The air sac functional anatomy of sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) during isoflurane anesthesia was studied by evaluation of respiratory casts of sulphur-crested cockatoos, blood gas analysis, and air sac gas analyses. The air sac anatomy of the sulphur-crested cockatoo was different from that described previously in nonpsittacine bird species, with more extensive cranial and caudal thoracic air sacs and smaller abdominal air sacs. Blood gas analysis results indicated arterial and venous hyperoxia as a result of using 100% O₂ as the anesthetic carrier gas, the significance of which in birds is currently unclear. Cranial and caudal thoracic air sac oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures (Po₂ and Pco₂, respectively) were similar to those previously described in birds ventilated with 100% O₂. Clavicular air sac Po₂ and Pco₂ were significantly lower than the cranial thoracic air sac, indicating significantly less ventilation of the clavicular air sac than of either the cranial or caudal air sacs.

The purpose of this study was to obtain preliminary information on intraindividual variations of biochemical parameters in racing pigeons (Columba livia). Blood was sampled from the basilic vein at 3- to 4-day intervals on 15 occasions in 8 male and 8 female 1- to 3-year-old, healthy racing pigeons. Six clinical chemistry parameters were investigated, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), glucose (GLU), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), and uric acid. For each parameter, mean, median, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and coefficient of variation were evaluated for the whole group, as well as for each individual separately. A high degree of individuality, measured by the index of individuality (IoI), for certain clinical chemistry analytes was demonstrated even within a small, well-defined group. Only TP (IoI = 0.5) met the criteria for a very high degree of individuality, which is defined as IoI ≤ 0.6. All other analytes had an IoI between 0.7 (AST and CK) and 0.9 (GLU and LDH), indicating a high to medium degree of individuality. Reference values based on the individual patient may help to improve diagnostic interpretation of clinical chemistry values through a better understanding of biological variation in the healthy individual. These data may help overcome the lack of established reference values in rarer species.

A total of 3251 falcons were examined at the Falcon Medical Research Hospital of the Fahad bin Sultan Falcon Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between September 1999 and March 2001. Of this total, 96 falcons (2.9%), including 78 saker (Falco cherrug), 12 peregrine (Falco peregrinus), and 6 lanner (Falco biarmicus) falcons, were admitted for treatment of lead toxicosis. Lead toxicosis was diagnosed by evaluating the anamnesis, clinical signs, radiographic findings, and blood lead concentrations as measured by an electrochemical analysis system that reported blood lead concentrations within several minutes. Thirty-four (35.4%) of the falcons treated had radiographic evidence of lead pellets or fragments in the gastrointestinal tract. In all cases with lead pellets present in the ventriculus, the blood lead concentration was >65 μg/dl (0.65 ppm). However, in 62 (64.5%) of the treated falcons, no radiographic evidence was found of lead pellets or fragments in the ventriculus. The blood lead concentrations in these cases ranged from 25.5 to >65 μg/dl (0.255–>0.65 ppm). Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetracetate (Ca EDTA) was administered (50 mg/kg, undiluted, IM q12h) for 2–23 consecutive days, depending on the bird's blood lead concentration. The mean reduction in blood lead concentration after treatment was 83.9% (range = 72.6–94.2%, n = 22). Birds treated with Ca EDTA for as many as 23 consecutive days did not demonstrate any deleterious effects.

Twelve helmeted honeyeaters (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix), 11 yellow-tufted honeyeaters (Lichenostomus melanops gippslandica), 3 purple-crowned lorikeets (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala), and 3 little lorikeets (Glossopsitta pusilla) died over a short period of time with acute thiamine deficiency. Diagnosis was based on polioencephalomalacia observed histologically, low brain thiamine levels (<1 mg/kg), and the absence of other significant findings on tests performed. The birds were maintained on an artificial nectar (water, honey, and a multivitamin supplement) for 2 years, but this diet was analyzed to be low in thiamine (0.001 mg thiamine/ml of diet). An additional secondary thiamine antagonist, not identified, may have precipitated the mass mortality.

Unilateral pentadactyly and its surgical resolution are described in a 75-day-old female yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona barbadensis). The bird had a malformed left pes, whereas the axial skeleton and the thoracic and pelvic limbs skeleton were normal radiographically and clinically, excluding the left pes. The only clinical sign observed was lameness. The male clutchmates were normal on orthopedic examination. The affected bird underwent surgery successfully for removal of the supernumerary digit. The bird exhibited some distress after the amputation of the extra digit, but 3 months later, was perching and behaving normally. Treatment is recommended as soon as possible after presentation, preferably before the bird begins perching. The recommendation is made that birds with unilateral or bilateral polydactyly not be used for breeding, because this condition may have a genetic component.

A zoological aviary housing multiple species had a history of Syngamus trachea infections in golden-breasted starlings (Cosmopsarus regius) during successive spring seasons. Subsequently, 2 red-and-yellow barbets (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) housed in the aviary died at separate times after presenting with respiratory distress. Syngamus trachea worms were found in the trachea of each bird at necropsy. This is the first report of death related to S trachea infection in a species of the order Piciformes.

An 8-week-old male monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) was presented with hyperextension of the right femorotibial joint. A craniolateral luxation of the right tibiotarsus was observed radiographically. A new surgical repair technique was applied. Intramedullary pins were normograded into the femur and tibiotarsus from the knee. These pins were joined with an acrylic fixator at the exit from the joint with the leg placed in normal anatomic position. This technique and physical therapy resulted in repair of the luxation, normal range of motion, and full return to function of the femorotibial joint.

Although significant advances have been made in establishing artificial breeding techniques in domesticated species over the past 25 years, our understanding of even basic reproductive events in nondomesticated species is, by comparison, extremely limited. A comprehensive and systematic study of the basic and applied reproductive physiology in nondomesticated avian species was undertaken at the Zoological Society of London, England, with the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) used as a model. This paper describes semen collection techniques, semen volume and spermatozoa concentration, seminal plasma composition, structure and ultrastructure of spermatozoa, structure and ultrastructure of the seminal glomus, annual testicular cycle, semen preservation, spermatozoa functional assays, and artificial insemination in budgerigars.

The partners of Alaska Wildlife and Wildfowl Conservation participated in a spectacled eider duck (Somateria fischeri) research project in the Arctic. The veterinary team assisted with capture of the ducks, followed by surgical implantation of platform transmitting terminals for satellite telemetry tracking of this threatened species. Planning, advance preparation, and teamwork were critical to the success of the project. The field surgery sites included an airplane hanger, a remote cabin, and a helicopter.