Ecotoxicological and pathological studies of common guillemots Uria aalge, beached on the Belgian coast during six successive wintering periods (1989-90 to 1994-95).

in Diseases of Aquatic Organisms (1997), 29

During six successive wintering periods, 727 common guillemots Uria aalge were recovered from Belgian beaches. One third of the birds were already dead, the rest passed through rehabilitation centres ... [more ▼]

During six successive wintering periods, 727 common guillemots Uria aalge were recovered from Belgian beaches. One third of the birds were already dead, the rest passed through rehabilitation centres where they eventually died. All birds were monitored for general condition (body mass, fat reserves), eventual status of oiling and pathological changes (cachexia, acute hemorrhagic gastro-enteropathy - GEAH -), 339 birds were sampled for trace metals (total and organic Hg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd) and PCB analysis. Oiling is still a major cause of death for wintering pelagic seabirds: half of the birds showed signs of external or internal oiling, probably a still greater number of oiled birds never reach the shores. Although a low body mass should be a normal winter condition for wintering guillemots, pathology results showed that three quarters of the studied animals were in a state of cachexia with emaciated pectoral muscles and lowered muscle lipid contents. Elevated levels of Cu, Zn, Hg and PCBs were linked to the state of cachexia and may well represent an additional stress factor leading to debilitation and death of part of the wintering guillemot population. [less ▲]

Lesions observed on stranded seabirds along the Belgian coast from 1992 to 1995

in ICES Journal of Marine Science (1997), 54(4), 714-717

From 1992 to 1995, dead seabirds found on Belgian beaches were collected and various tissues of 241 birds were sampled for histopathological, bacteriological, parasitological, and toxicological ... [more ▼]

From 1992 to 1995, dead seabirds found on Belgian beaches were collected and various tissues of 241 birds were sampled for histopathological, bacteriological, parasitological, and toxicological investigations. The most common species examined was the guillemot (Uria aalge). Necropsies revealed cachexia (severe emaciation), acute haemorrhagic gastro-enteropathy and oil contamination in many of these birds. Statistical analyses were performed in order to explore correlations of these with biological parameters such as age, sex, and origin (pelagic or non-pelagic). The pelagic origin of seabirds were associated with the three main findings. Oil contamination was associated with acute gastro-enteropathy and cachexia, and cachexia was more prevalent among juveniles. Finally, cachexia and acute gastro-enteropathy were strongly associated. It is possible that oiled pelagic seabirds become cachectic and die of acute gastro-enteropathy. (C) 1997 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. [less ▲]

Dermatophylose équine: revue à partir d'un cas clinique

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (1996), 140(2), 125-129

From a clinical case of equine dermatophilosis, a short review of literature is proposed. The aetiology, causal factors, symptoms and lesions are brievely reviewed. Therapeutics and prophylaxis are ... [more ▼]

From a clinical case of equine dermatophilosis, a short review of literature is proposed. The aetiology, causal factors, symptoms and lesions are brievely reviewed. Therapeutics and prophylaxis are outlined. [less ▲]

Lesions observed on sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded along the Belgian and Dutch coasts during 94-95 winter

in annual proceeding (1996)

Seabirds mortality during the 1992-1993 winter along the Belgian coast

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (1996), 140(3), 149-

During the 1992-1993 133 seabirds found on Belgian beaches were necropsied. Most frequent species were the guillemot (Uria aalge), the oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), the kittiwake (Rissa ... [more ▼]

During the 1992-1993 133 seabirds found on Belgian beaches were necropsied. Most frequent species were the guillemot (Uria aalge), the oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), the kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), the razorbill (Alca torda) and the herring gull (Larus argentatus). The three main observations were, in decreasing order, cachexia, acute and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and oil contamination of plumage and intestinal tract. The pelagic origin of seabirds was associated with all 3 observations; oil contamination was associated with acute gastro-enteritis and cachexia and, finally, the immature character was associated with cachexia. A hypothetical mechanism of death would be oiled pelagic seabirds that become cachectic and die of acute gastroenteritis. It is unlikely that seabirds act as a reservoir for bacteria, that were only occasionally identified in our material. Therefore, it appears that infectious agents play a minor role in seabirds stranding. [less ▲]

Hard palate and skin ulcers of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded along the Belgian and Dutch coasts during 94-95 winter

(1996)

Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in a pony

in Proceedings of the 4th Congress of the European Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Brussels, Belgium (1994)

Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in a pony

in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association [=JAVMA] (1994), 205(4), 587-591

An adult pony had a 1-month history of severe respiratory distress that was resistant to treatment and environmental changes. Results of blood gas analysis were indicative of alveolar hypoventilation ... [more ▼]

An adult pony had a 1-month history of severe respiratory distress that was resistant to treatment and environmental changes. Results of blood gas analysis were indicative of alveolar hypoventilation. Simultaneous recordings of thoracic and abdominal wall motion by inductance plethysmography, together with complete pulmonary mechanics evaluation that included transdiaphragmatic pressure monitoring, revealed complete passive behavior of the diaphragm during breathing. Because radiography, necropsy, and histologic examination did not reveal any major lesion to explain the clinical and functional observations, bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis was diagnosed [less ▲]

SWIMMING PUPPY SYNDROME IN A LITTER OF BOUVIER-DES-FLANDRES

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (1994), 138(2), 121-123

This paper describes the clinical, serologic, electrophysiologic and pathologic findings in three Bouvier des Flandres puppies exhibiting the swiming puppy syndrome. The puppies had no antibodies against ... [more ▼]

This paper describes the clinical, serologic, electrophysiologic and pathologic findings in three Bouvier des Flandres puppies exhibiting the swiming puppy syndrome. The puppies had no antibodies against distemper virus, T. gondii and N. caninum. A myopathy was suspected because spontaneous activities were disclosed in all muscle groups and muscles enzymes were elevated. However the pathologic findings were unable to confirm this hypothesis. [less ▲]

T-CELLS SKIN LYMPHOMA IN 3 DOGS

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (1994), 138(8), 587-595