RESUMEN
A 3-year-old female neutered ferret presented with progressive weight loss was diagnosed with portosystemic shunting based on increased fasting bile acids, rectal ammonia tolerance testing and advanced imaging. Ammonia reference values were determined in 16 healthy ferrets. A congenital extrahepatic spleno-caval shunt was visualised with ultrasonography and CT angiography of the abdomen. Complete surgical shunt closure by suture ligation was performed, without clinical improvement after surgery. Euthanasia was elected 4 months postoperatively because the clinical condition deteriorated. This is a case report of advanced diagnostics and surgical treatment of a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a ferret, demonstrating rectal ammonia tolerance testing and imaging as feasible techniques for the diagnosis.
Asunto(s)
Hurones , Derivación Portosistémica Intrahepática Transyugular , Femenino , Animales , Amoníaco , Derivación Portosistémica Intrahepática Transyugular/veterinaria , Ligadura/veterinaria , UltrasonografíaRESUMEN
Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, may be beneficial in the treatment of behavioural disorders in pet birds. The lack of pharmacokinetic data and clinical trials currently limits the use of this drug in clinical avian practice. This paper evaluates the pharmacokinetic properties and potential side effects of single and repeated dosing of paroxetine in Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). Paroxetine pharmacokinetics were studied after single i.v. and single oral dosing, and after repeated oral administration during 1 month. Plasma paroxetine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. No undesirable side effects were observed during the study. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a quick distribution and rapid elimination after i.v. administration. Oral administration of paroxetine HCl dissolved in water resulted in a relatively slow absorption (T(max)=5.9±2.6 h) and a low bioavailability (31±15%). Repeated administration resulted in higher rate of absorption, most likely due to a saturation of the cytochrome P450-mediated first-pass metabolism. This study shows that oral administration of paroxetine HCl (4 mg/kg twice daily) in parrots results in plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range recommended for the treatment of depressions in humans. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of this dosage regimen in parrots with behavioural disorders.
Asunto(s)
Paroxetina/farmacocinética , Loros/metabolismo , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/farmacocinética , Administración Oral , Animales , Femenino , Inyecciones Intravenosas/veterinaria , Masculino , Paroxetina/administración & dosificación , Paroxetina/sangre , Loros/sangre , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/administración & dosificación , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/sangreRESUMEN
Three mixed-bred raptors (Falco rusticolus x Falco cherrug) from a German falcon breeder were presented with a history of respiratory distress. In one bird a laryngeal stridor was noted, and oral examination revealed an epiglottal swelling. In the other two birds, nasal discharge and sneezing were the main clinical symptoms. Nasal flushing samples and biopsies were collected for pathologic, bacteriologic, and parasitologic examination. Results confirmed a cryptosporidial infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA analysis identified the causative agent to be Cryptosporidium baileyi. No cryptosporidia were detected in fecal samples, indicating the infection was confined to the respiratory system. Analysis of prey animals (pigeons, quail) failed to identify the source of infection. Treatment was initiated with paromomycin in all three birds, whereas in two birds an additional therapy with azithromycin was given. However, no clinical improvement was seen after several weeks of treatment, and the birds either died or were euthanatized. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first confirmed cases of disease caused by cryptosporidia in the order of Falconiformes.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/parasitología , Criptosporidiosis/veterinaria , Cryptosporidium/patogenicidad , Falconiformes/parasitología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/veterinaria , Animales , Secuencia de Bases , Enfermedades de las Aves/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de las Aves/patología , Criptosporidiosis/diagnóstico , Criptosporidiosis/parasitología , Criptosporidiosis/patología , Cryptosporidium/clasificación , Cryptosporidium/genética , Cryptosporidium/aislamiento & purificación , ADN Protozoario/genética , Alemania , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Filogenia , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/diagnóstico , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/parasitología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/patologíaRESUMEN
Hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is associated with increased circulating concentrations of adrenal androgens, whereas plasma concentrations of cortisol and ACTH are usually not affected. Here, we report on a 5-year-old castrated male pet ferret (Mustela putorius furo) in which the major presenting signs were polyuria and polyphagia. Routine biochemistry values were within their reference ranges. The urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio (UCCR) was increased and the plasma ACTH concentration was suppressed. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged right adrenal gland and atrophy of the left adrenal gland. Administration of hCG resulted in an increase of plasma cortisol and androstenedione concentrations. Based on these findings LH/hCG-dependent hypercortisolism and hyperandrogenism were suspected and treatment was started with a depot GnRH-agonist implant containing 9.4mg deslorelin. Within 3 weeks after placement of the implant all clinical signs had disappeared. Three months later the endocrine parameters had normalized, while abdominal ultrasonography revealed that the right adrenal gland had diminished in size and the left adrenal gland was considered of normal size. No recurrences of clinical signs were seen within 2 years after placement of the deslorelin implant. At that time urinary corticoid and plasma hormone concentrations were within their reference ranges, and no further change in the size of the adrenal glands was seen. In conclusion, this is the first confirmed case of LH-dependent hypercortisolism in a ferret that was treated successfully with a depot GnRH-agonist.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome de Cushing/veterinaria , Hurones , Hormona Luteinizante/fisiología , Corticoesteroides/orina , Hormona Adrenocorticotrópica/sangre , Animales , Creatinina/orina , Síndrome de Cushing/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Cushing/tratamiento farmacológico , Implantes de Medicamentos , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/agonistas , Hidrocortisona/sangre , Masculino , Poliuria/veterinaria , Pamoato de Triptorelina/administración & dosificación , Pamoato de Triptorelina/análogos & derivadosRESUMEN
Surgical castration in ferrets has been implicated as an etiological factor in the development of hyperadrenocorticism in this species due to a castration-related increase in plasma gonadotropins. In search for a suitable alternative, the effect of treatment with the depot GnRH-agonist implant, deslorelin, on plasma testosterone concentrations and concurrent testes size, spermatogenesis, and the typical musky odor of intact male ferrets was investigated. Twenty-one male ferrets, equally divided into three groups, were either surgically castrated, received a slow release deslorelin implant or received a placebo implant. Plasma FSH and testosterone concentrations, testis size and spermatogenesis were all suppressed after the use of the deslorelin implant. The musky odor in the ferrets which had received a deslorelin implant was less compared to the ferrets which were either surgically castrated or had received a placebo implant. These results indicate that the deslorelin implant effectively prevents reproduction and the musky odor of intact male ferrets and is therefore considered a suitable alternative for surgical castration in these animals.
Asunto(s)
Hurones , Orquiectomía/veterinaria , Pamoato de Triptorelina/análogos & derivados , Animales , Anticonceptivos Masculinos/administración & dosificación , Anticonceptivos Masculinos/farmacología , Hormona Folículo Estimulante/sangre , Masculino , Odorantes , Prótesis e Implantes , Testículo/citología , Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Testosterona/sangre , Factores de Tiempo , Pamoato de Triptorelina/administración & dosificación , Pamoato de Triptorelina/farmacologíaRESUMEN
This study was conducted to validate the use of high definition oscillometry (HDO) for non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) measurements in ferrets and to establish reference ranges for NIBP in minimally sedated, healthy, young adult ferrets (<4years of age). The bias, limits of agreement and correlation for HDO compared to direct arterial blood pressure (DABP) measurement were established in 14 anaesthetised ferrets. Measurements were performed at the forelimb, hind limb and tail under hypo- (<110mmHg), normo- (110-170mmHg) and hypertensive (>170mmHg) conditions. Although HDO correlated well with DABP (r>0.90), it showed significant proportional bias, whereby HDO generally underestimated DABP with hyper- and normotensive conditions, and overestimated DABP with hypotensive conditions. Measurements obtained from the hind limb showed higher bias than those obtained from the tail or forelimb (P<0.001). Based on the above, and for practical reasons, the tail was selected as the preferred site of cuff placement in ferrets. Subsequently, a cross-over study was performed in 10 ferrets to establish the minimum dose of butorphanol and midazolam needed to successfully obtain NIBP in 100% of cases. Using this dose (0.2mg/kg IM, each), reference intervals for NIBP from 63 healthy, young adult ferrets were established at 95-155mmHg (systolic), 69-109mmHg (mean) and 51-87mmHg (diastolic) arterial pressures.
