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The grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), once abundant, has become increasingly threatened due to the combined effects of capture for the global pet trade and habitat loss. Although grey parrots are well studied in captivity, effective conservation efforts require a better understanding of their ecological requirements in the wild. The aim of this paper is to quantify grey parrot behaviours across the annual cycle. To do that, we studied groups of grey parrots gathering in a natural forest clearing in the Nkuba Conservation Area, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Using parrot counts and focal sampling, combined with descriptive statistics, we found that an average of 40 grey parrots visited the clearing each day, following a regular pattern in which they first perched in the trees surrounding the clearing, vocalizing loudly, until the group landed in the clearing to feed, drink and interact with each other. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized additive models (GAMs) showed that the time at which parrots arrived, landed at, and left clearings was influenced by the weather, seasonality and the month of the year. We also found that parrots shortened their visits when disturbed by predators or the presence of humans. Although the underlying mechanisms for grey parrot visits to forest clearings remains unclear, the consistency of this behaviour observed elsewhere in Africa and the feeding observed in the clearing in this study suggest that these area support important foraging habitat for the wild grey parrots. Therefore, ensuring the availability of such clearings is paramount to the long-term survival of the species. We suggest that future efforts to protect grey parrots in their native habitats focus on identifying clearings visited by parrots, monitoring these clearings and allowing parrots to visit them without disturbance or risk of capture.
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Contrafreeloading (CFL) is a concept that describes the preference of an animal to work for food even when identical food is freely available, and reflects an intrinsic motivation to engage in foraging-related activities. However, altered brain neurochemistry, which can be induced by chronic exposure to a suboptimal living environment, may affect this intrinsic motivation in animals with abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARBs), including parrots with feather damaging behaviour. To determine whether this was the case, we evaluated CFL activity in healthy (n = 11) and feather damaging (n = 10) Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) by offering them a free choice to obtain identical food from a food bowl or from a foraging device. Differences in CFL activity were observed, with feather damaging Grey parrots displaying less CFL (as indicated by shorter foraging times and lower amounts of food consumed from the foraging devices) compared to healthy conspecifics, indicating altered 'motivation' and time allocation, for which the underlying mechanism needs to be clarified further. Nevertheless, despite the variable level, all birds displayed CFL, which, together with a seemingly positive correlation between CFL activity and the plumage condition of the birds, suggests that parrots are intrinsically motivated to forage and highlights the importance of providing foraging opportunities to captive parrots.
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A 5-year-old, male African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was presented with multiple, slow-growing, firm, bilateral masses around the dorsal orbital rims. Computer tomographic imaging revealed mild, incomplete bridging bone formation on the rostrodorsal aspects of the head. A moderate amount of smooth bone formation was identified at the rostrodorsal aspect to the left orbit, with minimal associated soft tissue swelling. Surgical biopsies were collected from the masses and histopathological analysis of the most rostral right mass showed well-differentiated bone, surrounded by dense fibrous connective tissue. Scattered, well-differentiated osteocytes were present within the bone. No evidence of neoplastic changes or infectious agents were identified. The histopathological changes were consistent with metaplastic bone formation. History obtained from the owner revealed recent head trauma, which likely induced the cranial heterotopic ossification in the African grey parrot.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves , Osificación Heterotópica , Loros , Masculino , Animales , Osteogénesis , Hueso Frontal/patología , Enfermedades de las Aves/patología , Osificación Heterotópica/diagnóstico por imagen , Osificación Heterotópica/veterinariaRESUMEN
Two sibling 12-week-old DNA-sexed female African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) were presented for progressive whole-body tremors, proprioceptive deficits, and an inability to stand unassisted. A third bird in the clutch (DNA-sexed as a male) exhibited no clinical signs. Physical examination of the affected birds revealed ataxia, inability to stand without assistance, and a reliance on their beaks to assist with their mobility. Hematologic and biochemical analyses were normal, as were radiographic images of both birds. Cerebellar disease of unknown origin was diagnosed, and the birds were euthanized. Postmortem examinations of the brains of both parrots revealed marked reduction in cerebellar size and poor folia formation. Microscopic review of the cerebellums demonstrated decreased density of the granular layer and thinning of the molecular layer with poorly organized and differentiated Purkinje fibers, consistent with a diagnosis of cerebellar hypoplasia. There are limited clinical reports and experimental studies examining cerebellar disease in birds. Conditions described have included cerebellar hypoplasia, cerebellar abiotrophy, and cerebellar dysplasia. Although these terms are used interchangeably due to similar clinical signs, histopathology is needed to differentiate between the different disease conditions. This case describes cerebellar hypoplasia that suggested a developmental etiology in 2 African grey parrots.
