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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Geographic pattern of serum antibody prevalence for Brucella spp. in caribou, grizzly bears, and wolves from Alaska, 1975-1998.

Blood samples were collected from 2,635 caribou (Rangifer tarandus), 1,238 grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), and 930 wolves (Canis lupus) from throughout mainland Alaska during 1975-98. Sera were tested for evidence of exposure to Brucella spp. Serum antibody prevalences were highest in the northwestern region of the state. In any specific area, antibody prevalences for caribou and wolves were of a similar magnitude, whereas antibody prevalence for bears in these same areas were two to three times higher.

Alaska↗

Surgical sterilization of free-ranging wolves.

The objective of the study was to determine whether surgical sterilization of both males and females in wolf pairs alters basic wolf social and territorial behaviors. Wolves were located from the air by snow-tracking methods and were tranquilizer-darted from a helicopter. Surgeries were performed either in a tent at the capture site or in a heated building in a nearby village. Six vasectomies and seven uterine horn ligations were performed in January and February of 1996 and 1997. Two females died: one likely related to the capture procedure, the other of a peritonitis unrelated to the surgery. One wolf had a litter. None of the wolves have shown changes in behavioral patterns. Surgical sterilization can be effective, but other, less invasive, fertility control techniques should be investigated.

Animals↗

The influence of social and endocrine factors on urine-marking by captive wolves (Canis lupus).

Although serum hormones varied seasonally in all adult animals, only dominant male and female wolves urine-marked. Serum testosterone and urine-marking rates, which increased during the fall/winter breeding season, were positively correlated in both male and female dominant wolves. Estradiol, which increased in conjunction with proestrus and estrus, was not correlated with female urine-marking. These findings suggest that hormonal influence on urine-marking in the wolf is modulated by social factors and contrast with those for both domestic dogs and coyotes, two other members of the genus Canis.

Animals↗

Diazepam-induced feeding in captive gray wolves (Canis lupus).

Diazepam doses of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/kg induced feeding in sated gray wolves in a dose-dependent manner (p less than 0.001). Neither 0.8 mg/kg of the benzodiazepine antagonist, beta-CCP (p = 0.36), nor 0.8 mg/kg of the benzodiazepine inverse agonist, beta-CCE (p = 0.85), decreased the diazepam-induced hyperphagia. Five of 6 naive wolves (p = 0.003) ate dry dog food within 15.4 +/- 1.9 min of being given 0.4 mg/kg diazepam and freely chose dog food after the single diazepam administration.

Animals↗

Food-caching in timber wolves, and the question of rules of action syntax.

This report presents data on the sequence of motor operations used by captive timber wolves to cache food. Videotapes were obtained of 151 caching episodes by 8 wolves. The vast majority of these episodes contained 3 distinct phases, each composed of movements unique to that phase. The excavation of the cache site was always done with the forefeet, and burying of the food was always done with the snout. Both the identity of the movements, and the serial order of phases were independent of the sex of the animal, the season in which the observations were made, and the nature of the substrate. A comparison of the temporal sequencing of these actions with the temporal stereotypy seen in rodent motor patterns (e.g. grooming) revealed a striking phenomenological similarity. The factors shaping the temporal sequencing in the two behaviors are, however, probably very different. This is because much, though not all, of the temporal stereotypy in the sequence of movements used by the wolf in caching is constrained by the logistics of the cache operation, while this is not the case for the phases of facial grooming in rodents. The implications of our data for the kinds of behavioral evidence required for ascription of such stereotypy to a central pattern generator are discussed.

Animals↗

Polymorphism of transferrin and esterase in Alaskan wolves: evidence of close molecular homology with the dog.