Asunto(s)
Determinación de la Presión Sanguínea/veterinaria , Presión Sanguínea/fisiología , Hurones/fisiología , Animales , Masculino , Oscilometría/veterinaria , Valores de ReferenciaRESUMEN
Young rabbits and guinea pigs are often purchased as pets for children and may be infected with zoonotic skin infections. To assess the risk of acquiring such an infection from rabbits or guinea pigs, this study investigated the prevalence of the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes and the fur mite Cheyletiella parasitovorax in asymptomatic rabbits and guinea pigs in Dutch pet shops. In 91 pet shops a total of 213 rabbits and 179 guinea pigs were sampled using the Mackenzie technique and cultured. Clean cultures were examined microscopically and a PCR was performed on at least one sample from each pet shop. All animals were investigated for fur mite using a flea comb, a magnifying glass and white paper. From the fur of 3.8% (8/213) of the rabbits and 16.8% (30/179) of the guinea pigs, T. mentagrophytes was isolated. From 1 guinea pig (0,6%) Chrysosporium keratinophilum was isolated. Dermatophyte-positive rabbits and guinea pigs originated from 5.6% (5/90) and 27.3% (24/88) of the investigated pet shops, respectively. Fur mites were not found. Pet shops can play an important role in preventing transmission of zoonotic ringworm infections (dermatophytosis) and educating their customers. Specific preventive measures such as routine screening examinations and (prophylactic) treatment of rabbits and guinea pigs are recommended next to regular hygiene when handling animals.
Asunto(s)
Arthrodermataceae/aislamiento & purificación , Dermatomicosis/veterinaria , Infestaciones por Ácaros/veterinaria , Ácaros/clasificación , Trichophyton/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Dermatomicosis/epidemiología , Dermatomicosis/microbiología , Femenino , Cobayas , Humanos , Masculino , Infestaciones por Ácaros/epidemiología , Infestaciones por Ácaros/parasitología , Países Bajos/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Conejos , Piel/microbiología , Trichophyton/clasificación , ZoonosisRESUMEN
Four studies were performed to test the hypothesis that gonadotrophic hormones, and particularly luteinizing hormone (LH) play a role in the pathogenesis of ferrets: (I) adrenal glands of ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism were studied immunohistochemically to detect LH-receptors (LH-R); (II) gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation tests were performed in 10 neutered ferrets, with measurement of androstenedione, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol as endpoints; (III) GnRH stimulation tests were performed in 15 ferrets of which 8 had hyperadrenocorticism, via puncture of the vena cava under anesthesia; and (IV) urinary corticoid/creatinine (C/C) ratios were measured at 2-week intervals for 1 year in the same ferrets as used in study II. Clear cells in hyperplastic or neoplastic adrenal glands of hyperadrenocorticoid ferrets stained positive with the LH-R antibody. Plasma androstenedione and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations increased after stimulation with GnRH in 7 out of 8 hyperadrenocorticoid ferrets but in only 1 out of 7 healthy ferrets. Hyperadrenocorticoid ferrets had elevated urinary C/C ratios during the breeding season. The observations support the hypothesis that gonadotrophic hormones play a role in the pathogenesis of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets. This condition may be defined as a disease resulting from the expression of LH-R on sex steroid-producing adrenocortical cells.
