Use of radiography to identify keel bone fractures in laying hens and assess healing in live birds

The aim of this study was to use radiography to assess and characterise naturally occurring keel bone fractures in laying hens and monitor live birds over several weeks to examine the healing process. Twenty-four Lohmann brown commercial laying hens with varying degrees of keel bone fracture were used in the study. Birds were radiographed regularly over six weeks and the radiographic features and changing appearance of keel bone fractures were evaluated. The radiographic characteristics of old and new fractures were categorised and indicated that 80 per cent of birds entering the study with new fractures had healed after 35 days and five birds had incurred new fractures irrespective of their original fracture status.     

Diagnostic radiology of pet and wild birds: a review II. Indications of radiological examination and radiographs of pathological lesions

The second part of the review dealing with the diagnostic radiology of pet and wild birds discusses the indications of radiological examination, the interpretation of radiographs taken of pathological lesions, and the differential diagnosis of such lesions. Radiology has paramount importance in the diagnosis of diseases affecting the skeletal, digestive, respiratory, urogenital and cardiovascular systems. Certain diseases (shortage of grits, ovarian cysts) cannot be recognized without radiography. Other conditions (e.g. Macaw Wasting Disease, renal tumours, egg retention) require this complementary diagnostic method for confirmation of a suspicion based upon the clinical signs. Radiographic examination is also indicated for follow-up of the surgical management of bone fractures and for facilitating the implantation of transponders aimed at individual identification of the birds.     

Needle catheter duodenostomy: a technique for duodenal alimentation of birds

A technique for duodenal alimentation (needle catheter duodenostomy) of birds was developed, using the domestic pigeon (Columba livia) as the experimental model. A needle catheter was inserted into the descending duodenum of 5 pigeons and was secured to the body wall and dorsum of each bird. A liquid diet was administered daily (in equal amounts of 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours) for 14 days without adverse effects. On day 15, the catheters were removed, and the birds immediately resumed normal consumption of a pigeon ration and water diet. Although 4 of the 5 birds had minor weight loss, dietary alterations probably could be used on an individual basis to alleviate this problem. After oral alimentation was resumed, the 5 birds exceeded their initial body weight within 7 days. Four weeks after catheter removal, positive-contrast radiographic evaluations indicated that the duodenum of each pigeon appeared normal. Needle catheter duodenostomy was a viable method of alimentation in the domestic pigeon. This technique should be applicable for other avian species requiring bypass of the upper gastrointestinal tract proximal to the region of catheter insertion in the duodenum.     

Calcium metabolism in birds.

Calcium is one of the most important plasma constituents in mammals and birds. It provides structural strength and support (bones and eggshell) and plays vital roles in many of the biochemical reactions in the body. The control of calcium metabolism in birds is highly efficient and closely regulated in a number of tissues, primarily parathyroid gland, intestine, kidney, and bone. The hormones with the greatest involvement in calcium regulation in birds are parathyroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol), and estrogen, with calcitonin playing a minor and uncertain role. The special characteristics of calcium metabolism in birds, mainly associated with egg production, are discussed, along with common clinical disorders secondary to derangements in calcium homeostasis.     

Viral diseases of companion birds.

Many viruses definitively cause disease in our companion birds, whereas other viruses have been implicated or associated with typical clinical signs. Some families of viruses that have been discovered in mammals have not been associated with disease in birds. It is imperative to perform a necropsy on any birds that die--whether a pet, aviary, or display bird, and despite the fact that other diseases may be present--because viruses can occur concurrently, especially when immunosuppression is present. Also, it is imperative to use available vaccines to decrease and control the incidence of these diseases, as has occurred in the canine and feline pet populations.     

Emergency and critical care of pet birds.

Critically ill birds must be assessed accurately and provided with immediate supportive care. This article reviews the assessment and diagnostics required for evaluating the critical avian patient. The most common emergencies seen in pet birds are discussed. Diagnostics and treatments protocols are provided to help direct the practitioner toward a complete recovery.     

Fungal diseases of birds of prey.

Aspergillosis and candidiasis are ranked among the most common infectious diseases in birds of prey. The prevention of these fungal diseases is often easier than treatment. Thus the clinician should strive to prevent infection by minimizing stress, maintaining a healthy environment, limiting long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroids, and reducing exposure to fungal organisms. Although less commonly diagnosed among wild, free-ranging birds of prey, a high incidence in a free-ranging population should make the clinician think of an immunocompromising factor (i.e., toxins, human encroachment or low prey base) that may be contributing to infection. The diagnosis of aspergillosis and candidiasis often requires more than just the identification of the agent, as these ubiquitous organisms often are cultured from healthy birds of prey. In those birds of prey in which a fungal infection is highly suspected or proven, antifungal drugs remain the mainstay of treatment, although available drugs and modes of delivery have improved in recent years.     

Shock and cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation in small mammals and birds.

Small mammals and birds present unique challenges for the clinician in treatment of life-threatening conditions. Numerous books have been written on shock, critical care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in small animals. The basic protocols can be adapted for use in small mammals and birds. A general review of the pathophysiology of shock is important to the understanding of fluid therapy plans discussed in this article. Using the general principles of cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation in small animals, protocols are discussed for use in birds and small mammals.     

Critical care of pet birds. Procedures, therapeutics, and patient support.

Critically ill birds must be recognized, accurately assessed, and provided rapid appropriate treatment. This article presents a method of assessment and supportive care for critically ill birds. A problem-oriented approach based on clinical signs is presented, accompanied by suggested diagnostic tests. Techniques used to treat critically ill birds are also discussed.     

