A CT scan of an angelfish from Denver Zoo Wildlife Alliance (Image courtesy of Denver Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

Brookfield Zoo Chicago, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Wildlife Conversation Society, Saint Louis Zoo, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance all have joined forces to release the Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database (ZARD). With support from board-certified radiologists from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University, the database comprises diagnostic images to help zoological veterinary professionals solve ongoing challenges while advancing the field.

According to an organizational release from Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the project was first inspired by a unique case for Layla, an endangered eastern black rhinoceros at Brookfield Zoo Chicago back in 2017. Layla had developed a growth in her sinus that began to obstruct her airway, making it hard for her to breathe. She received a computed tomography (CT) scan, which made her the first living adult rhinoceros to receive a CT scan.

Because her veterinary team had limited reference material to understand what “normal” looks like for Layla’s species, they needed imaging from deceased rhinoceros from museums. However, this presented a different challenge for her team because the images from the museum did not show soft tissue. The team realized through Layla’s case that there was a need for more comprehensive material for Layla’s species and others.

“Layla’s case shined a large spotlight on a challenge that zoological veterinarians and radiologists face when diagnosing non-domestic species like rhinos,” said Michael Adkesson, DVM, MBA, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM), president and CEO of Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the project’s principal investigator. “Working with experts across the country, we’re excited to provide a solution to that challenge with the unveiling of the Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database. Undoubtedly, this new resource will be a game-changer for the zoological community and significantly improve our ability to diagnose and treat the animals in our care."

The database will be available to only zoo and wildlife professionals through a web-based user portal and can be searched based on species, age, sex, and body part. There will be over 10,000 diagnostic images featured within ZARD from over 500 different species that are common in zoos, aquariums, or under threat of extinction. There will also be an equal distribution of male and female animals from each species represented at a variety of ages, and each image will be made anonymous to protect the identity of patients. At this point, there are 1,000 images from 50 species in ZARD, but they expect to grow to its targeted goal of 10,000 within the next 2 years.

A radiograph of a giant anteater skull (Image courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago)  

“Advanced diagnostic imaging is a game-changer in zoological medicine, allowing veterinarians to find more and do more in providing the best care possible for our patients,” expressed Jimmy Johnson, DVM, MS, CertAqV, DACZM, senior director of animal health at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.

 “We are humbled to be a part of this transformative collaboration providing a broad resource to advance the care and conservation of zoo, aquarium, and wildlife species worldwide.”

The ZARD team disclosed that along with the benefits of filling knowledge gaps about the healthy anatomies of these species, the database will also address the fact there is limited availability of radiologists with the skillset needed to read diagnostic images for the species that are in zoological care. According to the release, all the images uploaded to ZARD will be reviewed by radiologists from the Zoo, Exotic, Wildlife Diagnostic Imaging Society of The American College of Veterinary Radiology.

“Currently there is no textbook to reference to understand the unique anatomies of zoological animals, leaving few radiologists with the experience to confidently assess radiographs," explained Eric Hostnik, DVM, MS, DACVR-DI, DACVR-EDI, the project’s lead radiologist and associate professor of veterinary radiology at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

 “This database will help address the shortage of trained radiologists for these purposes and provide an enormous teaching tool for aspiring veterinarians specializing in zoological medicine and radiology.”

The project was created in part by the National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS Grant MG-249218-OMS-21) as well as additional funding provided by Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Brookfield Zoo Chicago will also house and maintain the database in the long term.

Cohort of Zoos, Aquariums Launch First National Database of Animal Diagnostic Images to Advance Veterinary Medicine in Zoological Institutions. News release. Brookfield Zoo Chicago. September 25, 2024. Accessed September 27, 2024.

Articles

The database contains materials from zoological institutes across the United States

Zoos and aquariums collaborate to launch first national database of animal diagnostic images

Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, explains common misconceptions regarding gastrointestinal decontamination in patients, and the truth behind them

Video interview with Dr Renee Schmid

Missed out on Fetch Kansas City 2024? No worries—we’ve got you covered! For just $199, Fetch On-Demand gives you access to the best sessions, speakers, and over 30 CE credits. Learn when, where, and how it fits into your busy life. Whether you’re catching up between appointments, learning from the comfort of home, or squeezing in a quick session over coffee, Fetch On-Demand gives you the flexibility you need to earn CE credits on your terms.

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When a patient enters the clinic after eating something that they should not have, a common response is to inducing vomiting to get the toxic materials out of the patient. What if that was actually not always the best option for treating these emergency gastrointestinal patients? If this is not the best option, then what is?

