A Retrospective Review of Wild and Zoo-Housed Platypus Medical Records (1991-2024)

Understanding platypus health and disease is made challenging by the cryptic nature of this unique and iconic species. The retrospective medical record review methodology offers a valuable tool to better understand platypus health. A multi-institution review was performed, with 21 organisations and individuals contributing veterinary and pathology records spanning 34 years and 5 Australian states and territories. In total, records were reviewed from 278 wild platypuses and 40 zoo-housed platypuses, with a combined total of 383 presentations. Data from these were extracted and analysed, providing information on demography (age, sex), geographic location, season, reason for presentation, outcome of presentation, and clinical and pathological findings. For wild platypuses, key findings included that the juvenile age class was disproportionately represented in Queensland and New South Wales, and that the peak in juvenile presentations corresponded with weaning. For both wild and zoo-housed platypuses, novel reports of neoplasia were identified, and in wild platypuses, the first reports of neural angiostrongyliasis. For zoo-housed platypuses, an area identified for future research is the high prevalence of presentations for skin lesions. This study contributes to our understanding of platypus health and disease and should be used to guide further work to improve both conservation and welfare outcomes for one of the world's most unique mammals.