Asunto(s)
Hiperfunción de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/veterinaria , Hurones , Hormona Luteinizante/fisiología , Orquiectomía/veterinaria , Ovariectomía/veterinaria , 17-alfa-Hidroxiprogesterona/orina , Adenoma/metabolismo , Adenoma/patología , Corteza Suprarrenal/citología , Corteza Suprarrenal/metabolismo , Corteza Suprarrenal/patología , Hiperfunción de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/fisiopatología , Androstenodiona/orina , Animales , Femenino , Hurones/fisiología , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/metabolismo , Humanos , Hidrocortisona/orina , Inmunohistoquímica , Hormona Luteinizante/metabolismo , Masculino , Receptores de HL/metabolismoRESUMEN
This paper describes the signs, clinical pathology, and postmortem findings in 14 young African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) that were naturally infected with psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) virus (psittacine circovirus). All but two of the parrots had severe leukopenia at clinical presentation. Two other parrots also had severe anemia. All birds died within 3 wk after presentation. Postmortem examination documented liver necrosis in 11 of 14 birds and secondary bacterial or fungal infections in 9 of 14 birds. Tests for Chlamydia psittaci, polyomavirus, and Salmonella sp. were negative. PBFD viral infection could be demonstrated in all birds by polymerase chain reaction. Supporting evidence of PBFD viral infection was gathered by histologic examination of the bursa of Fabricius, electron microscopy, and DNA in situ hybridization. Electron microscopic examination of both the bursa of Fabricius and liver revealed virus particles resembling circovirus. DNA in situ hybridization of six liver tissue samples confirmed the presence of PBFD virus and excluded the presence of avian polyomavirus. Our findings suggest that a specific presentation of peracute PBFD viral infection, characterized by severe leukopenia, anemia, or pancytopenia and liver necrosis in the absence of feather and beak abnormalities, may occur in young African grey parrots.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/patología , Infecciones por Circoviridae/veterinaria , Leucopenia/veterinaria , Loros , Animales , Infecciones por Circoviridae/patología , Circovirus , Resultado Fatal , Leucopenia/patología , Hígado/patología , Microscopía Electrónica/veterinariaRESUMEN
Hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is usually associated with unaltered plasma concentrations of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), although the urinary corticoid/creatinine ratio (UCCR) is commonly elevated. In this study the urinary glucocorticoid excretion was investigated in healthy ferrets and in ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism under different circumstances. In healthy ferrets and in one ferret with hyperadrenocorticism, approximately 10% of plasma cortisol and its metabolites was excreted in the urine. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed one third of the urinary corticoids to be unconjugated cortisol; the other peaks mainly represented cortisol conjugates and metabolites. In 21 healthy sexually intact ferrets, the UCCR started to increase by the end of March and declined to initial values halfway the breeding season (June). In healthy neutered ferrets there was no significant seasonal influence on the UCCR. In two neutered ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism the UCCR was increased, primarily during the breeding season. In 27 of 31 privately owned ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism, the UCCR was higher than the upper limit of the reference range (2.1 x 10(-6)). In 12 of 14 healthy neutered ferrets dexamethasone administration decreased the UCCR by more than 50%, whereas in only 1 of the 28 hyperadrenocorticoid ferrets did the UCCR decrease by more than 50%. We conclude that the UCCR in ferrets primarily reflects cortisol excretion. In healthy sexually intact ferrets and in ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism the UCCR increases during the breeding season. The increased UCCR in hyperadrenocorticoid ferrets is resistant to suppression by dexamethasone, indicating ACTH-independent cortisol production.
Asunto(s)
Hiperfunción de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/orina , Hiperfunción de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/veterinaria , Hurones/orina , Glucocorticoides/orina , Hidrocortisona/orina , Reproducción/fisiología , Hiperfunción de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Animales/orina , Animales , Creatinina/orina , Dexametasona , Femenino , Masculino , Radioinmunoensayo/veterinaria , Valores de Referencia , Estaciones del AñoRESUMEN
Pituitary tumours are the cause of hyperadrenocorticism in a variety of species, but the role of the pituitary gland in hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets is not known. In this species, the disease is mediated by the action of excess gonadotrophins on the adrenal cortex and is characterized by an excessive secretion of sex steroids. In this study, the pituitary gland of four healthy control ferrets, intact or neutered, and 10 neutered ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism was examined histologically following immunohistochemical labelling for adrenocorticotrophic hormone, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin. Immunohistochemistry revealed that somatotrophs, thyrotrophs and lactotrophs were the most abundant cell types of the pars distalis of the pituitary gland in the healthy ferrets. The distribution of corticotrophs was similar to that in the dog and man. In ferrets, as in dogs, the melanotrophic cell was almost the only cell type of the pars intermedia. Gonadotrophs were found in the pars distalis of neutered, but not intact ferrets. All the ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism had unilateral or bilateral alterations of the adrenal gland. In addition, in the pituitary gland of two of these ferrets a tumour was detected. These tumours were not immunolabelled by antibodies against any of the pituitary hormones, and had characteristics of the clinically non-functional gonadotroph tumours seen in man. In some of the other ferrets low pituitary immunoreactivity for gonadotrophic hormones was detected, which may have been due to the feedback of autonomous steroid secretion by the neoplastic transformation of the adrenal cortex. It is concluded that initially high concentrations of gonadotrophins resulting from castration may initiate hyperactivity of the adrenal cortex. The low incidence of pituitary tumours and the low density of gonadotrophin-positive cells in non-affected pituitary tissue in this study suggest that persistent hyperadrenocorticism is not dependent on persistent gonadotrophic stimulation.
