Abstract: A 5-mo-old male snow leopard (Panthera uncia) was presented for mild rear leg lameness. Osteomyelitis was suspected on the basis of radiographic changes and confirmed by histopathology of a biopsy sample from the affected bone. Aerobic cultures of the biopsies repeatedly grew Klebsiella oxytoca. Repeated anaerobic and fungal cultures did not result in growth. The leopard was treated unsuccessfully with cefadroxil, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim/sulfadiazine despite apparent in vitro sensitivity to these antibiotics. Successful resolution was eventually achieved with enrofloxacin, 7.5 mg/kg p.o. b.i.d. for 60 days. The number of bones involved (right humerus, right and left ulna, right and left radius, right and left femur, right and left tibia, mandible, right metatarsus) made this an unusual presentation of osteomyelitis.

Abstract: Most conventional spermatology research involves common mammalian species including livestock, laboratory animals and humans. Yet, there are more than 4500 mammalian species inhabiting the planet for which little is known about basic reproductive biology, including sperm characteristics and function. This information is important, not just as adjunct knowledge, but because the majority of these species are threatened with extinction, largely due to human-induced pressures. The field of conservation is changing rapidly, and global cooperation is emerging among a variety of wildlife enthusiasts, ranging from management authorities of nature reserves to curators of rare zoological collections. Conservation progress depends on systematic, multidisciplinary research first to answer basic questions, with new data then applied to endangered species management plans. The reproductive physiologist is a crucial component of this scheme. Reproduction is the essence of species survival, and enormous effort needs to be directed at these 'untraditional' research species, subspecies and populations. Spermatology research combined with simultaneous efforts in endocrinology, embryology and cryopreservation (among others) can lead to the successful application of assisted reproduction. Examples from this laboratory include an array of wild felid species and a rare cervid and mustelid. Obstacles to success are formidable, including unique species-specificities, diminished genetic diversity and a general lack of resources. Nonetheless, the field offers tremendous opportunities for generating unique knowledge of comparative interest and with conservation utility.