Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery最新文献

Blood lactate concentration is a fast and reliable point-of-care metric used in both human and veterinary medicine to indirectly assess tissue perfusion. Blood lactate concentration is also frequently used as a prognostic indicator for multiple disease processes in veterinary medicine. The goals of this study were to evaluate point-of-care venous lactate concentrations in a group of cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) maintained in a zoo to determine if order of net capture had a significant effect on blood lactate concentrations and evaluate the association between lactate concentration and routine blood diagnostic test results. Blood samples were obtained from 10 cattle egrets housed together in a holding area as part of routine quarantine procedures. Animals were captured via net in pairs, quarantine examinations and sample collection were completed, and birds were placed in a crate for holding prior to net capture of the next pair. All birds had blood samples collected for a complete blood cell count, avian biochemistry panel, and lactate concentration. Blood lactate concentrations were obtained with the Nova Biomedical Lactate Plus point-of-care lactate meter. The mean blood lactate concentration was 12.6 mmol/L (range, 9.3-17.4 mmol/L). Capture order was not significantly associated with blood lactate concentration (P = 0.60). There was a significant positive correlation between lactate concentration and sodium (P = 0.04). There were no significant relationships between blood lactate concentration and standard complete blood cell count or biochemical values. This study found postcapture blood lactate concentrations in the cattle egrets that were unexpectedly high when compared with published avian values and found that the order in which the animal was processed in the capture event was not associated with blood lactate concentration. Further research is warranted to determine the value of blood lactate concentration trends in this species.

An approximately 33-year-old male blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented for postmortem examination after dying without premonitory signs at the owner's home. The bird had a recent history of a grade II/VI left-sided systolic murmur, feather-destructive behavior, was overweight, and had bilateral cataracts. Gross and microscopic postmortem examinations revealed a subaortic interventricular septal saccular defect most compatible with a diverticulum intimately associated with a multifocally fibrotic right coronary aortic semilunar cusp, and its distended sinus. The resulting congestive heart disease was morphologically characterized by concentric myocardial hypertrophy of the left ventricle and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Reports of cardiac congenital disease in birds include ventricular septal defects, congenital aneurysm, persistent truncus arteriosus, aortic hypoplasia, duplicitas cordis, multiplicatis cordis, and ectopia cordis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first documentation of a subaortic interventricular septal saccular defect in an avian species. This case adds to the knowledge of cardiovascular disease and raises awareness of delayed-onset clinical disease linked with congenital heart anomalies in birds.

Robenacoxib is a coxib class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and its mechanism of action involves selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 to reduce inflammation via the reduction of prostaglandin synthesis in dogs, cats, and rats. It is currently labeled for use in dogs and cats to control postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy, and castration for a maximum of 3 days. Robenacoxib has been used anecdotally in avian species at doses ranging from 2-10 mg/kg every 3-7 days to manage pain associated with inflammation in various scenarios, including treatment of proventricular dilatation disease, orthopedic pain, such as arthritis and pododermatitis, and post nail and beak trims. Robenacoxib concentrates in inflamed tissues, and its clinical effects persist longer than its short terminal half-life in blood. In this study, the pharmacokinetic parameters of a single oral dose of robenacoxib were evaluated in a group of 7 healthy, adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). The results indicated that a single 4-mg/kg oral dose of robenacoxib was well tolerated without any adverse clinical effects. The mean peak plasma concentration was reached at 0.45 hours, with a peak concentration of 88.75 ng/mL. The t_1/2 was 1.3 ± 0.37 hours. The mean total body clearance per fraction of dose absorbed was 24.9 L/kg/hr. Robenacoxib was not detected in any bird 6 hours postadministration. Further pharmacodynamic studies of this drug, including defining the potency of robenacoxib against avian COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, would provide stronger support for dose determination and the effectiveness of robenacoxib in psittacine birds.

The yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona oratrix sp) is an endangered species because of habitat loss and illegal trafficking. Currently, there is no data on body temperature available for this species, and this makes a complete clinical examination for determining its health status difficult. The objective of this study was to compare 2 methods for measuring body temperature (digital rectal thermometer, skin infrared thermometer) in 22 yellow-headed Amazon parrots. Over multiple measurements, the mean cloacal and skin temperatures were 41.46 ± 0.45°C (106.62 ± 0.81°F) and 40.69 ± 0.37°C (105.24 ± 0.67°F), respectively, and there was a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.552, P = 0.008) between the 2 methods. These data can be useful for evaluating the health of these endangered parrots. Future studies evaluating other species of parrots should be conducted to obtain specific information and to avoid the use of nonspecific ranges. It is also suggested that temperatures be measured noninvasively from other anatomical sites to reduce stress and maintain the welfare of these parrots.