Decontamination Methods of the Dog and Cat 

lecture, Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, disclosed certain misconceptions veterinary professionals have when treating an animal that has ingested something they should not have, including when to avoid inducing vomiting in a patient, why it can do more harm than good, and the true value of activated charcoal. 

I think one of the common things is the perception that if an animal eats something that they shouldn't have, that [you]  should [inducing vomiting for] them, or it's okay to go ahead and make them vomit to try to get that back up and I think that's kind of a normal thought, or a common thought that we have. 

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that shouldn't come back up through the esophagus because we may potentially cause more damage, and things that, even though they maybe isn't ideal for them to ingest, actually is less harmful for them to pass through, as opposed to trying to get them to vomit. 

Videos

Myths surrounding GI decontamination, and what the truth really is

Gastrointestinal decontamination misconceptions

Lauren Thielen, DVM, DiplABVP (Avian Practice) offers a preview of her upcoming lecture at the Southwest Veterinary Symposium in Fort Worth, Texas

Thielen Preview

Lauren Thielen, DVM, DiplABVP (Avian Practice), clinical assistant professor of exotic medicine at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in New York, sat down with 

Avian Respiratory Disease: Tackling the Tail Bob. 

Her lecture will be presented tomorrow, September 27, at the Southwest Veterinary Symposium in Fort Worth, Texas. Thielen shared that the session will include a discussion on infectious avian respiratory diseases like chlamydia and aspergillosis—the most common fungal respiratory disease among birds. During the interview, Thielen also explained that she will be focusing on how to distinguish a respiratory disease from a non-respiratory disease, as well as why birds get respiratory diseases.

Lauren Thielen, DVM, DiplABVP (Avian Practice): 

The lecture talking about the avian respiratory system, definitely talks about some specific infectious diseases. The main ones we talk about are chlamydia and aspergillosis, which aspergillosis is the most common fungal disease of birds, and definitely the most common fungal respiratory disease of birds.

But really what the talk also focuses on is being able to even know the difference between respiratory disease versus non respiratory disease because birds have a very unique anatomy. And so things that cause a bird to present not being able to breathe actually may be something that's not even respiratory at all. And then [the lecture] also really talks about, you know, how a lot of these birds, the reason why they get respiratory diseases is because of many environmental or nutritional factors. And so I really talk a lot about, you know, okay, yes, we have some infectious diseases we need to deal with. And we're going to obviously talk about…how to diagnose those and treat them. Spoiler, they're very, very frustrating to diagnose and treat. But…I really [like to] talk a lot about preventative medicine, so that way we can try to get these birds to be as healthy as possible so they don't fall…susceptible to these really serious illnesses.

Takeaways on avian respiratory diseases

The 2024 Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS) kicked off today, Thursday, September 26, and CE sessions will run through Sunday, September 29, in Fort Worth, Texas. Below are 8 sessions that attendees won’t want to miss before the symposium ends.

There’s Room for Zoom in Your Practice: Embracing Telehealth

Sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association

This presentation explains why practices should implement telehealth as part of their service offerings, and how integration can be comprehensive, and legal. Dale provides practical case examples, and draws from human health care, to determine the best ways to introduce telehealth into a practice.

Influenza: Current Trends in the Pathogen and Its Prevention

Speaker: Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, DACZM, DACVPM

With the persistent evolution of influenza, veterinarians can never let their guard down. In this presentation, Chatfield explains that with an increased understanding of the immune system, vaccine technologies continue to evolve.

Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Tail-Wagging Updates on Treating Itchy Dogs

In this session, Berger provides the definition and diagnosis procedure for canine atopy, in addition to updates regarding communication with owners, realistic expectations, and therapeutic options.

Updates on Diabetes (SGLT2 inhibitors) and Incorporating Flash Glucose Monitors

Speaker: Carly Patterson, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

SGLT2 inhibitors have been made available for veterinary use for the treatment of diabetes. This presentation covers concepts, clinical cases, and top FAQs, also explaining flash glucose monitors.

So What if We’ve Always Done It That Way? Effectively Implementing Change

Speaker: Theresa Cosper-Roberts, RVT, CVPM, ACE(DE), CVBL

This session explains the best methods for implementing changes into a veterinary practice, including developing compelling arguments when personnel initially resists change.

Diagnostic Clinical Pathology in Avian Medicine: From Blood Sampling to Interpretation

Thielen will highlight the processes of sampling and handling blood, explain chemical values that are clinically relevant in avian medicine, and explain the evaluation process for each organ system through clinical pathology.

Current Trends in Gastrointestinal Parasites of Companion Animals

Speaker: Guilherme G. Verocai, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology)

This presentation will examine the clinical relevance and epidemiology of selected gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, providing recommendations for prevention, diagnostics, and control.

