Objectives were to evaluate the role of canonical WNT signaling in development of the preimplantation embryo. Signaling was activated with 2-Amino-4-(3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzylamino)-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine (AMBMP) and inhibited with Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1). Treatment of bovine embryos with AMBMP at day 5 after insemination decreased development to the blastocyst stage at day 7 and reduced numbers of trophectoderm and inner cell mass cells. At high concentrations, AMBMP caused disorganization of the inner cell mass. DKK1 blocked actions of AMBMP but did not affect development in the absence of AMBMP. Examination of gene expression in day 6 morulae by microarray revealed expression of 16 WNT genes and other genes involved in WNT signaling; differences in relative expression were confirmed by PCR for 7 genes. In conclusion, the preimplantation embryo possesses a functional WNT signaling system and activation of the canonical pathway can inhibit embryonic development.

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A 26‐year‐old, 126‐kg (277‐lb), entire, female sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) was evaluated following a 2‐week history of hyporexia and lethargy. Diagnostic work‐up revealed peritoneal effusion and elevated liver enzymes. Abdominal exploratory surgery revealed a firm omental mass, a focal lesion within the wall of the pyloric outflow tract and a uniformly thickened gall bladder. Biopsy results were indicative of carcinomatosis with an undetermined primary. These results along with the patient's quick deterioration led to humane euthanasia. Postmortem histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of ampullary carcinoma with carcinomatosis, extensive lymphatic invasion and lymph node, hepatic and pulmonary metastasis. Further investigation is needed to determine best diagnostic modalities and treatment options in ursids diagnosed with ampullary carcinoma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented report of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater in an ursid.

A 21-month-old intact, male Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) presented for bilateral metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. Physical and radiographic evaluation revealed evidence of soft tissue hyperextension with no bony changes. The left metacarpophalangeal joint was fused using two dynamic compression plates on the dorsal aspect of the joint along with a figure-8 tension band on the palmar aspect of the lateral fetlock for additional structural support. Twenty-seven days postoperatively, the patient was able to weightbear on both thoracic limbs. The patient was released with recommendations to have the contralateral limb corrected in the near future. Follow-up communication with the referring veterinarian revealed no known complications with the surgically corrected limb four months postrelease. This report illustrates the adaptation of a commonly reported surgical procedure in equine medicine and supports its use for correction of metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension in artiodactylids not amenable to long-term medical management.

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