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Veterinary Sciences
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Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine
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Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2026 | Viewed by 4343

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Teresa Encinas

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: pharmacology; pharmacokinetics; wildlife; zoo; exotic animals
Dr. Pablo Morón-Elorza

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: pharmacology; pharmacokinetics; wildlife; hematolgy; biochemistry
Dr. Manuel Fuertes-Recuero

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: surgery; wildlife; laparoscopy; zoology; pain management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in veterinary surgery and pharmacology are transforming the treatment of zoo and wild animals, improving clinical outcomes, and enhancing animal welfare. Innovations in diagnostic and surgical techniques, anesthesia, pain management, physiotherapy, and medical and pharmacological therapies are essential for managing complex conditions and adapting treatments to different animal species. However, challenges remain in optimizing diagnostic and treatment procedures, improving medication efficacy, and ensuring safe, species-specific applications.

This Special Issue, titled “Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine”, invites original research, reviews, and case reports on innovative surgical and pharmacological treatments in veterinary medicine. We welcome articles that explore novel diagnostic procedures, surgical techniques, drug developments, and other interdisciplinary approaches that improve patient care.

We encourage veterinary researchers to contribute to this Special Issue, and in turn foster collaboration to advance animal healthcare.

We look forward to your submissions.

Prof. Dr. Teresa Encinas
Dr. Pablo Morón-Elorza
Dr. Manuel Fuertes-Recuero
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • medical treatments
  • surgical procedures
  • diagnostic procedures
  • pharmacokinetics

