Clinical implications of infection with a novel metastrongyloid species in the red panda (Ailurus fulgens).
In a recent survey, 30% of the European red panda (Ailurus fulgens) population was found to be infected with a newly discovered metastrongyloid nematode. In a following prospective study, four naturally infected captive-bred red pandas infected with this parasite were examined and compared with two uninfected control animals. On clinical examination, no abnormalities were detected with respect to vital parameters and cardiovascular system in all six examined animals. Similarly, few and nonspecific changes were recorded on serum biochemistry. No changes on pulmonary pattern were noted on thoracic radiographs. Vertebral heart scores were between 7.2 to 8.6, and no difference was noted between infected and control animals. Two animals had slightly prolonged clotting time and reaction time on thromboelastography but not likely to be of clinical relevance. In conclusion, infection with the newly identified metastrongyloid nematode in the red pandas seems to have little or no clinical importance.
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 16, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Jakob L
JL
Willesen
Frederik
F
Meyland-Smith
Bo
B
Wiinberg
Jesper
J
Monrad
Mads F
MF
Bertelsen
D053822:Ailuridae; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008681:Metastrongyloidea / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*