Jamie Williams

Fungal Periodontal Osteomyelitis in a Chameleon, Furcifer pardalis

ABSTRACT An adult 175 g imported panther chameleon, Furcifer pardalis, was presented with a three month history of an open wound on the ventral, rostral mandible. Previous treatments were oral enrofloxacin, and topical application of hydrogen peroxide and an OTC antibiotic preparation. Husbandry and diet appeared adequate and the chameleon was alert with good body condition. Physical examination revealed missing teeth, firm swellings of the rostral and left hemimandibles, an open wound on the rostroventral mandible and symphyseal luxation. Empirical initial treatment included chlorhexidine rinse to the open wound, and cephelexin and metronidazole orally. Metabolic, thermal, and humidity needs were also addressed. On CBC, a large microfilaria and a monocytosis were identified. Radiographically, proliferative lesions were noted in both hemimandibles. Histologic evaluation of bone biopsy yielded numerous branching septate hyphae suggestive of Aspergillus spp.. Acinetobacter spp. sensitive to amikacin and gen...

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Infraorbital Sinus With Fungal Tracheitis and Ingluvitis in an Adult Solomon Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis)

Abstract Squamous cell carcinoma of the infraorbital sinus was diagnosed in a 5-year-old Solomon Island eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis) that presented with exophthalmos of the right globe and an ulcerative mass of 2-months duration at the right commissure of the beak. The mass was 2.5 × 2 × 2 cm and contained caseous exudate. The ulcerative lesion was surgically debulked, but the bird died and was submitted for necropsy. Histopathologic examination of the infraorbital sinus revealed squamous cell carcinoma with no evidence of metastasis. The trachea was heavily infiltrated with thick, septate fungal hyphae, and evidence of fungal angioinvasion was observed in the trachea and muscular layer of the crop.

Congenital Cardiovascular Anomalies, Including Ventricular Septal Defects, in 2 Cockatoos

Abstract Cardiovascular anomalies have been reported rarely in psittacine birds. This report describes 2 cockatoos, each presenting with a heart murmur, tachycardia, and a bounding pulse. Clinical signs associated with these patients included cyanosis of the cere and, in 1 bird, ascites. Echocardiographic evaluations of both birds suggested ventricular septal defects, which corresponded to radiographic evidence of an enlarged cardiac silhouette. Pathologic evaluation revealed a ventricular septal defect and persistent truncus arteriosus in an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba), whereas a Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) had a subvalvular septal defect and aortic hypoplasia. Congenital cardiovascular anomalies should be considered when young psittacine birds are presented with heart murmurs and signs of circulatory dysfunction.

Orthopedic radiography in exotic animal practice.

Radiographic examination of exotic animal species provides significant diagnostic information to the practitioner so long as attention is paid to positioning and radiographic detail and if variations in normal radiographic anatomy are contemplated. Fracture of pneumatic bones (humerus or femur) in avian patients often results in subcutaneous emphysema, much like an open fracture. If fracture alignment is anatomical, there is generally little callous formation visible in avian and reptile patients; however, if malunion occurs, then certainly callous can be visualized. Aggressive or excessive periosteal proliferation in exotic species often predicts osteomyelitis. Practitioners can increase their diagnostic capabilities and thereby decrease any preconceived anxiety by applying the same general interpretive concepts used in the radiography of more routine small animal patients and by evaluating the resultant radiographs in a systematic manner. With the exception of certain anatomical differences and alterations in response to injury, exotic animal species suffer the same types of orthopedic disease do dogs and cats.

Orbital Abscess in a Green Iguana, Iguana iguana

ABSTRACT The primary clinical signs of orbital disease are exophthalmos, enophthalmos and strabismus. The secondary clinical signs of orbital disease include periorbital swelling, ocular discharge, vision loss, exposure keratitis and pain. An understanding of orbital anatomy is critical for selecting appropriate diagnostic tests and therapy of orbital disease. A clinical case with an orbital abscess is described. Diagnostics and therapy appropriate for orbital disease are reviewed.