Marine iguanas have lower metabolic rates during El Niño.

The Galápagos marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), the world's only marine lizard, feeds predominantly on algae. Owing to warming waters and reduced upwelling, algal abundance is reduced during El Niño events, causing high iguana mortality. During such periods, adult iguanas may shrink in size, a compelling phenomenon that has been suggested as an adaptation to reduce energetic needs.

Anatomical and histological analysis of an undescribed cervical skin fold structure in spotted turtles (Clemmys gutatta).

Turtles evolved over 230 million years ago during the Triassic period, and are a group of ectothermic reptiles that can be found everywhere in the world except Antarctica. There are approximately 350 species of extant turtles with a wide variety of anatomic and physiologic differences, ranging from sea turtles with large and slender flippers adapted for propulsion during swimming, to snapping turtles that have extremely flexible necks for quickly catching prey. In this study, we provide the first description of an anatomical structure arising from the cervical (neck) skin of spotted turtles Based on other species evaluated in this study, the structure appears to be unique to spotted turtles.

EVALUATION OF CARAPACIAL REPAIR TECHNIQUES FOR INJURED TURTLES PRESENTING TO A WILDLIFE CLINIC.

Chelonians commonly present to the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine's Turtle Rescue Team (TRT) for shell injuries. Several shell repair protocols are described in the literature, but many of these techniques are invasive, require a surgical plane of anesthesia, can result in infections or iatrogenic trauma, and are inaccessible in the wildlife rehabilitation setting. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate three minimally invasive and inexpensive carapace fracture repair methods used at the TRT from 2012-2021.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES () DETERMINED BY HEMATOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, BLOOD GASES, AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION IN THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS.

The Galápagos blue-footed booby () is a sulid species endemic to the Galápagos archipelago. Here we present physical examination, breeding status, hematology, and blood chemistry results from 60 Galápagos blue-footed boobies that were captured by hand from their nesting site on North Seymour Island in June 2017 and July 2022. A portable blood analyzer (iSTAT) was used to obtain values in the field for hematocrit, hemoglobin, sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, total CO, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and anion gap for each bird.

Ultrastructural studies distinguish skin diversities among Galápagos iguanas.

Iguanas exhibit diverse colors and behaviors reflecting evolutionarily adaptation to various habitats; in particular, the Galápagos iguanas represent unique color morphologies with distinct ecological niches. While external coloration in iguanas has ecological implications, comprehensive studies on the histological and ultrastructural aspects of their skin can provide insight into their adaptation to extreme environments, such as high UV exposure. Starting from these considerations the present study investigates the histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features to comprehensively characterize the skin in adults of three species of Galápagos iguanas (A.

Health status and morphometrics of Galápagos magnificent frigatebirds () determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gas, and physical examination.

The magnificent frigatebird ( MFB) is a widely distributed seabird. It has breeding areas in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (extending along Central America up to Baja California) (Schreiber & Burger, 2001). The (MFB-Gal) subspecies is native to the Galápagos Islands.

Molecular Discovery of Filarial Nematode DNA in an Endangered Wild Pinniped (Galapagos Sea Lion, ).

Rapidly changing environments are contributing to the spread of non-native species and their associated pathogens into new and vulnerable ecosystems, such as the Galapagos archipelago. These pathogens represent a significant threat to emblematic species. The Galapagos sea lion () (GSL) is an endangered and endemic pinniped that is increasingly at risk of acquiring infectious diseases due to interactions with introduced companion animals.

Expanding the invertebrate medicine toolbox: evaluation of opisthosoma tonometry as a novel diagnostic tool for arachnids.

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the use of rebound tonometry, as a noninvasive diagnostic tool, in arachnids.

Methods: 5 juvenile (yearling) female and 1 juvenile male curlyhair tarantulas (Tliltocatl albopilosus, previously Brachypelma albopilosum) were used to track estimated ventral opisthosoma pressures over a 9-month period of time. Younger, growing animals were selected as they are more likely than adults to go through multiple molts throughout the 9 months of the study length.

Investigating the etiology of ocular changes in Monodactylus argenteus housed in a shoaling ring exhibit.

Objective: To evaluate the pathologic ocular changes in a population of aquarium-housed Monodactylus argenteus and investigate potential underlying causes for the large number of affected fish in this exhibit.

Animals: 11 Monodactylus argenteus were evaluated from a shoaling ring exhibit within an aquarium, and 19 control fish without ocular abnormalities were obtained from commercial fish suppliers.

Methods: Physical and ocular examinations were performed antemortem.

Locating Nesting Sites for Critically Endangered Galápagos Pink Land Iguanas ().

Invasive alien species control is recognized worldwide as a priority action to preserve global biodiversity. However, a lack of general life history knowledge for threatened species can impede the effectiveness of conservation actions. Galápagos pink land iguanas () are endemic to Wolf Volcano, Galápagos, Ecuador.

Hand grab or noose pole? Evaluating the least stressful practice for capture of endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas .

As the analysis of blood metabolites has become more readily accessible thanks to the use of point-of-care analyzers, it is now possible to evaluate stress level of wild animals directly in the field. Lactate is receiving much attention as a good stress level proxy in individuals subjected to capture, manual restraint, and data sampling in the wild, and appropriate protocols to maintain lactate values low should be preferred. In this study we compare how two different capture methodologies, hand grab noose pole, affect the variation of blood lactate values in iguanas when captured for sampling.

