Infection with Aleutian disease virus-like virus in a captive striped skunk.
METHODS
A 5-month-old captive female striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) was evaluated because of lethargy, signs of depression, azotemia, and erythema of the skin around the eyes.


RESULTS
Antemortem diagnostic tests revealed renal disease but failed to identify an etiologic agent. A diagnosis of severe nonsuppurative interstitial nephritis was made on the basis of results of histologic examination of renal biopsy specimens.


RESULTS
The skunk was administered isotonic fluids SC daily and later every other day because of the handling-related stress. Because of the skunk's deteriorating condition, it was euthanized after 24 days of supportive care. Aleutian disease was diagnosed on the basis of positive results of a PCR assay that targeted the DNA from Aleutian disease virus (ADV); positive results for ADV were also obtained by use of plasma counterimmunoelectrophoresis and an ELISA. Genetic sequencing of the 365-base pair PCR product revealed 90% sequence identity with mink ADV.


CONCLUSIONS
In the skunk of this report, infection with a skunk-specific parvovirus resulted in clinical signs and pathologic changes similar to those associated with ADV infection in mink. For skunks with signs of renal failure, differential diagnoses should include parvovirus infection. In confirmed cases of infection with this ADV-like virus, appropriate quarantine and biosecurity measures should be in place to prevent spread to other susceptible animals within a zoological collection.
Allender
Matthew C
MC
Department of Small Animal Clinical Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Schumacher
Juergen
J
Thomas
Kathy V
KV
McCain
Stephanie L
SL
Ramsay
Edward C
EC
James
Evan W
EW
Wise
Annabel G
AG
Maes
Roger K
RK
Reel
Danielle
D
D000453:Aleutian Mink Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000635:transmission; D000454:Aleutian Mink Disease Virus / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo / Q000821:virology; D001483:Base Sequence; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D012889:Mephitidae / Q000821:virology*; D010802:Phylogeny; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000662:veterinary / Q000821:virology
D004279:DNA, Viral