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 4423 KB  
Article
A Small-Molecular-Weight Bacteriocin-like Inhibitory Substance (BLIS) UI-11 Produced by Lactobacillus plantarum HYH-11 as an Antimicrobial Agent for Aeromonas hydrophila
by Yinghui He, Donghui Tang, Jiarui Lin, Jiayue Zhang, Wanli Sha and Wenlong Dong
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121165 - 7 Dec 2025
Viewed by 149
Abstract
Aeromonas hydrophila is a typical pathogen that causes fish diseases and can easily infect different fish species. This study investigated the antibacterial activity, physicochemical properties and antibacterial mechanism of the BLIS UI-11 produced by Lactobacillus plantarum HYH-11, isolated from traditional kimchi in Hebei, [...] Read more.
Aeromonas hydrophila is a typical pathogen that causes fish diseases and can easily infect different fish species. This study investigated the antibacterial activity, physicochemical properties and antibacterial mechanism of the BLIS UI-11 produced by Lactobacillus plantarum HYH-11, isolated from traditional kimchi in Hebei, China. It was found that BLIS UI-11 showed excellent inhibitory effect on the growth of A. hydrophila, and it also had a good antibacterial effect on various pathogens such as Vagococcus fluvialis, Listeria monocytogenes, Aeromonas dhakensis, Aeromonas salmonicida, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. By measuring growth kinetics, it was found that the maximum antibacterial activity was reached after 30 h of culture, and both the optical density value at 600 nm (OD600) and pH basically entered the stable phase after 20 h. Whole-genome analysis and gene cluster prediction identified a RiPP-like biosynthetic gene cluster, which comprises genes encoding precursor peptides, modification enzymes, and transport/immunity components. The molecular weight of the antimicrobial active substance was detected by dialysis and Tricine-SDS-PAGE, and it was shown to be an ultra-small molecular substance (<1 kDa). BLIS UI-11 was sensitive to protease K, but its antibacterial activity remained stable after treatment with acidic environment (pH 3.0–6.0), high-temperature treatment (121 °C for 30 min), and ultraviolet irradiation (4 h). After the sub-live cell assay (PI/SYTO9) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BLIS UI-11 inhibited the growth of bacteria by destroying the cell membrane of A. hydrophila to deform, collapse, and form holes that lead to accounting leakage. The hemolysis assay indicated that BLIS UI-11 exhibited incomplete hemolysis, suggesting its safety for application. The results showed that BLIS UI-11 produced by strain HYH-11 has great potential as an antimicrobial agent against A. hydrophila infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine)
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14 pages, 1150 KB  
Article
Hematology Reference Values for the Iberian Ribbed Newt (Pleurodeles waltl) Under Human Care
by Carmen Peñas Rodríguez, Manuel Fuertes-Recuero, Teresa Encinas Cerezo, Manuel de la Riva-Fraga, Andrés Montesinos Barceló and Pablo Morón-Elorza
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(11), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111103 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 350
Abstract
The Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl) is a salamander in the Salamandridae family. Endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, it is not commonly found in zoological institutions or wildlife rescue centers. As in other species, routine blood analysis of [...] Read more.
The Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl) is a salamander in the Salamandridae family. Endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, it is not commonly found in zoological institutions or wildlife rescue centers. As in other species, routine blood analysis of amphibians under human care is highly recommended, forming an essential component of preventive medicine and effective clinical management. However, despite the great utility of hematological parameters for the diagnosis and prevention of diseases in amphibians, the lack of reliable reference values for many species severely limits their clinical use. The aim of this study is to establish preliminary reference values (RV) for the main hematological parameters in the Iberian ribbed newt. Blood samples were taken from healthy adult individuals (n = 30), females (n = 9) and males (n = 21) maintained under controlled conditions in two zoological institutions. A complete hematological analysis was conducted, which included measurements of hematocrit, total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, as well as a leukocyte differential. The reference intervals were established according to the guidelines provided by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) for sample sizes between 20 and 40 individuals. No significant sex-related differences were detected in the hematological parameters analyzed. Despite the broad reference ranges obtained, these preliminary data provide an essential foundation for the clinical assessment and preventive medical management of P. waltl under human care. Expanding the dataset through collaboration with additional institutions will further refine and improve the accuracy and clinical utility of these reference values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine)
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11 pages, 1883 KB  
Article
Isolation, Identification, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Exiguobacterium mexicanum from a Giraffe
by Fei Gao, Qunchao Liang, Rui Zong, Yuqing Xie, Chenxu Zhao, Yurong Yang, Linyang Yu, Dongliang Li, Hong Duan, Wenjuan Du and Yongtao Li
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100969 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 798
Abstract
In May 2025, a female giraffe in poor body condition died unexpectedly at a zoo in Henan Province, China. A bacterial strain, designated HN-1, was isolated from the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of the deceased animal. After 24 h of incubation [...] Read more.
In May 2025, a female giraffe in poor body condition died unexpectedly at a zoo in Henan Province, China. A bacterial strain, designated HN-1, was isolated from the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of the deceased animal. After 24 h of incubation at 37 °C on Luria–Bertani (LB) agar, the colonies appeared round, smooth, pale yellow, translucent, and raised. Gram staining revealed that the isolate was a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and non-spore-forming bacterium. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the strain showed more than 99.7% homology with reference sequences of E. mexicanum from various sources in GenBank. The results of the susceptibility test showed that E. mexicanum was susceptible to levofloxacin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, rifampicin, tetracycline, minocycline, gentamicin, erythromycin, and doxycycline, but resistant to oxacillin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and linezolid. These findings provide valuable insights for the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by E. mexicanum in giraffes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine)
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18 pages, 547 KB  
Article
