Michael P. Jones

Avian Clinical Pathology

Much of the information previously available concerning avian clinical pathology was drawn from data from domestic avian species, in particular, poultry. Clinical pathology of nondomestic avian species such as psittacines, however, has come a long way toward establishing normal reference values for caged birds. As a result, it is important for the avian clinician to learn which clinical tests can be used to detect and evaluate a single disease or disease processes by learning what information is gained from hematologic, biochemical, or cytologic samples acquired during a patients clinical examination.

Intracytoplasmic Inclusions in Circulating Leukocytes from an Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) with Iridoviral Infection

A free-ranging adult female eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) was presented to the University of Tennessee in October 2003 because of suspected trauma and blindness. Physical examination revealed lethargy, clear ocular and nasal discharges, and white oral and laryngeal plaques. Intracytoplasmic inclusions within heterophils and large mononuclear leukocytes were observed on routine blood smear examination. Postmortem findings included necrosis of epithelial and parenchymal cells with intracytoplasmic inclusions. Ultrastructurally, the leukocyte inclusions consisted of variably electron-dense granular material and viral particles consistent with the Iridoviridae family of viruses. The virus shared 100% sequence identity to a 420-base pair sequence of frog virus 3 (family Iridoviridae, genus Ranavirus) as determined by polymerase chain reaction and gene sequencing targeting a portion of the Ranavirus major capsid protein gene.

The diagnosis of aspergillosis in birds

The diagnosis of aspergillosis can prove to be a difficult challenge for the avian veterinarian. The diagnosis is based on the cumulative findings resulting from a thorough physical examination, appropriate hematologic and chemistry panel analyte analysis, radiography, endoscopy and laparoscopy, culture, and other ancillary diagnostic tests. Despite many of the advances made in diagnostic ability, the diagnosis is not as easy as it seems. The current methods for the detection and diagnosis of aspergillosis are reviewed.

Overview of avian neurology and neurological diseases

The neurological examination of mammals is compared with that suggested for avian species. The discussion on the neurological examination addresses mental status, seizures, posture and movement, postural reactions, spinal reflexes, muscle tone, sensory examination, and the cranial nerve examination. The second section addresses clinical signs and histopathological lesions associated with diseases of the nervous system that affect cage and aviary species. Some discussion of diseases reported in noncompanion species is given as well. Treatment of specific diseases is not mentioned in the text of the article as other sources have already addressed such topics.

Clinical and pathological characterization of an osteoma in a barred owl

Osteomas are rare in birds. An osteoma of the left proximal radius was diagnosed in an adult barred owl based on gross, radiographic, and pathologic findings.

Reference Intervals, Longitudinal Analyses, and Index of Individuality of Commonly Measured Laboratory Variables in Captive Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine reference intervals, perform longitudinal analyses, and determine the index of individuality (IoI) of 8 hematologic, and 13 biochemical and electrophoretic variables for a group of captive bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Reference intervals were determined from blood samples collected during annual wellness examinations for 41 eagles (23 male and 18 female) with ages ranging between 6 and 43 years (18.7 ± 7.4, mean ± SD) at the time of sample collection. Longitudinal analyses and IoI were determined for measured hematologic, biochemical, and protein electrophoretic variables, both individually and as a group, for a subset of 16 eagles (10 male and 6 female) during a 12-year period. This smaller group of eagles ranged in age between 2 and 20 years at the start of the study period, and between 14 and 32 years (21.9 ± 5.0, mean ± SD) at the end of the study period. Significant increases with age within the group of 16 eagles were observed only for red blood cells, percent heterophils, total protein, and β-globulin protein fraction, while albumin:globulin decreased significantly with age. A low IoI (≥1.4) was determined for all hematologic and biochemical variables except γ globulins, which had high IoI (≤0.6) for 3 individuals within the subset of 16.

Metastatic pheochromocytoma in a parakeet.

Pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla, was diagnosed in a budgerigar based on gross, histopathologic, and electron microscopic findings.

Unusual presentation of an Amazon parrot (Amazona species) with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Non-haematopoietic hepatic malignancies are uncommon in birds. The clinical presentation (i.e. chronic buphthalmos)and non-specific radiographic findings observed in this adult Amazon parrot (Amazona spp.) were not consistent with previous reports describing the natural behaviour of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in birds.

Pericardial Mesothelioma in a Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot (Amazona auropalliata)

Abstract A 37-year-old female yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona auropalliata) was presented with a history of lethargy, inappetence, and decreased vocalizations. On examination, the coelom was moderately distended and palpated fluctuant, and the heart was muffled on auscultation. Coelomic ultrasound, coelomocentesis, and radiographs were performed and revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette and marked coelomic effusion. Pericardial effusion was confirmed by echocardiography. A well-circumscribed, hyperechoic soft tissue density was observed at the level of the right atrium on initial echocardiography; however, a cardiac mass was not identified by computed tomography scan or repeat echocardiograms. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was performed under anesthesia, and cytology results were consistent with hemorrhage; no neoplastic cells were identified. A repeat echocardiogram 4 days after pericardiocentesis revealed recurrence of the pericardial effusion. Due to the grave prognosis, the owners declined endoscopic pericardiectomy, and the patient died the following day. On postmortem examination, the pericardial surface of the heart was covered in a white to yellow, multinodular mass layer. Histologic analysis revealed a multinodular mass extending from the atria, running along the epicardium distally, and often extending into the myocardium. Neoplastic cells present in the heart mass and pericardium did not stain with a Churukian-Schenk stain, and thyroglobulin immunohistochemistry was negative. Cytokeratin and vimentin stains showed positive expression in the neoplastic cells within the mass. These results are consistent with a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This is the first report of mesothelioma in a psittacine bird.

Behavioral Aspects of Captive Birds of Prey

This article describes concepts of raptor behavior in captive birds of prey with inferences from the behavior of their wild counterparts that will assist the veterinarian in understanding the causes of managing abnormal behaviors.