By the use of isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels serum samples from 146 Alaskan wolves were studied with regard to transferrin (Tf) and esterase (ArE) polymorphism, comparing the phenotypic band patterns with those of selected Norwegian dogs. The study revealed Tf and ArE polymorphisms in the wolf with phenotypic band patterns being indistinguishable from the corresponding ones in dogs. This suggests the occurrence of the same two common Tf alleles in the wolf as in the dog. In the ArE system the results are consistent with the occurrence of three alleles which also occur in dogs whereas a fourth allele, so far not seen in dogs, is seen in Alaskan wolves.

Alaska↗

Evaluation of homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates for the serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

Use of serological tests in the diagnosis of infectious diseases in wild animals has several limitations, primarily the difficulty of obtaining species-specific reagents. Wild canids, such as maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), are highly predisposed to infection by Toxoplasma gondii and, to a lesser extent, to Neospora caninum. The aim of the present study was to evaluate homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFATs) for detecting immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in maned wolves. Serum samples were obtained from 59 captive animals in Brazil and tested by ELISA for T. gondii serology and IFAT for N. caninum serology using 3 different enzymatic and fluorescent conjugates: homologous (guinea pig anti-maned wolf IgG-peroxidase and -fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]), heterologous (rabbit anti-dog IgG-peroxidase and -FITC), and affinity (protein A-peroxidase and -FITC). Seropositivity to T. gondii was comparable among the homologous (69.5%), heterologous (74.6%), and affinity (71.2%) enzymatic conjugates. A significant positive correlation was found between the antibody levels determined by the 3 enzymatic conjugates. The highest mean antibody levels (ELISA index = 4.5) were observed with the protein A-peroxidase conjugate. The same seropositivity to N. caninum (8.5%) was found with the homologous and heterologous fluorescent conjugates, but protein A-FITC was not able to detect or confirm any positive samples with homologous or heterologous conjugates. Our results demonstrate that homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates might be used in ELISA for serological assays of T. gondii in wild canids, whereas for N. caninum infection, only the homologous or heterologous fluorescent conjugates have been shown to be useful.

Affinity Labels↗

Serologic survey for canine distemper and infectious canine hepatitis in wolves in Alaska.

Sera from 57 wolves (Canis lupus) in three areas of Alaska were evaluated for evidence of previous exposure to infectious canine hepatitis virus (ICHV) and canine distemper virus (CDV). Fifty-four sera (94.7%) were positive for ICHV exposure and four (7%) were positive for CDV exposure. All four CDV-reacting wolves also had titres to ICHV. The relatively common occurrence of ICHV exposure may be due to the greater resistance of ICHV to chemical and physical agents and its transmissibility via the urine of infected animals. The ICHV titres observed could indicate enzootic pathogenic ICHV, or exposure to the mildly pathogenic vaccine strain of CAV-1 through contact with the urine of domestic dogs. If CAV-1 is the original source of exposure, the titres could represent an ICHV-protected wolf population.

Adenoviruses, Canine↗

Xylazine hydrochloride-ketamine hydrochloride immobilization of wolves and its antagonism by tolazoline hydrochloride.

Fourteen wolves (Canis lupus L.) were singularly or repeatedly immobilized with 30 mg xylazine hydrochloride (HCl) and 400 mg ketamine HCl. Mean induction time was 5.3 +/- 4.6 min (mean +/- SD). Administration of 8.0 mg/kg tolazoline HCl as an antagonist significantly reduced immobilization times from 148.0 +/- 52.7 to 47.9 +/- 8.9 min (F = 63.69, df = 1,17, P less than 0.05). The average times from injection to ambulation for 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/kg tolazoline HCl were 35.2 +/- 31.8, 18.5 +/- 11.7, and 10.2 +/- 9.1 min. Tolazoline HCl increased heart rates significantly (P less than 0.001) from 75 +/- 14 to 120 +/- 23 beats/min, reversing a xylazine HCl-induced bradycardia. Respiratory rates also increased significantly (P less than 0.01) after tolazoline HCl injection from 19 +/- 7 to 28 +/- 8 breaths/min. Immobilization resulted in an initial hypertension which was normalized after tolazoline HCl administration. One female wolf had a single sinoatrial block within 1 min of receiving tolazoline HCl. Tolazoline HCl appears to be an effective antagonist for xylazine HCl-ketamine HCl immobilization of wolves.