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Malformaciones del Sistema Nervioso , Loros , Femenino , Masculino , Animales , Malformaciones del Sistema Nervioso/veterinaria , Cerebelo/diagnóstico por imagen , PicoRESUMEN
A 16-year-old male Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was presented with an ulcerated wing mass that was excised and diagnosed on histopathology as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A second surgery was performed to completely excise the tumor margins, resulting in over 5 years of remission for the neoplasm. However, over the next 6 years the patient developed SCC in 3 new locations on the body, as well as 2 squamous papillomas. The 2 papillomas were surgically excised and did not recur. Due to their size and location, none of the 3 new SCCs were amenable to complete excision. Instead, the 3 SCCs were managed with a series of treatments with intralesional carboplatin in poloxamer 407 and carbon dioxide surgical laser debridements. This treatment regimen has resulted in long-term (52 months, 30 months, and 17 months) resolution for all 3 of the SCCs. The overall survival time for the patient, from the initial diagnosis to the time of this report, is over 2900 days. While being treated for the 3 SCCs, the African grey parrot had no overt signs of complications or adverse side effects.
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Enfermedades de las Aves , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas , Papiloma , Loros , Neoplasias Cutáneas , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de las Aves/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de las Aves/cirugía , Carboplatino/uso terapéutico , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/cirugía , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/veterinaria , Masculino , Papiloma/veterinaria , Poloxámero , Neoplasias Cutáneas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutáneas/cirugía , Neoplasias Cutáneas/veterinariaRESUMEN
We report a severe case of rhinothecal cryptococcoma in a 13-year-old female African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus). The bird was born and bred in captivity in Portugal. The beak was deformed and showed several round soft masses, and microscopic examination revealed the presence of cells suggestive for Cryptococcus. Phenotypic and molecular analyses identified the obtained yeast culture as C. bacillisporus (AFLP5/VGIII). By phylogenetic analysis the parrot strain clustered with clinical C. bacillisporus strains from Mexico.
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In captivity, cardiovascular diseases are common in grey parrots. The diagnosis of these diseases in living birds is difficult, and new diagnostic possibilities would be desirable. The heart is an important endocrine organ in which cardiomyocytes synthetise B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and release it into the bloodstream. This hormone has a significant role in cardiovascular and body fluid regulation. The blood concentration of BNP is used in human medicine and small animal medicine as a diagnostic tool in the identification of heart diseases and as a prognostic marker for the risk of mortality. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence of BNP was described in Congo (n = 4) and Timneh (n = 3) grey parrots by PCR after RNA isolation from the atria and ventricles. The results showed a high similarity between the nucleotide sequences of the grey parrots' BNP and the already known sequence of this hormone in chickens. The amino acid sequence of the mature peptide region is consistent in these three species. BNP plasma concentration could be a possible blood parameter for identifying clinically manifest cardiovascular diseases in grey parrots as it is in other species.
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Proteínas Aviares/genética , Péptido Natriurético Encefálico/genética , Loros/genética , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Proteínas Aviares/química , Proteínas Aviares/metabolismo , Secuencia de Bases , Péptido Natriurético Encefálico/química , Péptido Natriurético Encefálico/metabolismo , Loros/metabolismo , Alineación de SecuenciaRESUMEN
A 14-year-old unsexed African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was presented with a 12-hour history of neurological signs and vomiting. The external physical examination of the patient revealed lethargy, moderate hypothermia, a head tilt, and horizontal nystagmus. Whole-body radiographic imaging and blood biochemistry parameters were unremarkable, and a serological test to detect bornavirus was negative. A computed tomography scan of the bird revealed a large cystic lesion located on the fourth ventricle of the brain. In spite of treatment (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotic and antiparasitic therapy), the parrot's health continued to decline, and it was euthanatized 12 days after presentation. A complete postmortem examination was performed on the patient's brain. Histopathological interpretation of tissues submitted described a large neoformation composed of cells arranged in perivascular pseudorosettes. Hyperchromatic nuclei and marked anisokaryosis were suggestive of a malignant tumor. The tissue mass was associated with significant dilation of the fourth ventricle and a severe peripheral gliosis. The histopathological diagnosis of the neoformation was an ependymoma. Ependymomas are glial tumors of the ependymal cells that line the central canal and the ventricles of the brain and are rarely described in mammals. In birds, ependymomas were only described in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). In human medicine, the recommended treatment is surgical removal of the tumor when possible, followed by radiotherapy.
