Viscoelastic testing evaluates the formation and lysis of a clot over time, allowing more complete assessment of patient hemostasis in real time, whereas traditional tests, such as prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, only measure coagulation factor function. Patient-side viscoelastic coagulation monitors are easy to use, portable, and provide faster turnaround time than commercial laboratories. Viscoelastic testing requires only 0.2 mL of blood and is useful in diagnosing and treating hemostatic disorders. Currently, there is no standardized coagulation testing method across bird species. In this cross-sectional study, a viscoelastic coagulation device, the Entegrion Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor-Vet (VCM-Vet), was evaluated. Blood samples were obtained from 26 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (HAPs) (Amazona ventralis) under manual restraint. Results were recorded on the device as graphical output with quantitative viscoelastic measurements. Results were reported using standard rotational thromboelastometry terminology, including clotting time, clot formation time, alpha angle, maximum clot firmness, clot firmness amplitude at 10 and 20 minutes after clot formation, and clot lysis at 30 and 45 minutes. The median clotting time was 463 seconds (reference interval: 56–1635 seconds), the mean clot formation time was 704.7 seconds (reference interval: 172–1697 seconds), the mean alpha angle was 27.3 (reference interval: 7–60), and the mean maximum clot firmness was 15.4 (reference interval: 7–25). Statistical analysis found that all parameters were normally distributed aside from clotting time in seconds. There was no appreciable breakdown of the clot during the 60-minute device runtime, and there was no significant difference in any parameter based on sex. The VCM-Vet produced clotting times for this population of HAPs and enabled the creation of reference intervals. Based on our findings, the VCM-Vet can be used to assess clot potential in HAPs and possibly other avian species.

Weight loss and decreased appetite are commonly encountered sequela of disease and stress in avian patients. However, there is currently minimal information in the veterinary literature regarding appetite stimulation in birds. Capromorelin is a potent agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and increases food consumption via direct stimulation of the hunger centers of the hypothalamus. It is US Food and Drug Administration approved for use as an appetite stimulant in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and has also been shown to increase food consumption in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), domestic cats (Felis catus), and chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Twenty adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), housed in groups of 5, were involved in a randomized controlled study to investigate the effect of capromorelin on appetite and weight gain. Each group of pigeons was randomly assigned to receive either oral water (control) or capromorelin (treatment). The birds were individually weighed and given either oral water (control) or capromorelin at 12 mg/kg once daily for the duration of the 6-day study period. Total food consumed was recorded in grams per cage each day, and pigeons given capromorelin consumed 38% more food than those in the control group. Pigeons given capromorelin gained significantly more weight (2.5% gain) over the course of the study period compared with controls (0.7% loss, P = 0.004). No adverse side effects were noted in any birds. Capromorelin shows promise as an appetite stimulant in pigeons, and further investigation into its use in other avian species is warranted.

The antipsychotic medication haloperidol has been used for many years in avian medicine as a pharmacologic therapy for refractory feather destructive behavior in pet parrots. However, despite its common use, there are no published studies evaluating its efficacy and adverse effects in psittacine birds. The goal of this study was to report the signalment, clinical presentation, dosing regimen, response to therapy, and adverse effects of companion psittacine birds prescribed oral haloperidol therapy at a single veterinary referral hospital. Included cases were pet psittacine birds that were prescribed haloperidol between 2012 and 2022 and had sufficient follow-up information available to assess efficacy and adverse effects. Nineteen parrots met the case criteria for inclusion. Haloperidol was prescribed for 17 birds with feather destructive behavior, 1 bird for excessive sexual behavior, and 1 bird prophylactically after surgery of the uropygial gland. The most common species prescribed haloperidol were grey parrots (n = 5) (Psittacus erithacus), umbrella cockatoos (n = 4) (Cacatua alba), and Pionus spp. (n = 2). Most (12/18 [67%]) birds were classified as having a positive response to haloperidol administration. The initial median (interquartile range) total daily dose for all birds in the study was 0.24 mg/kg (0.18–0.4 mg/kg). Adverse effects were reported in 9/19 (47%) birds with grey parrots being the most common species displaying adverse effects. The most common adverse effect reported was lethargy in 5/19 (26%) birds. Some adverse effects were mitigated by adjusting dosing, and more severe adverse effects resolved after discontinuing haloperidol. This study provides descriptive data for a commonly used antipsychotic medication to assist veterinarians treating avian patients.