Animals↗

Serologic survey for selected microbial pathogens of wolves in Alaska, 1975-1982.

Serum samples were collected from 116 wolves which were captured in southcentral Alaska during 1975 through 1982. Antibodies to the following infectious disease agents were found: infectious canine hepatitis virus-72 of 87 (81%), canine parvovirus type 2-0 of 55 (0%) through 1979 and 10 of 32 (31%) after 1979, Francisella tularensis-16 of 67 (25%), canine distemper virus-10 of 83 (12%), Coxiella burnetti-5 of 95 (5%), rabies virus-1 of 88 (1%), Brucella spp.-1 of 67 (1%), Leptospira interrogans-1 of 82 (1%). Apparently rabies, brucellosis, and leptospirosis were rare and had little effect on the wolf population. Conversely, the other five infections were comparatively common and may have had a negative impact on the health of specific individual wolves, but did not appear to influence the health of the population.

Adenoviruses, Canine↗

Seroepidemiology of leptospirosis in Minnesota wolves.

Serum samples (n = 457) from wolves (Canis lupus) in northern Minnesota were collected from 1972 through 1986 and were tested for antibodies against Leptospira interrogans using a microtiter agglutination test. Twelve serovars included in the study were: australis, autumnalis, ballum, bataviae, bratislava, canicola, copenhageni, grippotyphosa, hardjo, pomona, pyrogenes, and tarassovi. Fifty-two (11%) sera had antibody titers of greater than or equal to 1:50 against one or more serovars of L. interrogans. The seroprevalence of different serovars in decreasing order was: grippotyphosa, bratislava, autumnalis, canicola, pomona, ballum, pyrogenes, hardjo, and copenhageni. No antibodies were found against australis, bataviae, and tarassovi. These results indicate that L. interrogans infection may occur in wolves of Minnesota.

Agglutination Tests↗

Rabies and mortality in Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis).

Between October 1991 and February 1992, 41 of 53 known adult and subadult Ethiopian wolves (Canis simensis) in five adjacent packs in the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, died or disappeared. Brain smears from two carcasses were positive for rabies by the immunofluorescence test, and rabies virus was isolated from the brains by mouse inoculation. Based on monoclonal antibody tests on the mouse brains, we identified the virus as a minor variant of the serotype 1 rabies viruses found in domestic dogs and wild canids of Africa. Sera from two of 15 Ethiopian wolves had rabies virus neutralizing antibody.

Animals↗

Hematologic values of captive Mexican wolves.

Hematologic reference values were determined for a captive population of 11 Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi). Wolf pups from 4 to 24 weeks old had progressive age-related increases in PCV, hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, and RBC counts similar to those seen in domestic dog pups (C familiaris). Hematologic indices in wolves older than 24 weeks were comparable to those of the adult domestic dog; however, PCV, hemoglobin concentration, and RBC counts were higher.

Animals↗

Treatment of patients bitten by rabid or suspected rabid wolves with inactivated tissue culture rabies vaccine and rabies gammaglobulin.

During 1972-1976 46 persons in 9 foci were bitten by wolves. 39 of them were immunized with antirabies gammaglobulin and tissue culture rabies vaccine; 7 received culture vaccine only. Rabies in wolves was confirmed clinically or in the laboratory in 8 foci. Bites of dangerous localization: face, head or fingers of the hands, predominantly multiple, were noted in 25 humans; 5 of them were young, 7 to 16 years old. Antirabies gammaglobulin was given to 9 people, predominantly in the dose of 0,5 ml per kg of weight, once on the 1st day after exposure (381-538 IU per kg of weight) to 14 people, once on the 2nd day (706-773 IU) to 3 people, twice on the 2nd and 3rd to 3 people, once on the 3rd and 5th day to 10 people, twice on the 2nd and 3rd day or on the 5th day after exposure. Vaccination course was started 24 hours after administration of gammaglobulin and predominantly in the dose of 5 ml; it lasted for 25 days and was followed by 3 booster injections on the 10th, 20th and 30th day. Titres of virus neutralizing antibody were tested in dynamics in 39 people immunized with gammaglobulin and tissue culture vaccine. Antirabies gammaglobulin induced some inhibitory effect, but 2-3 booster injections of the tissue culture rabies vaccine completely compensated this effect. During the observation period of 10 months to 5 years all the exposed people remained healthy.