Asunto(s)
Hiperfunción de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/patología , Hiperfunción de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/veterinaria , Hipófisis/patología , Adenoma , Glándulas Suprarrenales/patología , Hiperfunción de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/etiología , Animales , Castración/efectos adversos , Femenino , Hurones , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Masculino , Neoplasias Hipofisarias/etiología , Neoplasias Hipofisarias/patología , Neoplasias Hipofisarias/veterinariaRESUMEN
Two experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of sampling techniques on the plasma concentrations of pituitary and adrenocortical hormones in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). In the first experiment blood was collected on two occasions from 29 ferrets which were either manually restrained or anaesthetised with isoflurane. In the second experiment eight intact ferrets were fitted with jugular catheters and blood was collected on four occasions, just before and as soon as possible after they had been manually restrained or anaesthetised with medetomidine or isoflurane; blood was also collected 10 and 30 minutes after the induction of anaesthesia. Medetomidine anaesthesia had no effect on the plasma concentrations of pituitary and adrenocortical hormones. Isoflurane anaesthesia resulted in a significant increase in the plasma concentration of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) directly after the induction of anaesthesia. Manual restraint resulted in a significant increase in the plasma concentrations of cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and a decrease in the plasma concentration of alpha-MSH.
Asunto(s)
Anestesia/veterinaria , Hurones/fisiología , Restricción Física/veterinaria , Manejo de Especímenes/veterinaria , Hormona Adrenocorticotrópica/sangre , Hormona Adrenocorticotrópica/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Análisis Químico de la Sangre/veterinaria , Femenino , Hurones/sangre , Hidrocortisona/sangre , Hidrocortisona/metabolismo , Hiperaldosteronismo/diagnóstico , Hiperaldosteronismo/veterinaria , Isoflurano/farmacología , Masculino , Medetomidina/farmacología , Pruebas de Función Adreno-Hipofisaria/veterinaria , alfa-MSH/sangre , alfa-MSH/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
A 16-year-old male white cockatoo was presented with lethargy and a decreased appetite. Auscultation between the second and third sternal rib revealed a heart murmur, which was confirmed by electrocardiographic and phonocardiographic examination to be systolic, with a shift of the heart axis to -152 degrees. Radiographs showed lack of detail in the cranial part of the abdominal coelom, indicative of ascites and an enlarged cardiac shadow, while ultrasonographic examination revealed pericardial effusion and fluid accumulation in the cavitas peritonealis hepatica. An extra fluid-filled cavity was found at the atrioventricular junction in the right cardiac wall and colour Doppler examination demonstrated a turbulent jetstream of blood into the cavity, originating directly above the aortic valve. Non-selective angiocardiography confirmed the ultrasonographic observations. Findings were indicative of an aneurysm of the a. coronaria dextra (right coronary artery). This was confirmed by necropsy which revealed atherosclerosis to be the underlying cause.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/diagnóstico , Aneurisma Coronario/veterinaria , Vasos Coronarios/patología , Psittaciformes , Angiografía/veterinaria , Animales , Arteriosclerosis/complicaciones , Arteriosclerosis/veterinaria , Enfermedades de las Aves/patología , Aneurisma Coronario/diagnóstico , Aneurisma Coronario/etiología , Diagnóstico DiferencialRESUMEN
The composition of 12 commercial feeds for mynah birds was analysed, with special attention being paid to the iron content. To prevent iron overload, the iron content of such diets should be maximally 5 mg/MJ, which is equivalent to 100 mg iron/kg if the commercial diet is the sole food source. Only three of the 12 feeds met this requirement. In all feeds the iron content was minimally three times higher than the recently suggested iron requirement of 25 mg/kg. In general, the total iron intake is not reduced sufficiently by providing cooked rice or fruit together with commercial feeds.