Psittaciformes kept as pets can serve as reservoirs of various microorganisms, many of which have zoonotic potential, including Candida spp. In this study, the antifungal susceptibility profiles of 16 Candida spp. isolated from the oral and cloacal cavities of 20 pet parrots were evaluated. Samples from the animals' oral and cloacal cavities were obtained with swabs and stored in sterile tubes. For mycological isolation, samples were seeded on Mycosel agar medium at 30°C (86°F) for up to 5 days. The 16 isolates were seeded onto chromogenic medium to verify the species. For the antifungal susceptibility profiles, the samples were diluted in saline solution and plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates with antifungal discs. The species identified were Candida glabrata (5/16, 31.2%), Candida albicans (4/16, 25%), Candida tropicalis (4/16, 25%), and Candida krusei (3/16, 18.8%). Twelve isolates were tested against 4 azole antifungals (miconazole, fluconazole, clotrimazole and ketoconazole). Approximately 58% (7/12) of Candida spp. isolates showed intermediate susceptibility or resistance to the drugs used, with fluconazole being the least effective antifungal. These findings provide important information about the microbiota of wild birds raised as pets in Brazil and warn of the emergence of Candida non-albicans spp. resistant to azole antifungals widely used in human and veterinary medicine.

A captive, 1-year-old, male Eurasian goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) weighing 0.85 kg and owned by a falconer was presented with a history of acute onset of weakness, dyspnea, diarrhea, and regurgitation of a fresh-thawed pigeon contaminated with acetamiprid, an insecticide used in the raptor enclosure. The raptor had eaten the contaminated pigeon approximately 10–12 hours earlier. Two-view (lateral and ventrodorsal) full-body survey radiographs were taken, and no abnormalities were noted. A complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel showed increased concentrations of hematocrit, uric acid concentrations, and creatine kinase activity. Intravenous isotonic crystalloid fluids, oxygen supplementation, active warming, and assist feeding by oral syringe were provided. The bird rapidly improved approximately 12 hours after initiating supportive care. Complete resolution of clinical signs and return of normal appetite occurred within 2 days of hospitalization. No recurrence of clinical signs was reported in the raptor presented on 2 months' follow-up. The outcome of this case suggests that supportive treatment of acetamiprid toxicity in captive goshawks can be successful with early intervention.

A 9-week-old male umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) presented with mandibular prognathism. The rostral rhinothecal tomial length appeared subjectively shorter than the rostral gnathothecal length, which was subjectively rostrally elongated. After an initial orthosis failed, a second orthosis was designed that employed the use of an orthopedic wire anchor in the rostral end of the rhinotheca, leaving the premaxillary bone undisturbed. Prior to placement of the anchor, skull radiographs were taken to measure the distance from the rostral tip of the rhinotheca to the rostral end of the premaxillary bone. This was done to mitigate iatrogenic trauma and prevent disruption of bone and underlying tissues when the orthopedic wire was deployed to anchor the rhinothecal tip. A hole was created in the rostral rhinotheca with a 20-gauge hypodermic needle rostral to the premaxillary bone. Orthopedic wire was placed through the hole and wrapped over the dorsal rhinotheca as an anchor. A second piece of orthopedic wire was formed into an elongated oval shape as a frame for the rhinothecal extension. Flexible, moldable plastic mesh was wrapped over the rhinotheca and orthopedic wire extension. Waterproof epoxy putty was placed over the rhinotheca and orthotic wires. The epoxy putty was replaced as needed until the rhinotheca had regrown into correct alignment. Twenty-five days post-placement, correct alignment was achieved, and the orthosis removed. The beak remained in correct alignment, and the bird developed normal use of the beak to engage in activities such as feeding, preening, and podomandibulation. Whereas methods for correcting mandibular prognathism have been described utilizing a variety of techniques and materials, there is a paucity of peer-reviewed literature on this procedure. This report describes the management and correction of this condition in a young bird as well as the involved anatomy, kinesiology, and details of this corrective procedure.