plasma biochemistry profile were examined in twenty clinically healthy Russian tortoises ( Agrionemys horsfieldi). Blood samples were collected from dorsal coccygeal vein. The Pappenheim staining method was used as the basal method for the classification of the blood cells. For enriching staining panel the commercial kits Rapidiff®, Lysocolor®, Lymphocolor®, Monocolor®, Granulocolor® and Neutrocolor® were used. Ten different types of blood cells were determined: erythrocytes, thrombocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, type-I cells (heterophils), type-II cells (eosinophils), type-III cells (azurophils), type-IV cells (basophils), type-Ia cells (toxic heterophils) and typeV cells (polychromatophil erythrocytes). Stained with Lysocolor®, the positive reaction emerged in type-IV cells and less in type-III cells. Granulocolor® stained positively type-I, Ia and II cells. General purpose stain Rapidiff® was less vivid than the classical Pappenheim method. The differential count of leukocytes in the peripheral blood of clinically healthy tortoises was determined as follows: 0.372 ± 0.089 heterophils, 0.048 ± 0.011 eosinophils, 0.051 ± 0.020 azurophils, 0.050 ± 0.009 basophils, 0.467 ± 0.125 lymphocytes and 0.012 ± 0.006 monocytes. Plasma concentrations of total protein, glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, natrium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and activities of ALP, ALT, AST were: 45.1± 6.8 g/l, 11.4 ± 1.3

The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term intravenous anaesthesia with alfaxalone in chelonians. In the first part of the study, alfaxalone at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg was administered intravenously to 10 adult female red-eared terrapins ( Trachemys scripta elegans ) following 24 hours of fasting. The induction time, tracheal tube insertion time, surgical plane of anaesthesia interval, and full recovery time were recorded. The head, neck and leg withdrawal reflex was lost within 21.09±8.07 seconds. The mean tracheal tube insertion time, the time of surgical plane of anaesthesia and full recovery time were 27.50±12.96 seconds, 26.40±4.72 minutes and 33.70±4.76 minutes, respectively. In the second part of the study, 50 chelonians (20 red-eared terrapins, 10 Hermann9s tortoises, eight spur-thighed tortoises, six marginated tortoises and six Russian tortoises) were treated intravenously with 5 mg/kg alfaxalone after administration of 1 mg/kg meloxicam and 2 mg/kg butorphanol intramuscularly. The head, neck and leg withdrawal reflex was lost within 21.52±6.57 seconds, the endotracheal tube could be inserted within 25.76±8.24 seconds, and the time to deep pain sensation loss was 29.46±9.67 seconds. Intravenous use of alfaxalone proved to be a suitable method of induction for inhalation anaesthesia in terrapins and tortoises.