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Enfermedades de las Aves , Ependimoma , Melopsittacus , Loros , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/diagnóstico , Encéfalo , Ependimoma/veterinaria , HumanosRESUMEN
Chronic cloacal prolapse is a common condition in psittacine birds, particularly in cockatoos and African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). Techniques to permanently reduce the prolapse have been developed and include cloacal sutures, percutaneous cloacopexy, and open circumcostal or rib cloacopexy. Several complications, some of which are life-threatening, have been reported with these tissue reduction techniques. Cloacoplasty surgeries have also been advocated, but most often as an adjunct therapy. Recurrence of cloacal prolapse may occur in traditional symmetrical cloacoplasty techniques since straining pressure remains. In this case series, 5 psittacine birds (2 male and 2 female umbrella cockatoos [Cacatua alba] and 1 male African grey parrot) with chronic recurrent cloacal prolapses were treated with a novel asymmetrical cloacoplasty technique. A semicircular excision at the mucocutaneous junction from the right side with a 2-layer closure reduced the cloacal opening by 50%-75%. A tension-relieving suture was applied to aid in healing of the incision. All 5 cases had successful outcomes with no recurrent prolapses (6 months to 3 years of follow-up), except for 1 case, due to incisional dehiscence. This animal underwent a second surgical procedure that incorporated the tension-relieving suture and has not had a recurrent prolapse in over a year. This asymmetrical cloacoplasty technique provides a simple but effective method of cloacal prolapse treatment and prevention in cases of recurrent and chronic cloacal prolapses, and creates a midline physical barrier not present in symmetrical cloacoplasties. Long-term complications may include cloacolith formation or dystocia in females, and therefore reproductive management of female birds is required.
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Enfermedades de las Aves/cirugía , Cloaca/cirugía , Psittaciformes , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , ProlapsoRESUMEN
Standard positioning for radiographic evaluation may require sedation and can be deleterious in critically ill birds. A prospective crossover study was performed in 15 clinically normal African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) to describe an alternative, unrestrained radiographic view. Whole-body radiographs were obtained in unrestrained dorsoventral erect (DVE) views and in anesthetized ventrodorsal supine (VDS) views. Visualization of various anatomic items in each view was scored by 3 observers. The surface area of the air sacs and the width of the heart, liver, thorax, and cardiohepatic waist were measured in DVE and VDS views. Measurements were obtained by 3 observers, and 1 observer repeated the measurements twice. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement were assessed. Major rotation of the coelom and superimposition of the limbs over the coelom were, respectively, observed in 4 of 15 (27%) and 15 of 15 (100%) of the DVE views and not observed in VDS views. The evaluation of the respiratory tract structures was considered limited in DVE views compared with VDS views, and the surface areas of the air sacs were significantly smaller. The proventriculus and ventriculus were more visible in the DVE view. The visualization of the heart was not significantly different between the 2 views. The absolute measures of heart, liver, and cardiohepatic waist width were significantly larger in the DVE view compared with the VDS view. Moderate intraobserver and interobserver agreement was observed in the evaluation of the 2 views. In conclusion, the DVE view could be adequate to assess the heart and the upper digestive tract. This positioning is likely to provide clinically relevant information for cases in which general anesthesia or dorsal recumbency is contraindicated.
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Abdomen/diagnóstico por imagen , Loros/anatomía & histología , Tórax/anatomía & histología , Animales , Radiografía/veterinariaRESUMEN
A 19-year-old female Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) presented for an oval, solid, pigmented, suspected intraocular mass with extrascleral extension through the inferior cornea of the left eye. The eye was nonvisual, and intraocular portions of the mass significantly altered the posterior chamber. Neoplasia was confirmed by biopsy, and enucleation was performed because of the severity of ocular disease, loss of vision, enhancement of patient comfort, and potential metastasis. Histopathologic examination of the entire globe revealed a pigmented iridociliary adenoma. Iridociliary adenomas have been rarely reported in birds, and this case report details diagnosis and treatment. Iridociliary adenomas in other species are often benign, indicating this neoplasia can be successfully treated with no reoccurrence by complete excision.
