Orlando Diaz-Figueroa

Evaluating 21-day doxycycline and azithromycin treatments for experimental Chlamydophila psittaci infection in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus).

Abstract To determine the efficacy of 21-day therapy with azithromycin and doxycycline in the treatment of experimental infection with Chlamydophila psittaci in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), 30 birds randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups and 1 control group were inoculated with C psittaci by combined intranasal and ocular routes. Morbidity, mortality, and results of polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed that infection was successful. Birds in group 1 (n  =  8) received azithromycin at 40 mg/kg PO q48h for 21 days; in group 2 (n  =  8), doxycycline at 35 mg/kg PO q24h for 21 days; in group 3 (n  =  8), doxycycline at 35 mg/kg PO q24h for 45 days; and, in group 4 (controls; n  =  6), no treatment. Six birds died either before or within 2 days of initiating treatment: 4 in the 3 treatment groups and 2 in the control group. Clinical signs resolved and mortality ceased 2–6 days after treatment was initiated in all treatment groups, whereas birds in the control group exhibited clinical signs for the duration of the study. Plasma doxycycline concentrations were measured during the treatment period and exceeded 1 µg/mL at all time points. The absence of clinical signs and mortality in the treatment groups, even after inducing an immunocompromised state with dexamethasone (3 mg/kg IM q24h for 5 days), starting on day 70 postinoculation, suggested that treatment resulted in elimination of the pathogen. After euthanasia of the remaining 24 birds, 23 of the carcasses were submitted for necropsy. Spleen and liver samples from the birds in all treatment and control groups were polymerase chain reaction negative for C psittaci nucleic acid, and organisms were not detected by Gimenez stain. No gross or histologic differences were observed in the livers and spleens of treated and untreated infected birds. Lesions consistent with avian chlamydiosis (hystiocytosis) were seen in all birds and were considered residual. In this study, a 21-day course of either doxycycline or azithromycin was effective in eliminating C psittaci infection in experimentally inoculated cockatiels. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments in naturally infected cockatiels as well as other species of birds.

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.

Complications Associated With Conjoined Intramedullary Pin Placement for Femorotibial Joint Luxation in a Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis)

ABSTRACT Femorotibial joint-luxation repair with conjoined intramedullary pins has been successfully used in pediatric psittacine birds. However, there are no reports of complications associated with its use in adults. In this report, we describe the clinical presentation, surgical reduction, and postoperative complications associated with stifle-luxation repair in an adult female Solomon Island eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis). The normal perching angle for the eclectus stifle was determined before surgery. Osteomyelitis was treated systemically and locally. Midfemoral amputation was performed as a salvage procedure, without an apparent reduction in the quality of the birds life.

Paecilomyces lilacinus Pneumonia in a Free-Ranging Gopher Tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, in Louisiana

ABSTRACT A debilitated, free-ranging, adult female gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, was presented to the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in August 2002. Physical examination revealed a severely dehydrated tortoise (>10%) with generalized muscle atrophy. A blood sample (1.5 ml) was collected and submitted for a complete blood count and mycoplasma serology, and survey radiographs were taken. The complete blood count revealed significant monocytosis (2.4 × 103 cell/ml), and the radiographs demonstrated a focal, ill-defined soft tissue mass in the cranial dorsal aspect of the right lung. The initial treatment plan consisted of correcting fluid deficits (a combination of normosol and 2.5% dextrose, 406 ml, intracoelomically), providing enteral nutrition, and the provision of a broad-spectrum antibiotic (Ceftazidime, 20 mg/kg, IM, q 72 h). Unfortunately, the tortoises condition worsened, and it was elected to euthanize the animal. Paecilomyces...

Characterization of Intestinal Microflora of Captive Green Iguanas, Iguana iguana

ABSTRACT Although frequently criticized for their large size and status as a reservoir for Salmonella spp., green iguanas, Iguana iguana, remain a popular pet reptile in the United States. Because green iguanas can harbor Salmonella spp., they can serve as a potential zoonotic health risk for humans, especially young children, infants, and those individuals with suppressed immune systems. The poultry industry has had success in suppressing and eliminating Salmonella spp. with direct competitive exclusion using non-pathogenic microbes harvested from the flora of healthy chickens. The purpose of this study was to characterize the aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and opportunistic fungal microflora of captive green iguanas using standard biochemical techniques, with the hope that this information could be used to establish a competitive exclusion product specific to green iguanas. A total of forty-seven different bacteria and fungi were isolated from the iguanas. Twenty of these isolates were characterized to...