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Understanding the reproductive biology of giant pandas is crucial for their breeding success and conservation. Pregnancy monitoring, however, is challenging due to delayed implantation and obligatory pseudopregnancy, which limits the effectiveness of traditional immunoassays (IA). To remedy this, we combined polar metabolomics and steroidomics to enable a comprehensive view of the urinary molecular composition across six different reproductive phases spanning six pregnant and seven pseudopregnant cycles. Statistical comparisons revealed 696 discriminative features, including 174 features in the early luteal stages, well before the current pregnancy diagnostic window. Pregnant and pseudopregnant cycles showed differences in amino acid, energy, and steroid metabolism before and after CL reactivation, with androgen levels being significantly elevated in pregnant females specifically, suggesting a role in embryo implantation. Interestingly, we detected only one existing IA target metabolite, but identified other discriminative metabolites that may underlie IA signal detection. Finally, we demonstrated that classification models comprising biomarker panels may improve (early) pregnancy diagnosis with accuracies ranging from 0.763 to 1.000 across reproductive phases. These findings offer possibilities for assigning new biomarkers and optimizing IA target selection, thereby enhancing pregnancy monitoring sensitivity and reliability while improving our understanding of giant panda reproductive biology to support conservation efforts.

Haematology parameters (N = 24) and serum biochemistry parameters (N = 35) were determined for wild Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), between 6 months - 12 years old. Of the population tested in this study, N = 18 Eurasian beavers were from Norway and N = 17 originating from Bavaria but now living extensively in a reserve in England. All blood samples were collected from beavers via the ventral tail vein. All beavers were chemically restrained using inhalant isoflurane in 100% oxygen prior to blood sampling. Results were determined for haematological and serum biochemical parameters for the species and were compared between the two different populations with differences in means estimated and significant differences being noted. Standard blood parameters for the Eurasian beaver were determined and their ranges characterised using percentiles. Whilst the majority of blood parameters between the two populations showed no significant variation, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and white blood cell counts showed significantly greater values (p<0.01) in the Bavarian origin population than the Norwegian; neutrophil counts, alpha 2 globulins, cholesterol, sodium: potassium ratios and phosphorus levels showed significantly (p<0.05) greater values in Bavarian versus Norwegian; and potassium, bile acids, gamma globulins, urea, creatinine and total calcium values levels showed significantly (p<0.05) greater values in Norwegian versus Bavarian relict populations. No significant differences were noted between male and female beavers or between sexually immature (<3 years old) and sexually mature (≥3 years old) beavers in the animals sampled. With Eurasian beaver reintroduction encouraged by legislation throughout Europe, knowledge of baseline blood values for the species and any variations therein is essential when assessing their health and welfare and the success or failure of any reintroduction program. This is the first study to produce base-line blood values and their variations for the Eurasian beaver.

The Scottish Beaver Trial (SBT) reintroduced the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in 2009 using wild-caught Norwegian beavers. This included a six-month prerelease quarantine in Devon, England. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and government guidelines for health screening were followed, including testing for Leptospira species. Unlicensed beavers, from Germany, were also identified in Scotland (Tayside) and Devon (later forming the River Otter Beaver Trial (ROBT)) and were health-screened under licence. Due to positive Leptospira species results and lack of prerelease screening in ROBT and Tayside, beavers from Germany and Norway (range sources) were screened. One hundred and fifty-six samples from 151 beavers were analysed by Leptospira species quantitative PCR (qPCR) (n=73 kidney (postmortem)/urine samples (antemortem)) or microscopic agglutination test (MAT, Leptospira pools 1–6) (n=83 serum samples). No beavers from Norway (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 0–5.6 per cent, n=52), Tayside or SBT postrelease (95 per cent CI 0–4.6 per cent, n=63) tested positive. Seven beavers from Germany and Devon were positive. This gives an overall 9.3 per cent (95 per cent CI 5.2-15.1 per cent) exposure level, of which 4.6 per cent (95 per cent CI 1.9-9.3 per cent) suggested infection on a positive qPCR (n=1) or MAT titre of at least 1/400 (n=6), although none had abnormal physical, biochemical or haematological changes. This study suggests that Leptospira species infection in wild Eurasian beavers occurs at a low level, has no sex bias and does not appear to cause significant morbidity or mortality.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a cause of contagious and typically fatal enteric disease, primarily affecting ruminant and pseudoruminant species. During a MAP outbreak in a captive collection, six of nine adult Mishmi takin (Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor) showed marked weight loss over 1-3 mo, followed by an acute deterioration. Fecal culture and microscopy failed to identify MAP shedding. Necropsy findings included grossly normal intestines and marked enlargement of mesenteric lymph nodes. Histological findings included multibacillary granulomatous enteritis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, and periportal hepatitis. MAP was confirmed by culture of intestinal and lymph node tissues from the index case. Results of antemortem serological testing using an indirect ELISA (ID SCREEN® Paratuberculosis Indirect) were corroborated by findings at necropsy or survival of the outbreak. Mishmi takin appear to show high MAP susceptibility and a rapid disease course compared with domestic ruminant species.

A 9-yr-old, entire female captive rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) was presented with a 1-wk history of sialorrhea. On clinical examination, a mass was identified, encompassing the rostral mandible and intermandibular area, with associated mucosal ulceration, marked gingival recession, and loosening or loss of adjacent teeth. Skull radiography and cytology of fine-needle aspirates of the mass were suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma. Based on a suspected poor prognosis, the animal was humanely euthanized. Postmortem histological examination of samples confirmed a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma with invasion of mandibular bone. Neoplasia is uncommonly reported in hyraxes, which has led to the assumption that they may share mechanisms of cancer resistance with elephants, their closest extant relatives. This is the first report of squamous cell carcinoma in this species.

Supraorbital salt-excreting glands are present in at least 10 avian orders and are largest in marine species, including penguins. Diseases of the avian salt gland have been described infrequently. From September 2015, five captive northern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes moseleyi) were presented over a 6-wk period for unilateral or bilateral supraorbital swellings. In September 2016, two cases recurred and two additional cases were identified. Histopathology demonstrated salt gland adenitis with extensive squamous metaplasia. Blood plasma testing demonstrated marked vitamin A and E deficiencies within the colony. Prolonged frozen storage of feed-fish was implicated as a cause of vitamin depletion; reducing storage times and addition of dietary supplementation prevented recurrence.

Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets is the definitive reference book on the principles and practice of nursing exotic species. From rabbits and chinchillas to budgies and iguanas, it not only covers husbandry, nutrition and handling, but provides an overview of diseases and treatments, and explores anatomy and chemical restraint. The redesigned layout and full colour artwork make it quicker and easier to find exactly what you're looking for. New coverage for this revised and enlarged second edition includes: emergency and critical care, radiography, and small marsupials such as sugargliders. In addition to the thorough explanations of appropriate home-care which will enable you to confidently advise clients, the book now also covers the care of hospitalised exotics. Key features: * Provides an understanding of the basics of diseases, husbandry, anatomy and physiology of exotic pets as outlined by the RCVS examinations * Gives veterinary nurses the confidence to discuss exotic pets with clients by providing a solid knowledge base in these species. * This book acts as a companion to the City and Guilds NVQ level 4 equivalent qualification 'Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Species'. Suitable for veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians and veterinary students.