What’s Going on With Cushing’s in Dogs?

Speakers: Steve Marsden, DVM, ND, MSOM, and Kären Marsden, BA, DVM

This session outlines a simple, safe, and inexpensive approach to treating dogs with Cushing’s disease. Steve and Kären Marsden share that this approach has cured dogs without the use of any pharmaceuticals—and explain how that’s possible.

SWVS attendees won’t want to miss these 8 featured sessions at this year’s event

CE session highlights for SWVS

Attendees of the Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS) will have access to an exclusive film screening of 

, starring Kate Walsh, who is best known for her portrayal of Dr Addison Montgomery on ABC’s long-running series 

 The screening of the 12-minute short film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A on Thursday, September 26, from 2:30-3:30

 The event, held in the Fort Worth Convention Center, is available to all conference attendees at no additional cost.

—written, directed, and produced by Australian filmmaker Danielle Baynes—

shines a light on the mental health challenges

 and emotional toll of responsibilities faced by many veterinary professionals.

 The film follows Claire (Kate Walsh), an overworked veterinarian at a 24-hour clinic, as she struggles with the pressures of a particularly difficult shift, including a power outage, personal demons, and an ethical dilemma regarding a sick dog.

The film premiered at the Bentonville Film Festival in June 2024 and was made available to veterinary organizations around the same time to be shared in private screenings. Releasing the film in this way is intended to raise awareness and generate conversation about the issue of mental health in the veterinary profession. According to the SWVS, the short film is also intended to provide the industry with an accessible educational resource to facilitate mental wellbeing discussions and encourage feelings of empathy and support towards veterinarians.

All attendees are welcomed to stick around for a post-screening panel discussion, according to the SWVS. Speakers will include Baynes; Dave Shuey, LMSW, DMA, a veterinary social worker with IndeVets and a retired registered veterinary technician; Brian Bourquin, DVM, president of Not One More Vet, and a practicing veterinarian and clinic owner; and Marisa Brunetti, VMD, chief veterinary officer for IndeVets.

According to the SWVS, screening attendees can expect to come away with a greater appreciation of the connection between euthanasia and veterinary suicide, and the knowledge that suicidal thoughts are only dangerous when unmentionable. The film also relays that death is not the only answer to suffering and that relationships can make the difference.

In an IndeVets blog post, Dylan Krowicki, VMD, shared his personal experience with the film.

brought up an intense and visceral reaction in me that speaks to how accurate the film was in how it depicted what veterinarians go through every day,” Krowicki wrote. “…this film reminded me that this is very much a shared experience, and that bringing this to light will hopefully remind many other vets that they are in fact, not alone.”

SWVS Events. Southwest Veterinary Symposium. Accessed September 26, 2024. 

Coppock K. Short film highlights mental health struggles in veterinary medicine. 

. May 6, 2024. Accessed September 26, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/short-film-highlights-mental-health-struggles-in-veterinary-medicine

Krowicki D. Every vet has a worst day story: Reflections on mental health & “The Dog.” IndeVets. July 29, 2024. Accessed September 26, 2024. 

https://indevets.com/blog/reflections-on-mental-health-the-dog/

SWVS attendees have the opportunity to attend a private screening of the anticipated short film, The Dog

Exclusive film screening at the Southwest Veterinary Symposium

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V discusses how stress and comorbidities may impact wound healing, as well as factors to consider when deciding on the type of surgical closure

Natalie Stress & Anxiety

Stress can negatively impact the immune system and wound healing, leading to increased inflammation and delayed recovery in patients. In an interview with 

 on her Fetch Kansas City conference lecture, Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V, talks about ways both external and internal stress can impede wound healing in patients. She also discussed factors to consider when deciding what type of wound closure to employ.

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V: 

We know from multiple studies that stress can impede the immune system, meaning depress it, as well as impede wound healing because of the way that the body then starts to allow more inflammatory cells to come in. If we have stress—whether that's in-hospital stress in a patient that's post op recovery, or we have chronic stress in the home that's impeding wound healing—we often, as veterinarians, don't take that into account.

Or there might be what I'm going to call ‘internal stress,’ ie, a comorbidity that's impeding wound healing; so maybe that patient is a diabetic or has Cushing's disease or previously had chemotherapy or has another disorder that either creates an environment where there's excessive cortisol—which of course, impedes wound healing—or has delayed wound healing because of another disease process, again, like diabetes. And if we don't take those factors into account when we're thinking about our repair or what we're going to have pet parents do at home, again, we often set ourselves up for failure, and we're giving the wrong expectation to the pet parent.

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFCP-V, discusses how stress and comorbidities may impact wound healing, as well as factors to consider when deciding on the type of surgical closure