Comparison of Three Different Balanced Sedative-Anaesthetic Protocols in Captive Baboons (Papio hamadryas)
by Martina Amari, Federica Alessandra Brioschi, Petra Cagnardi, Giulia Sala, Francesco Ferrari, Michele Capasso, Luigi Elia, Elena Venturelli, Federica Di Cesare, Francesco Zinno and Giuliano Ravasio
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090859 - 4 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1098
Abstract
Baboons’ management requires chemical restraint. Three intramuscular sedative protocols in captive hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) undergoing health-check and male vasectomy were compared. Animals were assigned to TZD_G (n = 17; tiletamine/zolazepam 3 mg/kg + dexmedetomidine 20 μg/kg), KDM_G (n [...] Read more.
Baboons’ management requires chemical restraint. Three intramuscular sedative protocols in captive hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) undergoing health-check and male vasectomy were compared. Animals were assigned to TZD_G (n = 17; tiletamine/zolazepam 3 mg/kg + dexmedetomidine 20 μg/kg), KDM_G (n = 23; ketamine 6 mg/kg + dexmedetomidine 30 μg/kg + methadone 0.2 mg/kg), or MDM_G (n = 9; midazolam 2 mg/kg + dexmedetomidine 60 μg/kg + methadone 0.2 mg/kg). Propofol was titrated intravenously for anaesthetic induction and maintenance. Sedation time and quality and cardiopulmonary parameters were recorded. Atipamezole (TZD_G 0.2 mg/kg, KDM_G 0.3 mg/kg, MDM_G 0.6 mg/kg) and flumazenil (MDM_G 0.02 mg/kg) were administered intramuscularly post-procedure. Recovery time and quality were recorded. Data were reported as median (interquartile range) or regression coefficient (B). Sedation was deepest in TZD_G (20, 20–20; KDM_G 20, 19–20; MDM_G 19, 15–20; p = 0.017). MDM_G had a significantly higher heart rate (B = 10.27, p = 0.001), respiratory rate (B = 9.09, p < 0.001), and lower end-tidal carbon dioxide (B = −3.00, p = 0.03) than TZD_G, while KDM_G had a lower respiratory rate than TZD_G (B = −3.67, p = 0.02) and a higher temperature (B = 1.66 p = 0.001). TZD_G showed the longest recovery (minutes: 19, 11.5–30; KDM_G: 6, 4–12; MDM_G: 4, 2.5–5; p < 0.001), while MDM_G the best recovery (0, 0–0; TZD_G: 9, 6–12; KDM_G: 0, 0–6; p < 0.001). TZD produced deepest sedation but bad recovery; KDM offered optimal sedation and recovery, and cardiopulmonary stability; MDM provided lighter sedation and excellent recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine)
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11 pages, 5104 KB  
Case Report
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Tritrichomonas mobilensis in Captive Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta)
by Chaowu Fu, Yiheng Ma, Rao Li, Decheng Wang, Ziguo Yuan and Yurong Yang
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121188 - 12 Dec 2025
Viewed by 116
Abstract
In September 2024, an acute hemorrhagic diarrhea occurred in a colony of captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) housed adjacent to an enclosure of squirrel monkeys in Henan Province, China. Three of the ring-tailed lemurs (1-year-old females) died, and necropsy revealed severe [...] Read more.
In September 2024, an acute hemorrhagic diarrhea occurred in a colony of captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) housed adjacent to an enclosure of squirrel monkeys in Henan Province, China. Three of the ring-tailed lemurs (1-year-old females) died, and necropsy revealed severe cecal hemorrhage. Histopathology demonstrated extensive mucosal necrosis, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the cecum, with parasite adhesion and invasion into the crypts. Microscopic examination and PCR targeting the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region (347 bp) confirmed the presence of T. mobilensis in the deceased lemurs’ intestinal contents and in feces from 40.0% (4/10) of the squirrel monkeys. Ultrastructural analysis (SEM/TEM) confirmed that the isolated parasites exhibited the morphology and key features of T. mobilensis, including prominent peripheral hydrogenosomal vesicles. Treatment with metronidazole and supportive care led to the recovery of the surviving lemurs. Post-treatment fecal exams of ring-tailed lemur were negative for T. mobilensis. This report provides the first evidence of T. mobilensis infection in ring-tailed lemurs, indicating cross-species transmission from squirrel monkeys to lemurs, likely facilitated by keeper-mediated mechanical transmission via tools and footwear that were used in both enclosures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine)
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14 pages, 5237 KB  
Case Report
Enucleation Due to Ocular Abscess in a Captive Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): A Case Report from the Republic of Congo
by Manuel Fuertes-Recuero, José L. López-Hernández, Alejandra Ramírez-Lago, Luna Gutiérrez-Cepeda, Juan A. De Pablo-Moreno, Pablo Morón-Elorza, Luis Revuelta and Rebeca Atencia
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090805 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1218
Abstract
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) rescued from the illegal wildlife trade often suffer from chronic, traumatic injuries that require specialized and prolonged medical treatment in wildlife rehabilitation centers. We present the case report of a two-year-old male chimpanzee admitted at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee [...] Read more.
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) rescued from the illegal wildlife trade often suffer from chronic, traumatic injuries that require specialized and prolonged medical treatment in wildlife rehabilitation centers. We present the case report of a two-year-old male chimpanzee admitted at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo with a chronic periorbital abscess, likely caused by a machete wound sustained during the poaching of his mother. Despite receiving extended antimicrobial therapy, his condition was never fully controlled and progressed to a chronic orbital infection, causing him discomfort and producing chronic purulent discharge. Enucleation was performed under general anesthesia using ketamine and medetomidine, with surgical approach adapted to the distinctive orbital anatomy of chimpanzees. During the procedure, ligation of the optic nerve and ophthalmic vessels was required due to the confined orbital apex and extensive vascularization, ensuring adequate haemostasias and procedural safety. The chimpanzee made an uneventful postoperative recovery, resuming normal feeding and social behavior within 48 h, with complete wound healing occurring within two weeks. This case report highlights the importance of prompt surgical intervention when conservative medical management fails to resolve refractory ocular infections in chimpanzees. It also emphasizes the importance of specific anesthetic protocols, refined surgical techniques and tailored postoperative care in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Documenting and sharing detailed case reports such as this contributes to the limited veterinary literature on great ape surgery and supports evidence-based clinical decision-making to improve the welfare and treatment outcomes of rescued chimpanzees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Zoo, Aquatic, and Wild Animal Medicine)
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