Adolescent↗

[Therapeutic and preventive vaccination of persons bitten by wolves in the Aktiubinsk region].

A total of 46 cases of wolves attacking people were registered in the Aktyubinsk region during the period of 1972--1976. These attacks resulted in 1 person dying of wounds and 2 persons being infected with rabies. In more than a half of the wolves available for examination after the attack rabies was confirmed by laboratory investigation. All the victims of such attacks received antirabies gamma globulin (0.25--0.5 ml per kg body weight) and the maximum doses of rabies vaccine (daily injections of 5 ml for 25 days, then 2 more injections in the same dose 10 and 20 days later). No complications were observed after the injections. The vaccination schedule recommended for use in the USSR for the prophylaxis of rabies proved to be effective.

Adolescent↗

Home range formation in wolves due to scent marking.

Social carnivores, such as wolves and coyotes, have distinct and well-defined home ranges. During the formation of these home ranges scent marks provide important cues regarding the use of space by familiar and foreign packs. Previous models for territorial pattern formation have required a den site as the organizational center around which the territory is formed. However, well-defined wolf home ranges have been known to form in the absence of a den site, and even in the absence of surrounding packs. To date, the quantitative models have failed to describe a mechanism for such a process. In this paper we propose a mechanism. It involves interaction between scent marking and movement behavior in response to familiar scent marks. We show that the model yields distinct home ranges by this new means, and that the spatial profile of these home ranges is different from those arising from the territorial interactions with den sites.

Animals↗

Organochlorine pesticides in wolves from Galicia.

Levels of seven organochlorine pesticides (heptachlorepoxide, dieldrin, endrin, p,p'-DDE, o-p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT, and methoxychlor) and DDE/DDT ratios were determined in spleen, liver, muscle, kidney and suprarenal from 12 wolves from three provinces of Galicia (eight male and four female). Analysis was carried out by GC-ECD. Heptachlorepoxide was in found only 25% of samples, while p,p'-DDE was the most dominant of the organochlorine compounds analyzed. DDE/DDT ratios higher than 1 were found in liver and muscle.

Adrenal Glands↗

Longitudinal fecal steroid excretion in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

This study used a fecal steroid monitoring technique to evaluate reproductive cycles in male (4) and female (15) maned wolves, endangered South American canids. A radiolabeled testosterone infusion on a male revealed a fast and predominantly fecal route of excretion for this steroid. Testosterone was also excreted as eight unidentified metabolites, which was not the primary form of this steroid quantified in our assays. Fecal steroid concentrations (estradiol, E2; progestins, P; testosterone, T) in males and acyclic, nonpregnant (pseudo-pregnant), and pregnant females were monitored over four breeding seasons (October-January). Significant differences were detected between longitudinal P profiles of cyclic and acyclic females during estrus, luteal phase, and after birth/end of pseudo-pregnancy. Concentrations of P were also significantly higher in pregnant, compared to nonpregnant females, from proestrus to the end of the pregnant luteal phase. Although levels of T were higher in males than in females throughout the breeding season, no cyclicity in male fecal T concentrations was detected. Values of fecal P, T, and the ratio P/T were useful for differentiating gender and detecting pregnancy in females. Similarities to available data on other canids and the management and conservation implications of these findings were discussed.

Animals↗