The normal electrocardiogram of the unanesthetized peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei)

The mean duration and amplitudes of the lead II electrocardiogram were determined in the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei) using 10 birds ranging in age from 1 to 5 yr. Electrocardiograms were performed on unanesthetized falcons in order to avoid the anesthesia effect on the electrocardiogram, by a method which seems to induce a tonic immobility-like reaction. All the falcons had a normal sinus rhythm, with a mean heart rate of 268 beats per minute. Mean durations of PR, ST, QT, and RR intervals were higher (but not statistically significant) in females than in males, except for the ST segment, with similar values in both sexes. P-wave deflections were positive in I, II, III, aVL, and aVF and negative in aVR. The normal patterns of wave forms of the QRS complexes in all leads were of QS and rS types, except for aVR and aVL, which presented an R configuration. The mean electrical axis was negative, with an average of -99.9 degrees. T-wave deflections were positive in I, II, III, and aVF leads II and negative in aVR and aVL. The data collected in this study may serve as a guide for electrocardiographic monitoring of peregrine falcons.     

Retrobulbar rhabdomyosarcoma in a neotropical peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus cassini)

A mild swelling of the left periorbital was detected on a routine physical exam of a healthy captive adult peregrine falcon. Despite treatment, the swelling did not subside and within twenty‐five days was causing significant exophthalmia and medial deviation of the left globe. A retrobulbar fusiform cell sarcoma was diagnosed with histopathology, then light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of a rhabdomyosarcoma.     

Avipoxvirus infection in peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) from a reintroduction programme in Germany

Poxvirus infections are common in domestic birds in Germany, but they are rare in birds of prey. Only species of falconidae imported from Arabian or Asian countries have so far tested positive for poxvirus, and, among these, only raptors kept for falconry. As part of a reintroduction programme in the northern county of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which is adjacent to the Baltic Sea, 21 young peregrine falcons were released into the wild; six of them died and one was examined postmortem, its tissues being examined by light and electron microscopy. In addition, an ELISA for fowlpox, pigeonpox and canarypox was applied. No virus could be isolated and propagation in culture failed, but virus particles were detected by electron microscopy in lesions from its skin and tongue.     

Plasma bile acid concentrations in response to feeding in peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus).

A significant post-prandial increase of plasma bile acid concentration (PBAC) was observed in peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). In order to avoid physiological food-induced elevations in PBAC, which can complicate interpretation of plasma chemistry results in birds of prey, it is recommended that blood samples be obtained after a fasting period of at least 24 hours.     

Morbidity and mortality of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, 1993-2003.

Medical records from 111 threatened bald eagles (86%, Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and peregrine falcons (14%, Falco peregrinus) admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia from 1993 to 2003 were reviewed to identify submitters, causes of morbidity and mortality, and final disposition. Half of all patients admitted were submitted by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries personnel. Trauma was the most common reason for presentation in bald eagles (70%) and peregrine falcons (81%). Additional causes of morbidity and mortality in bald eagles included toxicoses (10%), infectious diseases (8%), and orphaned young (1%). Neoplasia was confirmed in two trauma cases, suggesting underlying disease might have increased susceptibility to acute traumatic injuries. Peregrine falcons were also admitted for infectious disease (19%). The most frequent infectious disease for both species was West Nile virus. Thirty-nine percent of patients were released back into the wild, 28% were euthanized, 20% died, and 13% were placed in captivity. Postrelease monitoring that would determine whether rehabilitated animals survived to contribute to threatened populations was not performed in this study.     

Atypical parasitic migration and necrotizing sacral myelitis due to Serratospiculoides amaculata in a prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus)

An adult, wild-caught, female prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) was presented with the chief complaint of anorexia. Radiographic findings included increased densities within the air sacs, and coelomic endoscopy revealed numerous slender worms within the air sacs and on the serosal surfaces of the ovary, oviduct, liver, proventriculus, and ventriculus. The bird seemed to improve for a short period of time with antiparasitic therapy (ivermectin and fenbendazole) and supportive care. Twenty-one days after initial presentation, the bird became recumbent with increasing pelvic limb neurologic deficits and was euthanized. On histopathologic examination, mature nematodes and larvated eggs identified as Serratospiculoides amaculata were found within the subdural space of the distal thoracolumbar and synsacral spinal cord and within the coelomic cavity. This case suggests that S. amaculata can cause clinically significant lesions in its falconiform host with potentially fatal results.     

Treatment of bilateral corneal ulceration in a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) using 360 degree conjunctival flaps

A wild Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) was presented with extensive bilateral fluorescein positive corneal damage. Local therapy and bilateral tarsorrhaphies resulted in slow improvement over 5 weeks. When bilateral 360 degree conjunctival flaps were used subsequently, healing proceeded more rapidly over the next 8 weeks. Although bulbar conjunctival flaps have been reported as difficult in birds due to their small size and relatively immobile bulbar conjunctiva, 360 degree conjunctival flaps made from palpebral rather than bulbar conjunctiva were found to be technically feasible in a larger bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon.     

Avian cholera in a gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)

A 2-year-old female gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) was being used to hunt ducks in southeastern Wyoming during an outbreak of avian cholera in waterfowl and wild turkeys. While out overnight, the falcon consumed a bird. Within 24 hours the falcon was anorectic, and it was found dead approximately 48 hours following ingestion of wild prey. Gross and microscopic lesions were typical of avian cholera, and Pasteurella multocida serotype 1 was isolated from tissues of the falcon.     

Serratospiculosis in a New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)

CASE HISTORY: An adult New Zealand falcon was presented with metacarpal fractures in the left wing. CLINICAL FINDINGS: In addition to the fractures, radiographs revealed an area of opacity in the air sacs. A few days after hospitalisation and initiation of treatment of the fractures, the bird developed signs of respiratory disease; the area of opacity was found to have increased in size and density. Treatment with antibiotics and nebulisation was commenced; the bird initially responded but respiratory signs subsequently worsened and the bird died. At necropsy, air sacculitis and bronchopneumonia were associated with numerous nematodes in the air sacs, which were morphologically consistent with Serratospiculum guttatum. DIAGNOSIS: Serratospiculosis CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The discovery of this parasite and the associated disease for the first time in New Zealand indicates that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory disease in falcons and possibly other raptors in New Zealand.     

Serratospiculosis in a New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)

CASE HISTORY: An adult New Zealand falcon was presented with metacarpal fractures in the left wing.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: In addition to the fractures, radiographs revealed an area of opacity in the air sacs. A few days after hospitalisation and initiation of treatment of the fractures, the bird developed signs of respiratory disease; the area of opacity was found to have increased in size and density. Treatment with antibiotics and nebulisation was commenced; the bird initially responded but respiratory signs subsequently worsened and the bird died. At necropsy, air sacculitis and bronchopneumonia were associated with numerous nematodes in the air sacs, which were morphologically consistent with Serratospiculum guttatum.

DIAGNOSIS: Serratospiculosis

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The discovery of this parasite and the associated disease for the first time in New Zealand indicates that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory disease in falcons and possibly other raptors in New Zealand.     

Subcutaneous larval Taenia serialis in a ring-tailed possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

Coenuriasis is a condition resulting in subcutaneous cyst formation associated with infection by the larval stage of Taenia serialis , a tapeworm of the dog and associated carnivores.^1,2 This article is the first report of coenuriasis in an Australian arboreal marsupial (I Beveridge personal communication) and only the second in an Australian marsupial.³