The metacarpophalangeal joint is a compound joint composed of the major and minor metacarpals and the minor and major digits. Although the motion of this joint is restricted, it plays an important role in minor adjustments in flight. The ability of birds to gain lift and fly with limited or inhibited function of this joint has not been well studied in raptors. This report represents the first published case of successful rehabilitation and release of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) after complete arthrodesis of a metacarpophalangeal joint luxation. The patient was presented to the Louisiana State University Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana with a chronic, complete luxation of the left metacarpophalangeal joint and articular fracture of an unknown origin. Owing to the chronicity of the injury, a closed reduction and stabilization with conservative management were not achievable. Articular debridement and external fixation with a type 1A fixator were used to immobilize the joint. Complete anatomic reduction was not achieved; however, this did not inhibit the bird's ability to gain lift, land, and navigate in the air. Postrelease monitoring was not pursued for this patient. Arthrodesis should be considered a viable treatment option for metacarpophalangeal joint luxations in bald eagles or other large raptors.

The family Ramphastidae includes toucans (Ramphastos sp), mountain toucans (Andigena sp), toucanets (Aulacorhynchus sp, Selenidera sp), and aracaris (Pteroglossus sp). These birds are endemic to Central and South America and are popular birds for zoological parks and as companion animals. This retrospective study summarizes the histologic findings of 273 toucans, 24 mountain toucans, 240 aracaris, and 64 toucanets (601 total specimens) submitted to 4 diagnostic laboratories from 1994 through January 2013. Infectious diseases were most common (53.1%, 319/601), followed by nutrition-based deposition disorders (36.4%, 219/601) and cardiovascular disease (10.3%, 62/601). Among infectious diseases, bacterial diseases were most common (57%, 182/319, including 45 cases of mycobacteriosis). Mycotic diseases (14.1%, 45/319) included ventricular candidiasis (73.3%, 33/45), aspergillosis (13.3%, 6/45), and undetermined fungus (13.3%, 6/45). Viral infection was limited to 3 cases with 2 cutaneous poxvirus cases and 1 West Nile virus case. Parasitic infections were found in 93 cases, including nematodiasis (64.5%, 60/93, predominantly Capillaria sp). Intestinal trematodiasis, muscle cysts of Sarcocystis sp, hepatic hemoprotozoan macroschizonts, biliary and intestinal trematodiasis, amoebiasis, and cestodiasis represented <5% of cases. Parasitic infections were undetermined in 6.4% (6/93) of cases. Deposition cases included iron storage disease (77.7%, 230/296), gout (14.9%, 44/296), and amyloidosis (7.4%, 22/296). Cardiovascular disease (62 cases) included atherosclerosis (48.4%, 30/62) and degenerative cardiac disease (4.8%, 3/62); 3 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy were found in young aracaris. The results of this study indicate that mortalities could be diminished in < 1 year old birds by improved prevention and treatment of enteric infections and that, in > 1 year old birds, prevention and treatment of Capillaria sp and hemochromatosis may also substantially reduce mortality.

A 24-year-old female saker falcon (Falco cherrug) was presented for a hyperkeratotic lesion associated with the uropygial gland. Owing to perceived anesthetic risks, a conservative medical approach was initially chosen over surgical excision. The treatment involved local debridement and supportive care, which provided temporary improvement. However, the lesion recurred multiple times, leading to the decision to perform complete surgical excision of the uropygial gland. The falcon underwent cardiopulmonary arrest during the procedure and was unresponsive to resuscitation. Histological analysis identified a compact cystic mass characterized by atypical proliferation of the keratin and squamous cell layers, consistent with an infiltrating keratoacanthoma of the uropygial gland. Additional findings included necrotizing hepatitis, focal splenic necrotic lesions and white pulp depletion, pyogranulomatous nephritis, pulmonary edema, and infiltrative chronic-active enteritis. Amphophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in the basal layer of the uropygial mass and in hepatocytes. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of avian alpha-herpesvirus antigen in liver, kidney, and uropygial gland. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of uropygial keratoacanthoma in a bird of prey.

Scarlet macaws (Ara macao) kept under human care are excellent candidates for positive reinforcement training programs because they possess advanced cognitive abilities, have complex social interactions, long life expectancies, and a correspondingly high need for interaction and stimulation. The benefits of positive reinforcement training in mammals have been well documented; however, studies in birds are lacking. Two scarlet macaws housed at Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary (Puntarenas, Costa Rica) were trained in 10-minute sessions once daily, 4-6 times a week, for 4 months. The goal was to demonstrate how positive reinforcement training can improve the well-being of captive psittacine birds, while improving their husbandry and medical care through voluntary cooperation during procedures. The following 6 training behaviors were selected: following a target, entering a carrier, staying in the carrier, stepping onto a scale, stepping onto a towel, and drinking from a syringe. One parrot learned all 6 behaviors, while the other learned 4 of the 6 behaviors during the study period. All the behaviors mastered during the initial training period were successfully transferred to other individuals, so the birds would reliably perform them for the husbandry and veterinary staff. By the end of the study period, both macaws had also decreased aggressive behaviors toward caretakers. This demonstrates that positive reinforcement training is an effective and practical tool for teaching captive macaws to perform husbandry and medical behaviors, thereby voluntarily participating in procedures while improving their general welfare and management.