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Adenoma/veterinaria , Enfermedades de las Aves/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Ojo/veterinaria , Adenoma/clasificación , Adenoma/patología , Adenoma/cirugía , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/patología , Enfermedades de las Aves/cirugía , Enucleación del Ojo/veterinaria , Neoplasias del Ojo/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Ojo/patología , Neoplasias del Ojo/cirugía , Femenino , LorosRESUMEN
Prosociality is defined as a voluntary, typically low-cost behaviour that benefits another individual. Social tolerance has been proposed as a potential driver for its evolution, both on the proximate and on the ultimate level. Parrots are an interesting species to study such other-regarding behaviours, given that they are highly social and stand out in terms of relative brain size and cognitive capacity. We tested eight African grey parrots in a dyadic prosocial choice test. They faced a choice between two different tokens, a prosocial (actor and partner rewarded) and a selfish (only actor rewarded) one. We found that the birds did not behave prosocially when one subject remained in the actor role; however, when roles were alternated, the birds' prosocial choices increased. The birds also seemed to reciprocate their partner's choices, given that a contingency between choices was observed. If the food provisioned to the partner was of higher quality than that the actor obtained, actors increased their willingness to provide food to their partner. Nonetheless, the control conditions suggest that the parrots did not fully understand the task's contingencies. In sum, African grey parrots show the potential for prosociality and reciprocity; however, considering their lack of understanding of the contingencies of the particular tasks used in this study, the underlying motivation for the observed behaviour remains to be addressed by future studies, in order to elucidate the phylogenetic distribution of prosociality further.
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A 23-year-old, 425-g male African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus) was evaluated for chronic ulcerative dermatitis of the axillary regions under both wings. Initial swab cultures of the sites had revealed a coagulase-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) with marked antibiotic resistance. A second swab culture obtained 8 weeks after the initial culture showed heavy growth of a coagulase-positive Staphylococcus species, which could not be speciated, but showed the same sensitivity as the previous culture. Previous treatment included systemic antibiotics and a topical antimicrobial cream, with variable response and only temporary resolution. On examination, full-thickness, ulcerative, necrotic dermatitis was present under both wings with intermittent bleeding and subdermal tissue exposure. Initial treatment included wound debridement, oral antibiotics, topical therapy, analgesics, and bandages. After a relapse, a poloxamer gel containing 2% doxycycline, 1% chloramphenicol, and 0.5% mupirocin was used in combination with oral antibiotics and analgesics. On follow-up examination, the skin lesions had completely resolved and the patient was doing well and remains normal 4 years later. This report emphasizes the importance of prompt, aggressive multi-modal therapy for MRSA and other dermal bacterial infections in pet birds that may represent zoonoses or have carrier-state zoonotic potential. Preparation by a compounding pharmacy of a transdermal poloxamer gel containing antibiotics shows promise for severe, infected, ulcerative skin lesions in birds when other therapies fail to achieve a cure.
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Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Enfermedades de las Aves/tratamiento farmacológico , Dermatitis/veterinaria , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/aislamiento & purificación , Loros , Infecciones Cutáneas Estafilocócicas/veterinaria , Administración Tópica , Animales , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Enfermedades de las Aves/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Aves/cirugía , Enfermedad Crónica , Desbridamiento/veterinaria , Dermatitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Dermatitis/microbiología , Dermatitis/cirugía , Geles , Masculino , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/efectos de los fármacos , Poloxámero/administración & dosificación , Poloxámero/química , Infecciones Cutáneas Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Cutáneas Estafilocócicas/microbiología , Infecciones Cutáneas Estafilocócicas/cirugía , Úlcera/tratamiento farmacológico , Úlcera/microbiología , Úlcera/cirugía , Úlcera/veterinaria , Alas de Animales/microbiología , Alas de Animales/patología , Alas de Animales/cirugíaRESUMEN
Within a 2-wk period, three African grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus) presented for emergency treatment. All three parrots had depressed behavior, an inability to fly, and significant weight loss. Plasma chemistry abnormalities included severe hypoproteinemia and elevated liver enzymes in all parrots. Two of the parrots died, and histologic examination with hematoxylin and eosin and Prussian blue stains revealed severe hepatic iron storage. Quantitative analysis confirmed high hepatic iron concentrations. Iron accumulation was attributed to ingestion of a carnivorous bird diet or selectively eating too much fruit and vegetables high in ascorbic acid. Management entailed husbandry changes including switching the remaining parrots to a low-iron diet. Psittacine species exposed to carnivorous bird diets are at risk of developing iron storage disease.
