How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2015 DIAGNOSIS AND MEDICAL AND SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC INFECTIOUS FIBRINOUS PLEURITIS IN AN OKAPI (OKAPIA JOHNSTONI)
Dana Franzen, Nadine Lamberski, Jeffery Zuba, G. Lynn Richardson, A. T. Fischer, Norman W. Rantanen
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A 10-yr-old female okapi (Okapia johnstoni) at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was evaluated for intermittent malaise, inappetence, occasional cough, abdominal splinting, and licking at both flanks. Physical examination revealed tachypnea, tachycardia, and fluid sounds on thoracic auscultation. Transthoracic ultrasound showed multiple uniform, anechoic filled structures in the right and left pleural space. Surgical exploration of the thoracic cavity revealed bilateral, mature, fibrous, compartmentalizing adhesions between the visceral and parietal pleura, confirming a diagnosis of chronic, infectious, fibrinous pleuritis. The suspected etiology was occult aspiration pneumonia secondary to historical episodes of regurgitation associated with general anesthesia. Culture of the pleural fluid and fibrous adhesions grew Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) pyogenes, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, and few Fusobacterium species. Treatment consisted of chest-tube placement to establish drainage, thoracic lavage, unilateral surgical debridement, and long-term antibiotics. The animal made a complete clinical recovery over 7 mo.

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Dana Franzen, Nadine Lamberski, Jeffery Zuba, G. Lynn Richardson, A. T. Fischer, and Norman W. Rantanen "DIAGNOSIS AND MEDICAL AND SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC INFECTIOUS FIBRINOUS PLEURITIS IN AN OKAPI (OKAPIA JOHNSTONI)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 46(2), 427-430, (1 June 2015). https://doi.org/10.1638/2014-0232R.1
Received: 21 November 2014; Published: 1 June 2015
KEYWORDS
aspiration pneumonia
okapi
Okapia johnstoni
pleuritis
thoracotomy
Trueperella pyogenes
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top