PATHOLOGY IN CAPTIVE PLATYPUS (ORNITHORHYNCHUS ANATINUS) IN VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

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Abstract
Between 1978-1981, 20 platypus (O. anatinus) which were held in exhibits for varying periods, were submitted for necropsy. The most common gross and histologic lesions were adrenal enlargement, pulmonary pathology consistent with shock or aspiration pneumonia, intestinal coccidiosis, the presence of trypanosomes, myocarditis and nephritis. Other conditions encountered included infestation with ticks (Ixodes ornithorhynchi), a mild infection of intestinal trematodes (Mehlisia ornithorhynchi), myocardial toxoplasmosis and focal hepatic necrosis. Adrenal weights, both absolute and relative to body weight, were determined in 12 specimens, and used as parameters of each animal''s response to the stress associated with captivity. The result showed that, in platypus held in captivity from about 1 day up to 6 mo, both parameters were higher than in animals which were examined within a few h of capture. Stress may be a significant underlying factor in the death of these animals in captivity.

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