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Alimentación Animal/análisis , Enfermedades de las Aves/etiología , Dieta/veterinaria , Hemocromatosis/veterinaria , Hierro/efectos adversos , Loros , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/patología , Resultado Fatal , Femenino , Hemocromatosis/etiología , Hemocromatosis/patología , Hierro/administración & dosificación , MasculinoRESUMEN
Modified and/or new keys to the four subfamilies now recognized within the Megaperidae Manter, 1934 n. comb. (Syn. Apocreadiidae Skrjabin, 1942) as well as the genera within each subfamily are presented. Two new genera, Paraschistorchis n. gen. and Plesioschistorchis n. gen., both within the Schistorchiinae Yamaguti, 1942, are erected and keys are provided to the species considered in both new genera-distinguished by possessing caeca that end either in separate ani or blindly. Plesioschistorchis callyodontis (Yamaguti, 1942) n. comb. and Plesioschistorchis haridis (Nagaty, 1957) n. comb. are re-described from new material collected from the common parrotfish, Scarus psittacus Forsskål (Perciformes: Scaridae), inhabiting the Red Sea off Egypt; S. psittacus represents a new host record for both species. The taxonomic status of Schistorchis sensu stricto Lühe, 1906 is examined and revised, a key to the four species we consider in this genus offered, and the monotypic genus Megacreadium Nagaty, 1956 declared a junior synonym of Schistorchis. Members of Schistorchis sensu stricto possess a unique "complex" (i.e. highly cellular/glandular) instead of "simple" (i.e. entirely muscular) type of oral sucker that is quite large in relation to body size; an elongate, somewhat sub-rectangular-shaped body; 5+ testes arranged in at least two rows; caeca that open via separate ani; a long post-testicular region; a median genital pore either at the anterior margin of or just anterior to the ventral sucker; and species of Schistorchis sensu stricto parasitize the intestine of marine fish within the Order Tetraodontiformes Berg. With the revision of this genus, we re-describe Schistorchis carneus Lühe, 1906 from the lower and mid-intestine of the white-spotted puffer, Arothron hispidus (Linnaeus) (Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae), collected in the Red Sea off Egypt. Finally, a plea is made for further study of the Megaperidae n. comb. focusing, in particular, on the following: (1) obtaining new type/voucher materials of Plesioschistorchis manteri (Gupta & Tandon, 1984) n. comb. and Schistorchis paruchini Kurochkin, 1974; (2) elucidating the life histories (i.e. intermediate hosts) of members of the Postporinae Yamaguti, 1958 and Schistorchiinae; and (3) generating DNA sequence data for more species of megaperids to help future workers produce increasingly accurate taxonomic classifications that better reflect phylogenetic relationships within this ecologically diverse group of digeneans.
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Trematodos , Animales , Tamaño Corporal , Egipto , Perciformes , FilogeniaRESUMEN
Bornaviruses are considered to be the causative agent of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) in psittacine birds. In order to detect haematological and blood chemistry changes during the development of PDD and a possible correlation with clinical signs and the virological status, six African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) were experimentally infected with parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) by subcutaneous route. All six parrots developed clinical signs of varying extent and successful infection was confirmed in all the birds by seroconversion or detection of RNA of the PaBV-4 infection strain. Based on population-based and intra-individual reference ranges established during 12 months prior to experimental infection, only minor haematological changes were detected in individual birds after infection. Changes in blood chemistry were restricted to aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, total protein, glucose and uric acid. Plasma protein electrophoresis revealed marked changes starting 10 weeks post infection characterized by an increase in the γ-globulin fraction and a gradual decrease to normal values during weeks 22-34. Indications of an acute-phase reaction at the initial stages of infection were not detected. While three birds suffered from clinical signs of PDD, which included weight loss and neurological disorders and died before development of haematological and plasma protein changes, recovery of clinical disease was paralleled in the remaining birds by an increase in γ-globulins and bornavirus-specific antibody titres.
