Serratospiculiasis is a parasitic disease produced by filarial nematodes of the genus Serratospiculum in the subfamily Dicheilonematinae. This genus comprises at least 9 different species grouped according to the length of the spicules. In the Middle East, S seurati has been the only species of this genus positively identified to date in captive falcons. Serratospiculum seurati has an indirect life cycle, like other filarioids. In a previous study, the larval life cycle of S seurati was replicated in 5 different species of beetles. More recently, 2 additional invertebrate species (a beetle and a wood louse) that occur where falcons are maintained were added. Serratospiculum seurati is transmitted in captivity by ingestion of infected beetles. After beetle ingestion, the L3 larvae are released from their capsule and penetrate the wall of the proventriculus and ventriculus. Histopathologic evidence suggests that the migration to the air sac system is direct. After reaching the air sacs, the L3 larva undergoes 2 molts to produce the L5 or immature adult filarial worm. Adult parasites breed and produce large numbers of embryonated ova, which are coughed out through the trachea to the mouth, swallowed, then excreted in the feces. Histopathologic findings in infected birds normally demonstrate the presence of adult filarial worms, larvae, and embryonated ova within tissues. Numerous parasitic stages in the lung periphery are associated with mild focal hemorrhages, focal necrosis, and mild to moderate macrophage infiltration. Adult filarial parasites are commonly observed on both sides of the collagen-muscle fiber layer immediately below the epithelial or mesothelial section of the air sacs. In several birds with severe infections, S seurati was associated with pneumonia, airsacculitis, and early lesions of aspergillosis. Ivermectin has been routinely used at the dosage of 1 mg/kg SC repeated 1 or 2 weeks later without observing any detrimental effects. Currently, the anthelmintic agent moxidectin, administered in tablet form, is undergoing trials for the control of S seurati infections in captive falcons.

Most of the methods used to deflight birds have one or more disadvantages, including impermanence, poor cosmetic appearance, or impairment of breeding function. We hypothesized that transection of the tendon of the supracoracoideus muscle at its insertion on the proximal humerus would impair a bird's ability to raise the affected wing and thus result in flightlessness. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of unilateral or bilateral surgical tenectomy of the supracoracoideus muscle in deflighting cockatiels and pigeons. Six pigeons (Columba livia) and 9 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) were included in the study. Three cockatiels were included in a sham group, and 3 birds of each species were included in a unilateral or bilateral tenectomy group. The birds in the sham group did not have flight difficulties at any time after surgery. Three cockatiels and 1 pigeon in the unilateral tenectomy group were flying within 3–6 weeks, respectively, after surgery. A ligament instead of a tendon was inadvertently transected in 2 of the pigeons in the unilateral group. These pigeons were able to fly the day after surgery. We did not euthanize these birds to confirm this suspicion. In the bilateral tenectomy groups, 1 of 2 cockatiels and 2 of 3 pigeons were eventually able to fly short distances within 4 to 6 months after surgery. In the same groups, 1 cockatiel died several hours after surgery and 1 pigeon was euthanized 6 weeks after surgery. The pigeon never regained its ability to right itself when placed on its back. Gross necropsies in both birds confirmed that the tendons of the supracoracoideous muscles had been transected. None of the birds undergoing unilateral or bilateral tenectomy had normal dorsal extension of the affected wing, but each was able to fly well enough to escape if taken outdoors. We concluded that neither unilateral nor bilateral supracoracoideus tenectomy is an effective technique for deflighting cockatiels or pigeons.

Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded from 41 healthy macaws (Ara species) and 31 healthy cockatoos (Cacatua species). All birds were anesthetized via face mask with isoflurane anesthesia. Standard bipolar (I, II, III) and augmented unipolar (aVR, aVL, aVF, V10) leads were recorded with birds in dorsal recumbency using a direct-writing oscillograph. Heart rates for macaws and cockatoos ranged from 231 to 571 beats per minute. A sinus arrhythmia was observed in 32% and 23% of the macaws and cockatoos, respectively. The mean electrical axis for the macaw ECGs ranged from −76° to −87°, whereas the mean electrical axis for the cockatoo ECGs ranged from −73° to −89°. The QRS was of the rS contour in lead II in 73% of the macaw ECGs and 84% of the cockatoo ECGs. Electrocardiographic parameters reported in this study can aid clinicians in evaluating commonly seen species of macaws and cockatoos.

