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Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in Afghan pika (Ochotona rufescens rufescens)
H Madarame1, M Kumagai, J Suzuki
1Department of Experimental Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan.
Veterinary Pathology
|July 1, 1989
Abstract:
Lung lesions of 60 Afghan pikas (Ochotona rufescens rufescens) were examined histologically; 38 cases of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis were found. Neither sex was predominantly affected, and there was no predilection for age.
Insights
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, a lung condition, was found in 38 of 60 Afghan pikas. This study found no significant differences in affected sex or age groups.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Pathology
- Wildlife Disease
Background:
- Afghan pikas (Ochotona rufescens rufescens) are a species of lagomorph native to Central Asia.
- Lung lesions can significantly impact wildlife health and population dynamics.
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare condition characterized by the formation of small, stone-like deposits in the lung alveoli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histologically examine lung lesions in Afghan pikas.
- To determine the prevalence of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in this species.
- To investigate potential associations between the condition and the pikas' sex or age.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of lung tissues from 60 wild-caught Afghan pikas.
- Microscopic analysis to identify pathological changes.
- Statistical analysis to assess the influence of sex and age on the prevalence of the condition.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis was diagnosed in 38 out of 60 examined pikas (63.3% prevalence).
- The condition affected both male and female pikas without a discernible sex predilection.
- No significant correlation was observed between the age of the pikas and the presence or severity of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is highly prevalent in the studied population of Afghan pikas.
- The etiology of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in this species requires further investigation.
- This finding contributes to the understanding of respiratory diseases in lagomorphs and wildlife.