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Enfermedades de las Aves/virología , Bornaviridae , Infecciones por Mononegavirales/veterinaria , Loros , Animales , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Enfermedades de las Aves/sangre , Infecciones por Mononegavirales/sangre , Infecciones por Mononegavirales/virología , ARN Viral/sangre , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
A 1-yr-old female Congo African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was admitted with a lameness of the right pelvic limb. On the radiographs a closed, caudolaterally displaced, comminuted, diaphyseal fracture of the femur was diagnosed. Surgery under general anesthesia was performed in order to repair the fracture with a paracortical-clamp-cerclage technique. This straightforward and effective technique has been developed as a low-cost treatment for simple and comminuted diaphyseal fractures in dogs and cats. Fixation is obtained with clamps, shaped during surgery, and attached to the bone shaft with cerclage wire. This technique led to immediate weight-bearing, appropriate bone healing, and permanent fixation of the implants in the patient. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this case represents the first report of a surgical repair of a femoral fracture with a paracortical-clamp-cerclage technique in a bird.
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Enfermedades de las Aves/cirugía , Hilos Ortopédicos/veterinaria , Fijación Interna de Fracturas/veterinaria , Fracturas Óseas/veterinaria , Miembro Posterior/patología , Psittaciformes/lesiones , Animales , Fijación Interna de Fracturas/instrumentación , Fijación Interna de Fracturas/métodos , Fracturas Óseas/cirugíaRESUMEN
An approximately 10-year-old, female Congo African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus erithacus) developed progressive, unilateral exophthalmos and buphthalmos. Survey radiographs revealed a large, coelomic, soft tissue mass, which was confirmed on computed tomography scan. Aspirates of both the contents of the buphthalmic globe and coelomic mass were consistent with Cryptococcus species. Initial results were later confirmed with serum antigen latex agglutination and polymerase chain reaction testing, and the organism was then identified as Cryptococcus neoformans with DNA sequencing. During the course of 1 year, the bird was treated with combinations of oral terbinafine, fluconazole, and flucytosine, as well as intraocular amphotericin B. The coelomic mass dramatically decreased in size during the course of treatment, but the globe continued to enlarge. The bird died after exhibiting ataxia and seizures approximately 13 months after initial diagnosis, and necropsy confirmed colonization of the cerebrum and meninges with Cryptococcus. Cryptococcus remains a rare fungal disease of birds that is often refractory to treatment.
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Enfermedades de las Aves/microbiología , Criptococosis/veterinaria , Cryptococcus neoformans/aislamiento & purificación , Loros , Animales , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico , Cerebro/microbiología , Criptococosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Criptococosis/microbiología , Resultado Fatal , Femenino , Meninges/microbiologíaRESUMEN
Two African grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus) and one hyacinth macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) were examined because of varying clinical signs ranging from general lethargy to seizure-like episodes and regurgitation. Radiography and fluoroscopy in the 3 birds demonstrated variable degrees of gastric abnormalities, suggesting the presence of foreign material or stricture-like defects. Upper gastrointestinal rigid endoscopy by ingluviotomy revealed foreign bodies that were removed endoscopically. Minor postoperative complications were pulmonary congestion or mild aspiration and cardiac arrhythmia, both of which resolved, and no serious deleterious effects were associated with endoscopy in the short or long term. Endoscopy is recommended for examination and removal of foreign bodies from the upper gastrointestinal tract because it is less invasive and traumatic than traditional surgical approaches.
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Enfermedades de las Aves/cirugía , Endoscopía Gastrointestinal/veterinaria , Cuerpos Extraños/veterinaria , Tracto Gastrointestinal/cirugía , Loros , Animales , Femenino , Cuerpos Extraños/cirugía , MasculinoRESUMEN
Squamous cell carcinoma has been reported in a variety of bird species, most commonly psittacine and gallinaceous birds. The long-term prognosis in nongallinaceous birds is generally poor if complete surgical excision is not possible. Squamous cell carcinoma of the rhinotheca was diagnosed in a 34-year-old timneh African grey parrot (Psittacus timneh) with a 2-year history of beak abnormalities. No evidence of metastasis or local invasion were found on results of radiographs or computed tomography scan. The bird was treated with surgical debulking and palliative megavoltage radiation therapy. After 4 radiation treatments, the affected tissue was necrotic and was debrided to reveal healthy granulation tissue. The bird died approximately 7 months after diagnosis and 4 months after cessation of radiation treatment. At the time of death, a small scab lesion remained at the left oral commissure, but no visible tumor regrowth was evident. A postmortem examination was not performed, however, and tumor recurrence could not be ruled out in this bird.