The prevalence of neoplasia in birds is generally low; however, in some species of companion and aviary birds, the incidence is high and neoplasia is a common cause of death. Surgical excision or limb amputation has been performed as the therapeutic plan. Chemotherapy in the treatment of avian neoplasia is largely empirical and poorly documented. For example, cisplatin has been used intralesionally in macaws (Ara species) with limited clinical success. Eight sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), under general isoflurane anesthesia, were infused intravenously with cisplatin at 6.4 or 1.0 mg/kg over 1 hour and hydrated with lactated Ringer's solution for 1 hour before and 2 hours after cisplatin infusion. Birds were euthanatized 96 hours after infusion, except for 2 birds given the low cisplatin dose, which were euthanatized on day 35 after dosing. All birds tolerated the study procedure while under anesthesia. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate did not change significantly. In the low-dose group, the mean cloacal temperature decreased significantly during the infusion period (P < .001) and then rose progressively to preinfusion values by 24 hours. Also in this group, the mean body weight tended to increase during the infusion period before significantly decreasing (P < .05) by 5% at 96 hours after dosing. At 24 hours after dosing, all birds were bright and eating. However, intermittent regurgitation and fecal changes (moist, dark green feces and yellow urates) occurred in 3 of 8 birds, especially those given the high dose. By 72 hours after dosing, droppings in the low-dose group were normal in appearance. One bird in the high-dose group died by 94 hours after dosing. Myelosuppression was not observed in any bird and at necropsy, no evidence of cisplatin toxicity was found except in 1 bird given the high cisplatin dose. On histology, this bird showed nephrotoxicity, and its serum uric acid levels and mean estimated white blood cell count increased significantly by 24 hours after dosing. This paper reports for the first time the effect of systemic cisplatin administration in birds and provides veterinarians data for formulating efficacious and safe protocols for platinum-containing compounds when treating neoplasia in parrots and other companion birds.

Lead, zinc, copper, and iron toxicities are major concerns affecting both wild and captive avian populations. Reference ranges of blood concentrations of these metals in large numbers of birds with no history of environmental exposure have not been reported. This study reports ranges for whole-blood (lead) or plasma (zinc, copper, and iron) concentrations for lead, zinc, copper, and iron in 45 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots that had minimal environmental exposure to any of these metals. Measurements of plasma zinc, copper, and iron concentrations followed a normal distribution, which resulted in reference ranges (mean ± 2 SD) of 1.25–2.29 ppm, 0.07–0.19 ppm, and 2.25–6.25 ppm, respectively. All whole-blood lead concentrations were below 0.02 ppm, and a reference range could not be determined.

An adult finch was presented with a 1-cm mass near the thoracic inlet. Histologically, the mass was diagnosed as a thymoma of lymphocytic type. The clinical signs and histologic findings related to the thymoma are presented. The similarities and differences between thymomas in birds and mammals are discussed briefly.

A 6-year-old male white cockatoo (Cacatua alba) was presented for evaluation of a large mass inferior to the right eye, which developed after a traumatic injury. A cyst was suspected based on the history, physical examination findings, and cytologic analysis of aspirated fluid. Surgical exploration revealed that the mass originated from the infraorbital sinus. Histopathologic analysis of excised tissue confirmed a secretory epithelial cyst. The cyst did not recur during a 4-year follow-up period. Cystic lesions should be included in the differential diagnosis of periorbital disease in birds.

A 33-year-old male great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) presented with a roughened fissured rostral casque. Physical examination revealed a softened rostral casque and diagnostic tests indicated a squamous cell carcinoma. A course of photodynamic therapy was begun in which cytotoxic oxygen radicals were generated to destroy tumor cells. Two courses of photodynamic therapy reduced the size and spread of the tumor initially but failed to eliminate the cancer. Upon physical deterioration and progression of the neoplasia, the bird was euthanized.

Published in 1962, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring is considered a cornerstone of modern environmentalism. Carson documented disruptions in free-ranging avian populations related to the use of pesticides. Unfortunately, the damage done by these chemicals continues today. Recent, sometimes massive, die-offs have been reported in various species because of the use of pesticides. Exposure to sublethal doses of pesticides may lead to profound reductions in reproductive success associated with embryotoxicity, eggshell thinning, and even a decrease in reproductive behavior. Since the use of organochlorine pesticides was banned in North America in the 1970s, the reproductivity of many species such as the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) has improved dramatically. However, some migratory species continue to demonstrate organochlorine residues in their eggs and low reproductive rates. The reasons for these findings are not completely understood, but they may be related to the persistence of organochlorines in the environment in North America as well as the continued use of organochlorines in Latin America. As veterinarians, we must continue to be vigilant in our diagnosis, as well as in speaking out for reducing pesticide use. Pesticide toxicosis should always be considered in any dead or debilitated avian carnivore or piscivore, even when another problem is apparent.