Thomas N. Tully

Comparison of Traditional Thermal Support Devices With the Forced-Air Warmer System in Anesthetized Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis)

Abstract Active warming of birds under general anesthesia is required to prevent hypothermia and its life-threatening consequences. The ability of a forced-air warming system to provide thermal homeostasis during isoflurane anesthesia of 10 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) was compared to a circulating-water blanket and an infrared heat emitter. Each bird was anesthetized once weekly for a 60-minute trial of each of 5 methods: no thermal support (control), surgical drape only, towel-covered circulating-water blanket and drape, infrared heat emitter and drape, and forced-air warmer and drape. An esophageal thermometer was used to measure the birds core body temperature during each trial, and the temperature of the surgical area immediately adjacent to the bird as well as the ambient room temperature were also recorded. Time zero was 5 minutes after intubation. None of the warming methods prevented a significant decrease in core body temperature measured during the 60-minute trial period. A significant decrease in core body temperature was observed within 15 minutes with all warming methods except the forced-air warmer, which prevented a significant decrease in temperature before 30 minutes. Even though the forced-air warmer did not prevent a drop in core body temperature during the last 30 minutes of the trial, the temperature remained within the clinically acceptable range of 38.3–40.6°C. A significant increase occurred in the temperature of the surgical area immediately adjacent to each bird from 15 to 60 minutes for all warming methods, but the magnitude of the increase was not different among modalities. The forced-air warming system proved superior to traditional heating methods in restricting heat loss and is an effective modality for the prevention of hypothermia during isoflurane anesthesia of Hispaniolan Amazon parrots in clinical practice or a research setting.

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...

TRAUMA-INDUCED ANEURYSMAL BONE CYSTS IN TWO PSITTACINE SPECIES (CACATUA ALBA AND NYMPHICUS HOLLANDICUS)

Abstract An umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) and two cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) were presented with rapidly enlarging masses of the head or wing joints. Historic trauma to these areas was confirmed in two cases. All birds were >2 yr of age, and two were female. Cytologic examination of fluid aspirated from masses in two cases was described as serosanguineous cytologically but failed to reveal inflammation, neoplasia, or microorganisms. Radiographic evaluation of these masses included proliferation and lysis of bone, suggestive of a neoplastic process. Histopathologic examination of surgically excised tissues revealed proliferative new bone and an absence of neoplastic tissue in all cases, consistent with aneurysmal bone cyst formation. Despite the guarded prognosis reported for other companion animals, these case results suggest a good prognosis for aneurysmal bone cyst in psittaciformes. Complete surgical excision and histopathologic examination is recommended for definitive diagnoses of aneurysmal bone cyst. Postoperative bandaging and rational antibiotic use are indicated to prevent excessive motion and secondary infection of affected sites, respectively.

Successful Treatment of a Radioulnar Synostosis in a Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis)

Abstract A Mississippi kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) was presented to the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, for an inability to fly and was subsequently diagnosed with a minimally displaced, closed, simple, short oblique, diaphyseal fracture of the distal third of the right ulna. A figure-8 bandage was initially applied to the wing to stabilize the fracture. Over a 5-week period, the kite developed progressive reduction in wing extension, and serial radiographs revealed a bridging callus at the ulnar fracture site, as well as development of a radioulnar synostosis. To restore wing function and extension, surgical excision of the bony union between the radius and the ulna was performed, after which a polypropylene mesh implant was interposed between the 2 bones. Within 2 weeks after the surgical procedure, the kite had recovered normal wing extension and was able to fly without noticeable impairment. The bird was released 2 weeks after surgery. This case illustrates a common complication of external coaptation used as sole means of managing fractures of the avian ulna, radius, or both, which results from lack of interosseous soft tissue in the antebrachial area. On the basis of the successful outcome in this case, surgical excision of the interdiaphyseal callus and interposition of a polypropylene mesh could be a viable option for management of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis in birds of prey.

ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE CONCENTRATIONS IN HEPARINIZED BLOOD OF HISPANIOLAN AMAZON PARROTS (AMAZONA VENTRALIS)

Abstract Organophosphate and carbamate pesticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at nerve synapses. Blood samples from 22 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) were assayed for cholinesterase levels by two different techniques. Using the modified Michel method, the whole-blood cholinesterase activity levels ranged from 0.082 to 0.616 ΔpH/hr with a mean value of 0.35 ΔpH/hr. A reference range (0.08–0.62 ΔpH/hr) for cholinesterase was established in birds. The modified Ellman spectrophotometric method was used to measure AChE activity by adding acetylthiocholine or pseudocholinesterase (plasma cholinesterase) activity by adding butyrylthiocholine. The reference range of the AChE activity using the modified Ellman spectrophotometric method was 0–1.12 μmol/ml/min with a mean of 0.48 μmol/ml/min, and for pseudocholinesterase the range was 0.09–0.98 μmol/ml/min with a mean of 0.53 μmol/ml/min.

Syngamus trachea Infection in Two Red-and-Yellow Barbets (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus)

Abstract A zoological aviary housing multiple species had a history of Syngamus trachea infections in golden-breasted starlings (Cosmopsarus regius) during successive spring seasons. Subsequently, 2 red-and-yellow barbets (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) housed in the aviary died at separate times after presenting with respiratory distress. Syngamus trachea worms were found in the trachea of each bird at necropsy. This is the first report of death related to S trachea infection in a species of the order Piciformes.