Ultrasonographic Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Cystic Reproductive Tract Disease in a Female Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

• Published in: Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 440 - 452
• Main Authors: Mathews, Kyle G., Wolff, Peregrine L., Petrini, Kristine R., Rivers, William J., Johnston, Gary R., O'Leary, Terrance P., Hayden, David W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 01-09-1995
• Subjects: Cul de sacs; Cysts; Infections; Ovaries; Reproductive tract infections; Research Notes / Case Reports; Ureter; Urinary bladder; Urogenital diseases; Uterus; Zoos
• ISSN: 1042-7260; 1937-2825

A mature female koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) with a history of depression, anorexia, and purulent urogenital discharge was examined. Using abdominal ultrasonography, a presumptive diagnosis of a polycystic uterine or vaginal mass was made. Exploratory abdominal surgery revealed distended uteri and multiple cysts involving the uteri, cervices, and vaginal cul-de-sac. Ovariohysterectomy and partial vaginectomy resulted in the resolution of clinical disease. Histologic examination of the reproductive tract revealed the presence of vaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, pyometra, and salpingitis. Streptococci were identified within both uteri. Antibodies to Chlamydia psittaci were detected in serum using a recently developed immuno-dot-blot screening test. This is the first reported ultrasonographic diagnosis of reproductive tract disease in a female koala and the first detailed description of ovariohysterectomy in the koala.