Lipid accumulation disorders are common in psittacine birds and can be associated with changes in plasma lipoproteins, most notably low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). However, lipoprotein analysis by standard laboratory analyzers or an indirect method, such as the Friedewald formula, has not been validated in parrots. A research colony of 12 Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) were used to compare plasma values from the Roche Cobas c501 biochemistry analyzer for total cholesterol, total triglycerides, LDL, and HDL to gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography (GP-HPLC). To increase sample size and broaden the analytical range to include dyslipidemic samples, 2 cross-over studies were performed on a 0.3% cholesterol diet and a 20% fat diet. Agreement between methods was assessed by linear mixed models and Bland and Altman plots. The LDL concentrations calculated by the Friedewald formula and alternative formulas, and the effects of triglycerides on the biases, were also evaluated. Forty-five plasma samples were used. The cholesterol diet induced a marked increase in cholesterol and all lipoproteins, whereas the fat diet did not lead to dyslipidemia. Direct and indirect LDL measurements obtained with the clinical analyzer were not in clinical agreement with GP-HPLC, whereas HDL had acceptable agreement for normotriglyceridemic samples. Hypertriglyceridemic plasma samples were found to interfere with lipoprotein measurements. This study found LDL measured by the Roche Cobas c501 biochemistry analyzer and indirect estimations cannot be recommended in the Quaker parrot, and non-HDL cholesterol should be used instead. Lipoprotein panels obtained from hypertriglyceridemic samples should be interpreted with care.

Objective assessment of coagulation in birds is difficult, and traditional methods of measuring prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) with the use of mammalian reagents have not been validated in birds. Avian-specific reagents must be prepared from brain extract and are not practical for clinical use. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether the InSight qLabs point-of-care analyzer (Micropoint Biotechnologies Inc, Guangdong, China) could measure PT and aPTT in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) in native and citrated whole blood, and whether the values obtained correlated with clinical appearance and basic hematologic and biochemical parameters from the bird. The qLabs analyzer was able to measure aPTT reliably, but not PT. Activated partial thromboplastin time of citrated blood was significantly different from the aPTT measured from native whole blood (P < 0.001). On the basis of this study, the qLabs machine may be used to measure aPTT, but clinical application between avian species requires further research.

Environmental pollutants and their effect on wildlife health play an important role in the conservation of endangered species and can be clinically relevant in captive animals too. Data on relevant concentrations of trace elements in captive birds with no known exposures are rare. For this study, silver, arsenic, gold, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, thallium, selenium, and zinc were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in lithium heparinized plasma samples from 18 Humboldt penguins at 2 zoological collections in Germany. The results showed that the plasma concentrations of silver, arsenic, gold, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, and selenium differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between the 2 penguin collections. The results indicate that the location of the birds has a strong influence on the plasma trace element concentrations. Well water used in the enclosures was suspected to be associated with these significant differences. Trace elemental concentrations in feed (eg, marine fish) and contamination from enclosure construction materials may also play a role. This study could provide a basis for further comparative, biomonitoring, toxicity, and reference interval studies.

This study surveyed avian chlamydiosis, with the aim to estimate the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with Chlamydia psittaci infection in psittacine birds kept as domestic pets in Thailand. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 120 psittacine birds that were randomly selected from hospitals in the central (Bangkok) and northeastern regions (Khon Kaen) of Thailand between 2019 and 2021. The oropharyngeal swabs were subject to polymerase chain reaction testing to detect the C psittaci ompA gene. The prevalence of C psittaci was 2.5% (3/ 120, 95% confidence interval = 0.3–5.3). Of the 3 positive birds, 1 was a Forpus parrot (Forpus species)(CP43TH) and 1 was an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus)(CP49TH) from Bangkok; both were juvenile birds with clinical signs of disease. The third positive bird (CP12TH) was a subclinical adult sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis) from Khon Kaen. Two sequences of samples that were previously identified in human psittacosis cases (accession numbers MK032053.1 and HM450409.1) were also examined. Since there was a low number of infected birds, potential associations between C psittaci infection and various environmental variables (eg, cage cleaning, synanthropic birds, quarantine of new birds, and overcrowding) were assessed by Fisher exact tests. This study provides estimates of the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with C psittaci infection in psittacine birds from central (Bangkok) and the northeastern regions (Khon Kaen) of Thailand. The detection of C psittaci in captive psittacine birds demonstrates that there is a possibility for bird-to-bird transmission as well as some zoonotic potential for the human caretakers of these birds. Furthermore, larger-scale studies should be conducted to confirm these findings.

