Clinical and pathological findings in a Dwarf Red Brocket Mazama rufina (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Cervidae) attacked by dogs

Abstract

Capture myopathy is a common fatal syndrome in wild ungulates resulting from anthropogenic stressful events such as the capture or transport of specimens. There are, however, few published data on this issue due to predator attacks. The present report describes for the first time the capture myopathy syndrome in a Dwarf Red Brocket Mazama rufina following dog Canis familiaris attack. Clinical signs included pale mucous with increase capillary refill time, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and red brown urine. Muscle tremors, ataxia, prostration, paralysis, and opisthotonus were progressively observed. Laboratory tests showed increased levels of cortisol, creatinine, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and potassium; decreased blood urea nitrogen-creatinine ratio; and myoglobinuria. The animal died 72 hours after hospital admission. At necropsy, findings included injuries on both hindlimbs with edema, emphysema, and soft-friable texture in affected muscles, dark kidneys and brown urine in bladder. Histopathological exams were indicative of skeletal-cardiac muscle degenerative lesions and myoglobinuric nephrosis. Immuno-histochemistry revealed myoglobin depletion in degenerate muscles and myoglobin accumulation in renal tissues. We strongly recommend that treatment for capture myopathy be initiated when a wild ungulate is admitted with history of predator attack, since the syndrome may have already established. This report adds to the instances of negative impacts caused by domestic dogs on threatened wildlife species. 

A Genetic Tool to Identify Predators Responsible for Livestock Attacks in South America and Recommendations for Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation

“…Previous studies show that domestic dogs are responsible for wildlife predation in Ecuador [ 49 , 50 ], and that attacks to wildlife are becoming more frequent, probably due to the increase in free-ranging dog densities [ 51 ]. However, until now, no data have been published on their involvement in livestock predation.…”

“…Recent field observations using transects and camera traps in the Andean region of Ecuador have shown that the presence of feral dogs alters activity patterns and reduces the abundance of native mammals [ 47 , 48 ]. There is also data from dog attacks on wild species [ 49 , 50 , 51 ], but, to date, there are no published studies that have investigated whether dogs may also be negatively interacting with livestock. The Ministerio de Ambiente, Agua y Transición Ecológica (MAATE) is making efforts to manage human–wildlife conflicts through the training of its agents and the publication of a guide that explains how to determine if an attack on livestock was from an Andean bear, a jaguar, a puma, or a domestic dog [ 52 ].…”

The Levels of Cortisol and Selected Biochemical Parameters in Red Deer Harvested during Stalking Hunts

“…Additionally, it may lead to myocardial myopathy and exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis, which is often documented in wild animals [41]. Other conditions that may affect CORT release may be related to intense short-term stress from transportation, immobilization, or predator attacks [42][43][44][45][46]. Stress also exerts an adverse effect on an animal's body weight, which is one of the most important determinants of reproductive success [47].…”

Spermatogenesis in a vulnerable South American cervid, dwarf red brocket (Mazama rufina)

“…Due to current deforestation and hunting pressure, M. rufina is restricted to remnant vegetation patches with a downward population trend. This population downsizing has led the species to be classified as vulnerable by the IUCN (D. Lizcano & Alvarez, 2015; Lizcano et al, 2010), with the aggravating factor of depredation by feral dogs (Díaz et al, 2020; Doherty et al, 2017; Zapata‐Ríos & Branch, 2016).…”