EVALUATION OF THE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT IN PSITTACINES USING RADIOLOGY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

In the last 2¹/₂ years, 288 grey parrot and amazon species with symptoms of respiratory disease clinically were presented to the clinic for avian medicine at the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen. Ventro-dorsal and latero-lateral radiographs were taken from all birds; radiologic signs of lower respiratory tract disease were noted. Radiographs were normal in 55 of the birds. The results of the radiographic examination for the remaining 233 birds were compared with the necropsy results of terminally ill parrots, with the results of laboratory examinations/endoscopy/and/or with an examination by computed tomography. Thoracic radiographs were evaluated for occurring radiological abnormalities pertaining to the respiratory tract. The frequency of these lesions and their association with a disease process and/or specific etiology was noted.     

Wound management in nonpsittacine birds.

Although nonpsittacine avian species comprise many different groups of birds, basic medical and surgical principles common to wound management in many vertebrate species are still applicable. This article will delve into examination and wound assessment along with therapeutic stabilization of wounded nonpsittacine birds. An overview of common case presentations that lead to a necessity for wound care are included, and may focus on one particular avian group, but the information can be used on a variety of avian species.     

Blood parasites of imported psittacine birds.

Of 117 imported psittacine birds examined for the presence of blood parasites, 18 (15-3 per cent) were found to be infected. The most common parasites were microfilaria and Haemoproteus, but Aegyptianella and a Trypanosoma sp were also observed. Haemoproteus handai was diagnosed in several birds and for the first time in lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos. The significance of the parasites observed is discussed and also that of other haematozoa recorded from psittacines but not found during the present survey.     

Radiological examination of the rabbit. 1. The head, thorax and vertebral column

The normal radiographic anatomy of the head, thorax and vertebral column of the rabbit is described briefly and the radiological features of some disorders affecting these areas are reported.     

Anesthesia and analgesia of ornamental birds

Pet birds are frequently viewed as difficult patients for anaesthesia. The present paper revises the current anaesthetic procedures for injectable and inhalant anaesthetics. Currently the method of choice for the anaesthesia of pet birds is the isoflurane inhalation anaesthesia. Special emphasis is given to the preanaesthetic preparations. Fasting is shorter for pet birds than for mammals. Anaesthetized birds are at special risk for hypothermia. Methods for the prevention of heat loss are given. The use of analgesics are recommended both for welfare reasons but also because of the possibility to reduce the concentration of inhalation anaesthetics and therefore the amount of possible exposure of personnel to waste gases.     

Endoscopy in birds

Endoscopic examination is described as a valuable diagnostic method in birds. In the introduction, reference is made to the literature on this subject. Apart from the classical approaches, alternative sites to enter the thoraco-abdominal cavity in birds are discussed. The basic equipment for endoscopy in birds is described and a new biopsy forceps which makes a secondary puncture redundant is introduced. After a discussion of the indications and complications, the value of the endoscopic examination is compared with other diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of avian tuberculosis in birds.     

Endoscopy in birds

Summary

Endoscopic examination is described as a valuable diagnostic method in birds. In the introduction, reference is made to the literature on this subject. Apart from the classical approaches, alternative sites to enter the thoraco‐abdominal cavity in birds are discussed. The basic equipment for endoscopy in birds is described and a new biopsy forceps which makes a secundary puncture redundant is introduced.

After a discussion of the indications and complications, the value of the endoscopic examination is compared with other diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of avian tuberculosis in birds.     

A survey for paramyxoviruses in caged birds, wild birds, and poultry in New Zealand

AIMS: To determine the presence of avian paramyxovirus (APMV) types 1, 2, and 3 in caged and wild birds, and APMV-2 and -3 in poultry in New Zealand. METHODS: Blood samples collected from caged (231) and wild birds (522) from various regions of New Zealand in 1997-99 were tested by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test for antibodies to APMV types 1, 2, and 3. Blood samples collected from 1778 commercial poultry in 1996-99 were tested for APMV-2 and APMV-3 antibodies and the samples that reacted with APMV-3 antigen were tested for antibodies to APMV-1. Isolation of APMV was attempted from cloacal swabs collected from 116 of the caged birds and 175 of the wild birds sampled. RESULTS: Antibodies to APMV types 1, 2, and 3 were detected in 4.8, 1.7, and 2.6%, respectively, of caged bird samples. The majority of these caged birds were 'exotic' or 'fancy' poultry breeds. Amongst wild birds, 4.2% had titres to APMV-2 and over half of these were passerine birds; 1.7% of the samples had titres to APMV-1 and 0.8% to APMV-3 antigen. No virus was isolated from any of the cloacal swabs tested. Of the 1778 poultry serum samples tested, only 5 reacted with APMV-3 antigen and these were later found to be cross-reactions to APMV-1. No reactions were detected with APMV-2 antigen. CONCLUSIONS: APMV-1 is present in caged birds, wild birds, and poultry of New Zealand. There is no conclusive evidence of the presence of APMV-2 and APMV-3 in poultry or APMV-3 in wild birds. The results do not provide conclusive evidence for the presence of APMV-2 in wild birds in New Zealand.     

Respiratory diseases of gallinaceous birds.

Respiratory conditions constitute many of the diseases affecting all avian species, including gallinaceous birds. Clinical signs and gross lesions of different respiratory diseases are often similar, and establishing a definitive diagnosis may require ancillary laboratory testing. Determination of a specific diagnosis allows practitioners to select the most effective therapies and to prescribe a management program that prevents recurrence.