Asunto(s)
Alimentación Animal/análisis , Enfermedades de las Aves/prevención & control , Hemocromatosis/veterinaria , Quelantes del Hierro/administración & dosificación , Hierro/análisis , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales , Animales , Aves , Hemocromatosis/prevención & control , Hierro/administración & dosificaciónRESUMEN
Signs of oestrus, including vulvar swelling and alopecia are frequently seen in ovariectomized ferrets. Between 1997 and 1999, 25 ovariectomized ferrets presented with symptoms of vulvar swelling and symmetric alopecia at the University Clinic of Companion Animals. In 18 of these animals, ovarian remnants were found. To prevent failure to remove all ovarian tissue in the ferret, thorough identification of the ovaries, which are surrounded by large fat deposits, is necessary. The incision should be long enough to allow good visualization of the surgical field.
Asunto(s)
Detección del Estro , Hurones/fisiología , Hurones/cirugía , Ovariectomía/veterinaria , Alopecia/veterinaria , Animales , Femenino , Hurones/anatomía & histología , Ovariectomía/normas , Ovario/patología , Reoperación/veterinaria , Insuficiencia del TratamientoRESUMEN
The detection and correction of dietary errors plays an important role in avian medicine. Examples of diseases caused in part by a deficiency or abundance of a nutrient include hypovitaminosis A in birds of the parrot (Psittacidae) family, hypocalcemia in the African grey parrot, goitre in budgerigars, and iron storage diseases in the minah and toucan. Hypovitaminosis A can lead to metaplasia of mucous membranes, which in turn can lead to chronic rhinitis and respiratory fungal infections. Vitamin A deficiency is caused by feeding a seed based diet. Seed mixtures are often deficient in calcium, and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism can develop if an additional source of calcium, in the form of ground shells, is not provided. Tetanic symptoms as a result of hypocalcemia are only seen in the African grey parrot and the timneh parrot. Over supplementation of vitamin D gives rise to poisoning with polyuria and polydipsia as common initial symptoms. The exact cause of iron storage diseases in toucans and minahs is not known. A diet low in iron and vitamin C is advised as therapy. Goitre can develop in budgerigars as a result of iodine-deficient drinking water and provision of a seed mixture based on millet. An unbalanced or multideficient diet can give rise to reproductive disorders, abnormal feathers, or infections as a result of diminished resistance. It is usually not possible to relate the cause of these diseases in a simple way to the composition of the diet. Obesity, which occurs in the galah, Amazon parrot, and budgerigars, can lead to fatty liver and lipoma. A gradual reduction in weight, by means of calorie restriction, is recommended. Commercially available nutritionally balanced bird food is often effective.
Asunto(s)
Alimentación Animal/normas , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/etiología , Enfermedades Carenciales/veterinaria , Dieta/veterinaria , Alimentación Animal/efectos adversos , Animales , Aves , Calcio/deficiencia , Enfermedades Carenciales/etiología , Dieta/efectos adversos , Dieta/normas , Yodo/deficiencia , Deficiencias de Hierro , Semillas/química , Deficiencia de Vitamina A/etiología , Deficiencia de Vitamina A/veterinaria , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/etiología , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/veterinariaRESUMEN
In the current study, the duration of effectiveness, owner satisfaction and side effects of a gonadotrophin releasing hormone-agonist (deslorelin) implant were investigated during a two-year follow-up study in which 61 male and 69 female entire pet ferrets were given a 4.7â mg deslorelin implant as alternative to surgical neutering. In 27 participating non-oestrous jills, a double-blind placebo controlled study was performed to investigate whether a single low dose of medroxyprogesterone (2â mg orally) four days preceding placement of the implant could prevent oestrus induction. The duration of effectiveness of the implant ranged from 301 days to over 1339â days (mean 1012±38â days), with no sex difference present. Over 90 per cent of owners were pleased with the effects of the implant. Minor local side effects were noted in less than 20 per cent of ferrets, which all resolved within a week without treatment. Oestrus was induced in 77 per cent of jills receiving medroxyprogesterone and 50 per cent of jills receiving the placebo, indicating that administration of a low-dose progestogen cannot prevent postimplant oestrus. Based on the minimum duration of effectiveness, it is advised to place a new implant on a yearly basis to guarantee continuous gonadal suppression, although biannual replacement may be sufficient in the majority of ferrets.
