Hooo-Hooo Hooo-Hooo Volume 12 Issue 01 | Page 16

WildLife Group of the SAVA

appeared to be have lost condition . Initial diagnostics showed no significant abnormalities except an inverse calcium phosphorus ratio and hypomagnesemia . There was a distinct lack of inflammatory cells or identifiable etiologic agents on histopathologic examination of the biopsy samples . One male kudu began exhibiting a hunched posture with shifting and stretching of his hindlimbs when standing . Follow-up examination showed a progression in loss of condition , evidence of laminitis , hypocalcemia ( Ca = 6.7 mg / dl ), hyperphosphatemia ( P = 14.6 mg / dl ), and hypomagnesemia ( Mg = 10.3 ppm ).
A second male kudu was immobilized for examination . Although the anesthetic procedure was uneventful , approximately 3 ½ hours after reversal , this kudu was observed to suddenly stiffen and fall into lateral recumbency with muscle fasciculations . His condition deteriorated rapidly despite supportive care , and he died within 20 minutes of initial signs . Bloodwork revealed severe hypocalcemia ( Ca = 4.5 mg / dl ), hyperphosphatemia ( P = 13.5 mg / dl ), and hypomagnesemia ( Mg = 7.75 ppm ). Necropsy findings included evidence of chronic / active rumenitis and laminitis .
The third , less severely affected , male kudu was immobilized to further investigate the syndrome . Laboratory results were similar to the other cases ( Ca = 6.8 mg / dl , P = 12.0 mg / dl , Mg = 9 ppm ). Due to evidence of a herd problem , diet changes were implemented ( addition of chelated minerals , buffers , and increased effective fiber ). Six months after the diet change , this kudu was immobilized for a follow-up exam . General body condition and hoof and hair growth had improved . However , despite an uneventful anesthetic procedure , the animal developed stiff gait , hunched posture , and muscle fasciculations the following day . Results from the initial immobilization showed hypocalcemia ( Ca = 6.4 mg / dl ), hyperphosphatemia ( P = 13.6 mg / dl ), and hypomagnesemia ( Mg = 7 ppm ). This animal was treated with 23 % calcium gluconate ( 250 ml s . q ., 125 ml i . v .; Phoenix Scientific Inc ., St . Joseph , MO 64506 ), 50 % magnesium sulfate ( 2 ml i . v ., 35 ml s . q .; American Regent Laboratories Inc ., Shirley , NY 11967 ), and i . v . fluids ( 25 L LRS , 375 ml 5 % dextrose in LRS ). His condition continued to deteriorate and he was euthanized . Necropsy findings confirmed chronic rumenitis . Although the kudu herd appeared to be most severely affected , other species also were at risk based on review of medical records . Several eland ( Taurotragus oryx ) had developed evidence of laminitis and one showed facial tremors and stiffness post-immobilization . This individual had Ca = 8.9 mg / dl , P = 9.2 mg / dl , and Mg = 13 ppm . Other affected eland typically had magnesium values in the range of 12-16 ppm , often associated with inverse calcium phosphorus ratios . Nyala ( Tragelaphus angasii ) also appeared likely to develop clinical problems associated with mineral imbalances . An adult male nyala developed facial and flank alopecia . Diagnostic testing did not reveal the underlying etiology . Serum minerals at that time were Mg = 12.1 ppm , Ca = 6.9 mg / dl , and P = 8.9 mg / dl . An additional immobilization occurred six months later . The procedure was uneventful , however the animal developed signs of shifting leg lameness and hypermetria the afternoon of the immobilization . These signs rapidly progressed to recumbency , seizures , and death . Lab results ( Ca = 7.1 mg / dl , P = 9.8 mg / dl , Mg = 8 ppm ) and clinical signs were consistent with hypomagnesemia . Chronic rumenitis was found at necropsy .
A compilation of mineral results for various ungulates was made and species grouped as grazers , browsers , or intermediate feeders . Ranges were compared to domestic species normals for this lab . In most of the grazers , ranges and mean values for serum magnesium fell in expected ranges ( Table 1 ). Occasional low values were seen in individual gemsbok ( Oryx gazella gazella ) and scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah ). Among the browsers , kudu and nyala herd mean magnesium values were lower than the other species ( Table 2 ). Bongo ( Tragelaphus eurycerus ) may also be a potential concern with slightly lower mean magnesium values . Eland appear to be at risk among the intermediate feeders , based on several cases of suspected laminitis and low serum magnesium . The herd ’ s mean value was also lower than other species .
It is speculated that feeding concentrates may play a role in the development of rumen acidosis / chronic
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