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A scoring system to evaluate physical condition and quality of life in geriatric zoo mammals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

J Föllmi ,
A Steiger ,
C Walzer ,
N Robert ,
U Geissbühler ,
MG Doherr  and
C Wenker
J Föllmi*
Affiliation:
Institute of Animal Genetics, Division of Animal Housing and Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH 3001 Berne, Switzerland
A Steiger
Affiliation:
Institute of Animal Genetics, Division of Animal Housing and Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH 3001 Berne, Switzerland
C Walzer
Affiliation:
Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse I, A 1160 Vienna, Austria
N Robert
Affiliation:
Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggasstrasse 122, CH 3001 Berne, Switzerland
U Geissbühler
Affiliation:
Radiology Section, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggasstrasse 124, CH 3001 Berne, Switzerland
MG Doherr
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH 3001 Berne, Switzerland
C Wenker
Affiliation:
Zoo Basel, Binningerstrasse 40, CH 4054 Basel, Switzerland
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: jfollmi@gmail.com
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Abstract

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The decision to perform euthanasia in geriatric zoo mammals is usually a highly complex procedure involving ethical, medical, emotional and sometimes political factors. However, subsequent necropsies show that the pathological changes of organs and/or the musculoskeletal system are often already advanced. Therefore, we hypothesise that euthanasia is often delayed to the detriment of the animal's welfare. The purpose of this study was to facilitate and establish an initial, objective, decision-making framework for the euthanasia of geriatric zoo mammals. A scoring-system to assess the physical condition and quality of life in ageing zoo mammals is presented, based on retrospective and prospective investigation of 70 geriatric zoo mammals in five European zoos. Medical records and necropsy reports were studied in retrospective cases. Symptoms were monitored and recorded in prospective cases. Radiographic investigations under general anesthesia or at necropsy were performed additionally. A significant association between symptoms and pathological findings revealed that 36.9% (n = 24/65) of examined animals (n = 41/65) had pathological alterations to the musculoskeletal system and 26.2% (n = 17/65) suffered from neoplasia. Based on the individual reports, 28 veterinarians from different fields of veterinary medicine concluded that these animals had mild to severe pain, discomfort and a significantly reduced quality of life, thus strongly reducing welfare. The proposed scoring system includes all of these factors and offers a simple and reliable tool to support decision-making for euthanasia in geriatric zoo mammals.

Keywords

aged zoo mammalsanimal welfareeuthanasiapathologyscoring systemsymptom
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , August 2007 , pp. 309 - 318
Copyright
© 2007 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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