Causes of mortality and severe morbidity requiring euthanasia in captive Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) in Tasmania.
Tasmanian devils
neoplasia
transmissible cancer
Journal
Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
Titre abrégé: Aust Vet J
Pays: England
ID NLM: 0370616
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Apr 2019
Apr 2019
Historique:
received:
12
05
2018
revised:
18
12
2018
accepted:
22
01
2019
entrez:
29
3
2019
pubmed:
29
3
2019
medline:
18
5
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a contagious cancer causing marked population declines in wild Tasmanian devils. In response to this threat, a captive insurance population has been established. This study investigated causes of death in captive Tasmanian devils. Clinical and laboratory records of captive Tasmanian devils held in seven Tasmanian captive facilities were analysed for cause of death or severe morbidity requiring euthanasia. Neoplasia was found to be the most common cause of mortality/severe morbidity, accounting for 27/63 of deaths. Cutaneous lymphoma was the most frequently observed tumour (10/27), at a higher incidence than previously reported. The most common cause of severe morbidity, following neoplasia, was leucoencephalomyelopathy, which caused severe, progressive hindlimb paresis and ataxia. Neoplasia, specifically cutaneous lymphoma, and degenerative neurological conditions are the most frequent causes of death in captive Tasmanian devils in Tasmania. Further work to determine the aetiologies of these conditions, as well as effective treatments, would be valuable.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a contagious cancer causing marked population declines in wild Tasmanian devils. In response to this threat, a captive insurance population has been established. This study investigated causes of death in captive Tasmanian devils.
METHODS
METHODS
Clinical and laboratory records of captive Tasmanian devils held in seven Tasmanian captive facilities were analysed for cause of death or severe morbidity requiring euthanasia.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Neoplasia was found to be the most common cause of mortality/severe morbidity, accounting for 27/63 of deaths. Cutaneous lymphoma was the most frequently observed tumour (10/27), at a higher incidence than previously reported. The most common cause of severe morbidity, following neoplasia, was leucoencephalomyelopathy, which caused severe, progressive hindlimb paresis and ataxia.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
Neoplasia, specifically cutaneous lymphoma, and degenerative neurological conditions are the most frequent causes of death in captive Tasmanian devils in Tasmania. Further work to determine the aetiologies of these conditions, as well as effective treatments, would be valuable.
Types de publication
Case Reports
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
89-92Informations de copyright
© 2019 State of Tasmania.