Captive birds in collections may be infested with a wide range of parasites. Globally, information on parasitic infections and their health implications in ornithological collections are scarce. In the present study, the prevalence of parasitic infections in an ornithological garden in Tehran was investigated. Samples (n = 109) from various bird species were collected. Direct wet smear, sedimentation, flotation with Sheather's sugar, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen and Giemsa staining were used for parasite screening. Parasites were identified in 57 (52.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 42.9–61.7) samples, with protozoans being the most frequently observed organisms, including Cryptosporidium species, Eimeria species, Isospora species, Trichomonas species, and Histomonas species. Helminths were observed in 29 (26.6%, 95% CI 18.3–34.9) of the samples and included strongyles, Capillaria species, and Raillietina species. Ectoparasites were rarely recovered, but 2 species were identified: the poultry shaft louse (Menopon gallinae) and the fowl tick (Argas persicus). Free-ranging birds were significantly (P < 0.001) more likely to have parasites in their feces than caged birds. Fecal parasitic infections were order dependent and more prevalent in the Anseriformes and Galliformes (P < 0.05). The frequency of gastrointestinal parasites was notable in the investigated collection. In open natural bird gardens, such as in the present study, the probable transmission routes and sources of the parasitic infections are most likely via the free-ranging avian species. It is wise to recommend regular screening of the birds in these gardens to improve preventive control measures. Additionally, parasite genotyping should be considered to clarify our understanding of the epidemiology of zoonotic and nonzoonotic parasites.

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.

Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy has shown promise as a treatment option for a variety of lipophilic toxins. Two birds presented for suspected ingestion of a toxic substance. A blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna) presented after chewing a block of bromethalin rodenticide without overt clinical signs at the time of presentation. Additionally, a free-ranging bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was found weak and depressed near a municipal landfill after presumptive ingestion of pentobarbital. Both birds were treated with ILE therapy for potential intoxication without any adverse events. The macaw was clinically normal after 3 days of hospitalization and at a 1-week reevaluation. The eagle was transferred to a rehabilitation center after markedly improved mentation and strength and was released 7 days later. Clinicians should consider ILE therapy for the treatment of lipophilic toxicities; however, monitoring is recommended for persistent lipemia and other adverse effects that have been reported in the veterinary literature.

Avian malaria is an important cause of mortality in captive penguins housed in outdoor exhibits. Mefloquine was used as a prophylaxis to treat a colony of 19 Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) for avian malaria. A target dose of 30 mg/kg was obtained from anecdotal literature for sphenisciforms that was not based on pharmacokinetic or toxicity studies. For this reason, preliminary plasma concentrations of mefloquine were acquired after the first dose in some penguins to ensure that plasma concentrations reached human malaria prophylactic concentrations. Afterward, each penguin in the entire colony received mefloquine (26–31 mg/kg [125 mg in toto] PO q7d). Regurgitation was frequently observed starting after the fourth weekly administration. Plasma concentrations of mefloquine after the seventh dose showed elevated concentrations, and the treatment was immediately terminated. Eight penguins died during and after the treatment period. The first fatality occurred after the fifth weekly administration, and 7 birds died within 7–52 days after the seventh weekly administration. Three penguins were found dead without previous symptoms. The other five presented with marked lethargy, dyspnea, poor appetite, and vomiting, and all died despite medical care. The remaining 11 penguins of the colony survived without any supportive care; 5 did not exhibit any clinical disease signs, while the other 6 showed a mild apathy and decreased appetite. Mefloquine toxicity was highly suspected on the basis of clinical signs, the elevated mefloquine plasma concentrations, and no other underlying pathologic disease conditions identified through postmortem examinations. Nonspecific lesions, including pulmonary congestion and edema and hepatic perivascular hematopoiesis, were noted in the birds that died. Additionally, 1 case presented with myocarditis, and mycobacteria were observed within granulomas in the respiratory tract of 2 penguins. Caution is advised, and further studies are encouraged before administering mefloquine to penguins.