DEVELOPMENT OF A HEMOLYMPH COLLECTION TECHNIQUE AND REPORT OF BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF HEMOLYMPH IN A MANAGED POPULATION OF FEMALE THORNY DEVIL STICK INSECTS ().

Insects are increasingly common in households, zoological collections, research, and food industries. Increased knowledge of insect health parameters is necessary to ensure proper welfare. The study goal was to develop a hemolymph collection technique and report hemolymph serum biochemical parameters for the thorny devil stick insect ().

Novel herpesvirus in the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana.

Virus surveillance in wildlife is important to understanding ecosystem health, taxonomy, and evolution. Nevertheless, viruses in reptiles, and specifically in squamates, continue to be understudied. Herein, we conducted a health assessment on the critically endangered Galapagos pink land iguana (Conolophus marthae) and the vulnerable Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus).

Anesthetic efficacy of dexmedetomidine-ketamine in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) is enhanced with the addition of midazolam and when administered in the forelimb versus the hindlimb.

Objective: To compare dexmedetomidine-ketamine (DK; 0.1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively) with midazolam (M; 1.0 mg/kg) or 0.

Presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing in Food-Producing and Companion Animals and Wildlife on Small-Holder Farms of Floreana Island, Galápagos Islands.

Antimicrobial resistance (AR) has led to increasing human and animal morbidity and mortality and negative consequences for the environment. AR among (EC) is on the rise, with serious concerns about extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL-EC). In the Galápagos Islands, where antimicrobials are available without a prescription, growing demands for food production can drive antimicrobial use.

Aquatic and Terrestrial Invertebrate Welfare.

Invertebrates are a diverse group of animals that make up the majority of the animal kingdom and encompass a wide array of species with varying adaptations and characteristics. Invertebrates are found in nearly all of the world's habitats, including aquatic, marine, and terrestrial environments. There are many misconceptions about invertebrate sentience, welfare requirements, the need for environmental enrichment, and overall care and husbandry for this amazing group of animals.

Dried blood spot analysis for elements of nutritional concern as demonstrated in studies of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus species).

Background: Dried blood spot (DBS) technology is valuable in providing simple means of storing blood samples from wildlife with small blood volumes. Methods designed for heavy metal analysis on DBS become more useful if extended to elements of nutritional significance.

Purpose: (1) Development of procedures for measuring Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in DBS; (2) use the designed methods in health assessments of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus species).

Endoscopy and rectal enema for fecal collection in wild sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata) in a field setting.

Forty-seven free-ranging sea turtles (46- Chelonia mydas, 1- Eretmochelys imbricata) were examined via novel use of an endoscopy combined with a rectal enema to obtain large fecal sample volumes. The cloaca was insufflated using an endoscope, after which the bladder and rectum separated, allowing access to the colon. Environmental conditions and location influenced the performance of the procedure initially, but after several attempts the procedure was successfully initiated.

Health status of the red-billed tropicbird () determined by hematology, biochemistry, blood gases, and physical examination.

The red-billed tropicbird, , is a species of seabird native to the Galápagos archipelago, and widely distributed across the neotropics. General health, blood chemistry, and haematology parameters have not been published for this species. Blood analyses were performed on samples drawn from 51 clinically healthy red-billed tropicbirds captured from their burrows at Islote Pitt on San Cristóbal Island in July, 2016 (21) and Daphne Major Island in June, 2017 (30).

The clinical features and treatment of fishhook injuries in freshwater turtles: 126 cases from 1997-2022.

Objective: To describe the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of wild freshwater turtles with fishing hook injuries.

Animals: 126 wild turtles residing in central North Carolina that were presented to a wildlife rescue clinic.

Methods: Medical records from July 1997 to July 2022 were reviewed, and data were collected and analyzed.

Characterization of Current Husbandry and Veterinary Care Practices of the Giant Pacific Octopus () Using an Online Survey.

Giant Pacific octopuses () (GPOs) are commonly housed in zoos or aquaria, and sedation, anesthesia, and/or euthanasia may be indicated for a variety of reasons. Despite this need, evidence-based data on best practices is limited and focuses on smaller or more tropical species. The objectives of this study were to survey the aquatic community regarding the husbandry and veterinary care of GPOs, with a specific focus on anesthetic and euthanasia protocols.

Myxobolus lentisuturalis infection in a farmed population of goldfish Carassius auratus from the USA.

Myxobolus lentisuturalis is a myxozoan parasite of piscine muscle that has been described in goldfish Carassius auratus and Prussian carp Carassius gibelio. This report documents a naturally occurring infection of M. lentisuturalis in a population of farmed goldfish in the USA.

Systemic infection in an Eastern box turtle (): a case report and literature review.

Phaeohyphomycosis is an infection caused by melanized fungi. This disease has been reported in several animal species including invertebrates, cold-blooded vertebrates, mammals, and humans. Melanized fungi have similar phenotypical features and confirmation requires culture and molecular diagnostics.

Dirofilaria immitis Identified in Galapagos Sea Lions (Zalophus wollebaeki): A Wildlife Health and Conservation Concern.

The Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki), an endemic and endangered pinniped, faces an increasing threat due to infectious diseases related to domestic animals. Dirofilaria immitis, the parasite responsible for canine heartworm disease, is one such threat, as canine infections on the archipelago have been documented. We used a canine heartworm antigen test kit to analyze the blood from 25 juvenile Galapagos sea lions for D.