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Brief communications 213 cases of neoplasms) is interesting. However, at this stage no conclusions can be drawn from the verv small sample size 6. Garlick DS, Doherty TJ, Paradis MR: 1990, Gemistocytic Mineralization of the bulbus arteriosus in adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)Jerry R. Heidel, Scott E. LaPatra, Jerry Giles A variety of lesions of the salmonid heart have been previously described. Inflammation and hemorrhage of the myocardium have been attributed to bacterial and viral infections. 9,16,17 Degenerative conditions include idiopathic cardiomyopathies 7,8 and coronary arteriosclerosis. 5 We observed prominent and diffuse mineralization of the bulbous arteriosus in clinically normal adult female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) while conducting a survey of diseases in broodstock fish. Nephrocalcinosis was present in many of these animals; however, no other systemic mineralization was identified. Serum electrolytes were measured in an attempt to identify abnormalities that could be correlated with the cardiac lesion.Clinically normal cultured female broodstock rainbow trout 4-6 years old weighing 1.3-3.5 kg were examined. The fish were taken from concrete rearing units (approximately 3 x 30 x 1 m deep) supplied with spring water (temperature = 9 C, dissolved oxygen = 10 ppm, pH 7.5, hardness = 625 mg/liter, flow = 2214 liter/minute). Approximately 1,100 fish From the Veterinary

In order to establish baseline data, plasma samples were collected from 139 platypuses in 12 New South Wales rivers seasonally during 1992-1996 for analysis of 23 biochemical parameters. Platypuses were caught in unweighted gill nets as described by Grant and Carrick (1974). The nets were kept under constant surveillance for trapped platypuses which were removed in 5-10 minutes, wrapped in damp, air-permeable bags and kept cool until processed within 30 minutes. Sex and approximate age were determined by spur morphology as described by Temple-Smith (1973). Body condition was assessed by the tail volume index, devised by Grant and Carrick (1978), and body weight and dimensions measured. A 1 ml of blood sample was collected from the upper biII sinus of each animal and stored on ice in a heparinised microtube until centrifuged to collect and freeze the plasma, which was analysed in the Department of Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital by the methods of Poulos and Piesse (1995) using an automatic multi analyser for assays other than fat soluble vitamins. Vitamins A and E were assayed by HPLC-UV Detector. Vitamin D was assayed by Radioimmuno-assay.

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