Asunto(s)
Implantes de Medicamentos/uso terapéutico , Hurones , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/agonistas , Pamoato de Triptorelina/análogos & derivados , Animales , Castración/veterinaria , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Hurones/cirugía , Estudios de Seguimiento , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/efectos adversos , Masculino , Satisfacción del Paciente/estadística & datos numéricos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Pamoato de Triptorelina/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
Preputial tumours in ferrets are frequently malignant and therefore warrant prompt investigation. As many cases do not respond favourably to surgery, even in combination with radiation therapy, wide surgical resection has been recommended. Such a procedure may necessitate partial or total penile resection but outcomes have thus far not been well described. The current case series describes two ferrets in which surgical resection, including penile amputation, was performed using 10 and 5 mm margins, respectively. In the first case, no recurrence of preputial gland adenocarcinoma was noted for 32 months postsurgery, whereas multiple attempts at surgery and radiation therapy were unsuccessful in the second. These cases suggest that margins of at least 1 cm may help achieve a better outcome. Penile amputation for the treatment of preputial tumours appears to be well tolerated by ferrets, as demonstrated by these cases.
Asunto(s)
Hurones/cirugía , Neoplasias del Pene/veterinaria , Amputación Quirúrgica/métodos , Amputación Quirúrgica/veterinaria , Animales , Masculino , Neoplasias del Pene/cirugía , Pene/cirugíaRESUMEN
The 2 objectives of this study were to (1) measure by quantitative polymerase chain reaction the expression of genes involved in steroid and inhibin synthesis in adrenocortical tumors of gonadectomized ferrets and (2) localize by immunohistochemistry several proteins that are key to adrenal steroidogenesis. Relative to the control adrenals, expression of the messenger RNAs encoding StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; P = 0.039), CYP11A (P = 0.019), CYP21 (P = 0.01), and 3ß-HSD (P = 0.004), all involved in the synthesis of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, were decreased in the adrenocortical tumors. In contrast, expression of cytochrome B5 (CytB5; P = 0.0001) and aromatase (P = 0.003), involved in androgen and estrogen synthesis, and both inhibin α-subunit (P = 0.002) and ßB-subunit (P = 0.001) were upregulated. In tumors, immunostaining of CYP21 was low, whereas staining of Cyp17 and CytB5, necessary for androgen synthesis, was present. It is concluded that ferret adrenocortical tumors express genes for androgen production. In addition, the expression of aromatase and inhibin suggests an even more gonadal differentiation, which is reminiscent to the fact that both gonads and adrenals are derived from a common urogenital primordial cell.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/veterinaria , Andrógenos/biosíntesis , Carcinoma/veterinaria , Estrógenos/biosíntesis , Hurones , Inhibinas/metabolismo , Neoplasias de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/metabolismo , Neoplasias de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/patología , Androstenodiona/genética , Androstenodiona/metabolismo , Animales , Carcinoma/metabolismo , Carcinoma/patología , Femenino , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/fisiología , Inmunohistoquímica/veterinaria , Inhibinas/genética , Masculino , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinariaRESUMEN
Active thermal devices are used to prevent hypothermia during anaesthetic procedures. Two thermal devices, one conductive and one convective, were compared for their effect on maintenance of core body temperature (CBT) during 1h of general anaesthesia in pigeons (Columba livia domestica). In a randomised crossover trial, CBT decreased significantly less with the conductive device than when the convective device was used (2.5 ± 0.7°C and 3.8 ± 0.9°C, respectively; P<0.01). Moreover, CBT was maintained above a clinically acceptable level of 38.3°C in 82% of pigeons when the conductive device was selected, compared to 14% of pigeons with the convective device. The use of the conductive device is therefore recommended in preference to the convective device when performing anaesthetic procedures in birds.