A 32-year-old male salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was diagnosed by cytology with bilateral cubital lymphoma and mycobacteriosis. Polymerase chain reaction assay testing confirmed Mycobacterium genavense. This patient was subsequently humanely euthanized. Postmortem histopathology confirmed both diagnoses with findings of multicentric lymphoma, acid-fast bacilli, and severe degenerative changes in all synovial joints examined. Immunohistochemical staining for paired box protein 5 of the cubital mass was positive for a high percentage of B-cell lymphocytes, consistent with B-cell lymphoma. This unusual case of two major diseases presenting concurrently in one patient raises the question of whether the pathogenesis could have an interdependent relationship. Mycobacteriosis, severe degenerative joint changes, or both may have stimulated lymphocytes, eventually leading to lymphoma. Additional screening and monitoring for comorbidities may be advised if 1 of these diseases are diagnosed in companion avian species.

A 2-year-old female American white pekin (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) was assessed for a 2-month history of chronic lameness and swelling involving the left leg. Radiographic images of the left leg showed soft tissue swelling of the digits and tarsometatarsus with osteolysis of the tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint. A complete blood count revealed marked leukocytosis and hyperproteinemia. A Streptococcus species was isolated from a bacterial culture of fluid obtained from the left tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint. Biweekly intravenous regional limb perfusions of the left leg with ampicillin-sulbactam and amikacin were performed on the patient. Despite initial improvement in left leg lameness and swelling, follow-up radiographic images showed progressive osteolysis of the tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint and associated digits. Surgical placement of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads into the left tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint was next performed with concurrent, repeated intravenous regional limb perfusion using the same antibiotic. Following the placement of antibiotic-impregnated beads and continued intravenous regional limb perfusion, the duck had decreased lameness and swelling of the left leg. Repeated antibiotic treatment through intravenous regional limb perfusion and concurrent placement of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads is a practical treatment option for complicated distal limb infections in avian species. This therapeutic protocol has great potential in treating aggressive distal leg infections in many avian species because regional limb perfusion alone may not penetrate the joint adequately to achieve complete resolution of infection.

An adult, female, captive ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus) was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for a 2-week history of lethargy and a mass effect in the proximal cervical region. Physical examination revealed a fistula in the middle cervical esophagus surrounded by devitalized and necrotic tissue; feed material was found leaking from the site. Cervical radiography identified an esophageal stricture with anterior dilation due to the accumulation of feed. After receiving supportive care for 48 hours, the patient's overall status improved, allowing partial esophagectomy and resection of the affected tissues with end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperative management included fasting for 24 hours, followed by the administration of a liquid hand-rearing formula prepared with commercially available ostrich feed and administered via a feeding tube for 15 days. Proper healing of the surgical site was confirmed by esophagoscopy using a flexible endoscope 17 days after surgery. The ostrich was discharged after 27 days, with no complications recorded within the 180 days of the follow-up period. Partial cervical esophagectomy with end-to-end anastomosis along with pre- and postoperative management provided a successful outcome for the treatment of a fistulated esophageal stricture in a captive ostrich, resulting in full recovery without surgical complications.