Topical treatment of multiple erosive, ulcerative skin lesions in an Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Teresa M. S. A. Boehm; Christoph J. Klinger; Christine Gohl; Maike Lücht; Katja N. Baumann; Ralf S. Mueller

doi:10.1055/a-1475-3459

Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe G: Großtiere / Nutztiere, Table of Contents

Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2021; 49(03): 210-214
DOI: 10.1055/a-1475-3459

Case Report

Topical treatment of multiple erosive, ulcerative skin lesions in an Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Topische Behandlung von multiplen erosiven, ulzerativen Hautläsionen bei einem Indischen Nashorn (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Teresa M. S. A. Boehm

¹Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany

,

Christoph J. Klinger

²Tierklinik Stuttgart Plieningen, Veterinary Specialist Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany

,

Christine Gohl

³Tierpark Hellabrunn, Munich, Germany

,

Maike Lücht

³Tierpark Hellabrunn, Munich, Germany

,

Katja N. Baumann

¹Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany

,

Ralf S. Mueller

¹Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

A 30-year-old, intact female Indian rhinoceros (Rhinocerus unicornis) was presented with ongoing erosive, ulcerative skin lesions over a 4-year-period. The lesions appeared to be non-pruritic and non-seasonal. A systemic antibiotic therapy had been unsuccessful. The dermatological examination showed 8 diffusely demarcated areas of erosion, focal ulceration, mild crusting, and moderate erythema ranging from 8 to 20 cm in diameter, bilaterally on the lateral edges of the torso armor plates. The patient had no other clinical abnormalities. Coccoid and rod-shaped bacteria were identified on cytology and a bacterial culture revealed Escherichia coli spp., Staphylococcus dysgalacticae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Corynebacterium spp. and Micrococus spp. A topical product line containing essential fatty acids and plant extracts was administered daily, using a spot-on, spray and balm. Within 3 weeks a substantial alleviation of clinical signs was observed. Multiple impression smears of the lesions and a bacterial culture were negative by day 21. The patient achieved complete remission within 4 months of treatment and maintained remission for the 2-year observation period with continued use of the medication. Topically administered therapeutics containing essential fatty acids and plant extracts may offer a viable treatment option for recurrent cases of bacterial infectious skin lesions in Indian rhinocerotidae.

Zusammenfassung

Ein 30 Jahre altes, weibliches Indisches Nashorn (Rhinocerus unicornis) wurde aufgrund von seit 4 Jahren bestehenden erosiven, ulzerativen Hautläsionen vorgestellt. Die nicht juckenden Läsionen traten nicht saisonal auf. Eine systemische Antibiotikatherapie hatte zu keiner Besserung geführt. Die dermatologische Untersuchung zeigte 8 diffus abgegrenzte Bereiche mit Erosionen, fokalen Ulzerationen, leichter Krustenbildung und mäßigen Erythemen mit einem Durchmesser von 8–20 cm bilateral an den seitlichen Rändern der Rumpfpanzerplatten Der Patient war ansonsten klinisch unauffällig. Zytologisch ließen sich Kokken und stäbchenförmige Bakterien identifizieren und in einer Bakterienkultur wurden Escherichia coli spp., Staphylococcus dysgalacticae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Corynebacterium spp. und Micrococus spp. nachgewiesen. Zur Behandlung diente eine topische Produktlinie mit essenziellen Fettsäuren und Pflanzenextrakten, die ein Spot-on-Präparat, ein Spray und einen Balsam umfasste. Innerhalb von 3 Wochen wurde eine wesentliche Besserung der klinischen Symptome beobachtet. Mehrfache Abklatschpräparate der Läsionen und eine erneute Bakterienkultur waren an Tag 21 negativ. Innerhalb von 4 Monaten nach der Behandlungsbeginn kam es zu einer vollständigen Remission, die bei fortgesetzter Anwendung der Therapeutika im Beobachtungszeitraum von 2 Jahren anhielt. Topisch anzuwendende Präparate, die essenzielle Fettsäuren und Pflanzenextrakte enthalten, können eine praktikable Behandlungsoption für wiederkehrende Fälle von bakteriellen Hautinfektionen bei Indischen Nashörnern darstellen.

Key words

Exotic animals - zoo animals - pyoderma - local therapy - herbal medicine

Schlüsselwörter

Exotische Tiere - Zootiere - Pyodermie - lokale Therapie - Naturheilverfahren

Full Text

References

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