Leptospira infection in two black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis michaeli).
Two black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis michaeli) developed clinical leptospirosis without hemolytic crises. The first rhinoceros presented with peracute depression, anorexia, rear leg trembling, dysuria, glucosuria, gastrointestinal discomfort, and decreased fecal output and died within 12 hr. Necropsy and histopathology revealed lesions within multiple organs. Leptospirosis was diagnosed postmortem based on positive fluorescent antibody staining of liver. The second rhinoceros presented 2 mo later with similar signs. It survived with treatment and was diagnosed with leptospirosis based on serology using microscopic agglutination testing and detection of urinary antigen using a fluorescent antibody technique. Leptospira kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa was postulated as the etiologic agent, with transmission probably occurring through wallow contamination by wild raccoons (Procyon lotor).
Neiffer
D L
DL
Pittsburgh Zoo, One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206, USA.
Klein
E C
EC
Wallace-Switalski
C
C
D000372:Agglutination Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique / Q000662:veterinary; D007919:Leptospira / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010527:Perissodactyla; D013420:Sulfamethoxazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014295:Trimethoprim / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014295:Trimethoprim; D013420:Sulfamethoxazole