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16 June 2022 RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF MORTALITY CAUSES IN MANAGED KIRK'S DIK-DIKS (MADOQUA KIRKII) IN NORTH AMERICA FROM 1988 to 2019
Daniela Yuschenkoff, Charlotte Bolch, Kristen Phair, Gary West, Alexandra Goe, Rachel E. Burns
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Abstract

Kirk's dik-diks (Madoqua kirkii) are the most common dik-dik species managed in North American zoological institutions, but their numbers are declining at a concerning rate, with less than 40 individuals currently housed in accredited institutions. This retrospective study reports the causes of mortality in Kirk's dik-diks in North American zoological institutions from 1988 to 2019. Out of 15 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) currently housing Kirk's dik-diks, nine contributed to this study (60% participation). Eighty-four necropsy records were reviewed to determine the primary affected body system and etiological cause of death across and within age categories. Neonatal death (prior to 1 mon of age) was most common (38.1%), followed by death in adults (29.8%), geriatric animals (19.0%), and juveniles (13.1%). As a whole population, causes of death by body system were multisystemic (47.6%), musculoskeletal (15.5%), respiratory (8.3%), and digestive (8.3%). Neonatal complications accounted for 50.0% of all deaths in animals prior to 1 mon of age. In juveniles, a nutritional cause of death was most common (27.3%) and significantly higher compared to measures of this cause within other age categories. In adults, metabolic etiologies and trauma each accounted for 28.0% of deaths. Degenerative etiologies were most common in geriatric individuals, representing 31.3% of the deaths. Death from infectious disease was found across all ages, representing 11.9% of all mortalities. Results from this study provide a baseline reference for this species and may aid clinicians in decision-making as it relates to the medical care and management of this species during different life stages.

Copyright 2022 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Daniela Yuschenkoff, Charlotte Bolch, Kristen Phair, Gary West, Alexandra Goe, and Rachel E. Burns "RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF MORTALITY CAUSES IN MANAGED KIRK'S DIK-DIKS (MADOQUA KIRKII) IN NORTH AMERICA FROM 1988 to 2019," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 53(2), 349-356, (16 June 2022). https://doi.org/10.1638/2021-0005
Accepted: 15 March 2022; Published: 16 June 2022
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