The determination of prothrombin time (PT) has been standardized for domestic chickens; however, validated tests of coagulation are lacking for nondomestic avian species, limiting the investigation of acquired hemostatic disorders in these species. The purpose of this study was to validate the PT assay for chickens in our laboratory using both fresh and frozen plasma and to apply the assay to psittacine bird plasma to establish reference intervals for PT of Hispaniolan parrots (Amazona ventralis) and umbrella cockatoos (Cacatua alba). We used avian tissue thromboplastin, prepared from brain tissue of 2-week-old chickens, for determining all PT values. The reference intervals for PT of chickens (n = 6) were 7.5–10.6 and 7.0–11.1 seconds for fresh and frozen plasma, respectively. The reference intervals for PT of Hispaniolan parrots (n = 6) were 7.5–13.4 and 9.0–11.3 seconds for fresh and frozen plasma, respectively. The reference intervals for PT of cockatoos (n = 14) differed significantly (P < .0001) when 2 different aliquots of avian thromboplastin were used for frozen plasma (11.2–15.8 versus 10.0–13.0 seconds). These PT values should be viewed as estimates for these species because of the small sample sizes in our study. PT values for plasma samples were similar under either fresh or frozen conditions. When the same aliquot of thromboplastin was used, interspecies differences in PT were evident. Variation between aliquots of thromboplastin caused the most significant difference in PT values between avian plasma samples; thus, aliquots of avian tissue thromboplastin should be prepared in volume sufficient to insure that multiple PT assays can be performed for a single patient.

Managing large open wounds in birds is challenging because of the limited amount of skin and the difficulties associated with bandaging. New techniques involving the use of skin flaps, autografts, and extracellular matrix grafts are emerging to the forefront of wound management as viable options in avian patients. Understanding the anatomy of the avian integument is important when considering the use of one of these forms of reconstruction as a wound management technique in birds. Here we review the use of skin grafts and flaps in avian patients in relation to the anatomy of the avian integumentary.

A citron-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata) was referred for a recurring feather cyst involving the dorsal major covert overlying primary feather VIII on the left manus. Surgical removal of the affected follicle was successful using a surgical retractor system, an operating microscope, a bipolar radiosurgical unit, and microsurgical instrumentation. The cyst has not recurred during the 2 years following surgery, and no new cysts have formed on adjacent feathers. Previously published reports suggest that feather cyst removal is unrewarding because cysts frequently recur after lancing, curettage, or fulguration. This report provides a description of complete feather follicle removal that may be a superior method for handling cystic follicles.

A 1-year-old golden comet hen (Gallus gallus forma domestica) was presented because of an enlarged abdomen, cessation in egg production, difficulty in ambulating, and difficulty roosting. Results of radiographs and ultrasound examination revealed a radiolucent oval area in the right coelom and fluid with flocculent debris throughout the coelomic cavity. Escherichia coli and Proteus species were cultured from a sample of the fluid. Antibiotic therapy was temporarily beneficial, but the problem persisted and the hen was euthanatized. At necropsy, the oviduct was impacted with yellow caseous material. The diagnosis was colibacillosis and egg yolk peritonitis, which may have originated from an impacted oviduct.