Respiratory disease associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica in a Hoffmann's two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni).
A 2-yr-old female captive-born Hoffmann's two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) presented with respiratory disease. A severe inspiratory dyspnea with nasal congestion was observed with open-mouthed breathing and bilateral mucopurulent nasal exudate. Despite initial treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and anti-inflammatory and supportive care, the dyspnea persisted. The animal was anesthetized for bronchoscopy to obtain a deep tracheal sample. Based on culture of Bordetella bronchiseptica and sensitivity, a combination of systemic enrofloxacin, dexamethasone, and coupage with nebulization of saline, gentamicin, and albuterol as well as supportive care resulted in full recovery after 6 weeks of treatment.
Hammond
Elizabeth E
EE
Audubon Nature Institute-Zoo, 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115, USA. vet@lioncountrysafari.com
Sosa
Daniel
D
Beckerman
Robert
R
Aguilar
Roberto F
RF
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo / Q000382:microbiology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001885:Bordetella Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016950:Bordetella bronchiseptica / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012896:Sloths / Q000382:microbiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents