Antimicrobial Sensitivity Profile in Psittacine Birds at an Avian Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Study, 2015-2022.

Veterinary hospitals house patient populations with diverse infectious statuses, microbiota, and histories of prior antibiotic therapy. Choanal swabs are commonly used for assessing the upper respiratory tract of birds for bacterial disease, with the samples submitted for cytologic testing and/or culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify and quantify bacteria isolated from choanal swabs collected from psittacine patients at a veterinary teaching hospital in Mexico City, Mexico. Data regarding bacterial isolates from choanal swabs were obtained from the medical records of companion psittacines suspected of upper respiratory bacterial disease that presented between November 2015 and December 2022. A total of 47.8% (175 of 366) of the bacterial isolates were from specimens obtained from red-lored Amazons (Amazona autumnalis). Gram-negative bacteria predominated, with 27 different genera identified. Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia were the most frequently isolated genera. A total of 90.4% (331 of 366) of the isolates were resistant to at least 1 antibiotic tested in the sensitivity panel, and a single Klebsiella isolate was resistant to 13 different antibiotics. Gentamicin had a high percentage of efficacy (79.5%; 182 of 229) against the bacterial isolates, whereas isolates tested against sulfonamide-trimethoprim (46.7%, 98 of 210), streptomycin (43.8%; 88 of 201), and clindamycin (12.9%; 15 of 116) had susceptibilities <50%. This is the first study to report common bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from choanal swab samples collected from companion psittacines suspected of upper respiratory disease in Mexico. Clinicians can use the information presented in this study as a guide for therapeutic decision-making when managing upper respiratory bacterial infections in companion psittacine patients.

Antemortem Diagnosis and Successful Long-term Management of Disseminated Intracoelomic Xanthogranulomatous Disease in an Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus).

A 12-year-old male eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) was referred for evaluation of coelomic distention. Computed tomography and blood work revealed coelomic effusion with free coelomic mineral-attenuating material and elevations in the bile acids and aspartate aminotransferase activity, respectively. Coelomic effusion was consistent with macrophagic inflammation with abundant intracellular lipids. Initial treatment with meloxicam resulted in minimal patient improvement. Disseminated xanthogranulomatous inflammation was suspected based on imaging and diagnostic laboratory results, which were consistent with those previously reported. Biopsy samples of liver tissue and intracoelomic masses confirmed this diagnosis. Treatment was initiated with prednisolone 1 mg/kg/d for 6 months, followed by 0.5 mg/kg/d for 3 months. Clinical improvement was assessed based on owner evaluation, plasma bile acid concentrations, and repeated computed tomographic scans. After 2 months of treatment, the owner reported improved behavior and appetite; this persisted throughout treatment and when the bird was reexamined 17 months following the cessation of steroid therapy. Bile acid concentrations were normal 10 months after the prednisolone therapy was discontinued. Diagnostic imaging showed minimal coelomic effusion 10 months after the last prednisolone dose was administered, with improved ventilation of the air sacs and static to improved dystrophic mineral foci. This report describes the antemortem diagnosis and treatment of disseminated coelomic xanthogranulomatous disease in a psittacine species, with an observed measurable therapeutic response.

Treatment of Recurrent Multifocal Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) with Intralesional Carboplatin in Poloxamer 407.

A 16-year-old male Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was presented with an ulcerated wing mass that was excised and diagnosed on histopathology as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A second surgery was performed to completely excise the tumor margins, resulting in over 5 years of remission for the neoplasm. However, over the next 6 years the patient developed SCC in 3 new locations on the body, as well as 2 squamous papillomas. The 2 papillomas were surgically excised and did not recur. Due to their size and location, none of the 3 new SCCs were amenable to complete excision. Instead, the 3 SCCs were managed with a series of treatments with intralesional carboplatin in poloxamer 407 and carbon dioxide surgical laser debridements. This treatment regimen has resulted in long-term (52 months, 30 months, and 17 months) resolution for all 3 of the SCCs. The overall survival time for the patient, from the initial diagnosis to the time of this report, is over 2900 days. While being treated for the 3 SCCs, the African grey parrot had no overt signs of complications or adverse side effects.

Crotalid Polyvalent F(ab)2 Antivenom Treatment in a Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).

Envenomation in avian species can result in death, with few cases of successful treatment described. A juvenile, wild-caught, intact female red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) used in falconry was presented for emergency evaluation after being bitten by a Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) approximately 2 hours before presentation. On presentation, the bird was quiet, alert, and responsive, with moderate swelling and discomfort of the digits on the right foot. Complete blood count (CBC) and plasma biochemistry abnormalities included a regenerative left shift, severe lymphopenia, and a moderate hypoproteinemia characterized by moderate hypoalbuminemia. Analgesic and antibiotic medications were administered during hospitalization. In addition, 5 mL of VenomVet was administered intravenously with crystalloid fluids over 60 minutes; no adverse effects were noted secondary to infusion. Improvement in the swelling was observed immediately after antivenom administration and nearly resolved within 12 hours. Complete resolution of digital swelling with no discomfort on palpation of that foot was observed 1 week after initial presentation. Blood collected at the 1 week reexamination was submitted for a CBC and plasma biochemistry panel. The results of the CBC revealed a reduced regenerative left shift, increased heterophil count, and a moderate monocytosis; the lymphopenia was resolved. A mild hypoalbuminemia still persisted. Ten months after presentation, the bird was reported to be doing well with no changes in function of the right foot and subsequently released from captivity.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in a Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus).

A 24-year-old, female cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was diagnosed and treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Diagnosis was based on a persistent lymphocytosis, with counts increasing 10 times from reference intervals with a high percentage of well-differentiated lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed neoplastic cells of T-cell origin. Specific treatment for the disease was initially withheld but commenced based on an increasing lymphocytosis and decreasing packed cell volume. Therapeutic management of the cockatiel's chronic lymphocytic leukemia was based on human protocols. Treatment with chlorambucil stabilized the disease but did not result in a significant regression of the neoplasm. The bird was euthanatized 15 months after the initial diagnosis and 8 months after treatment commenced. On the postmortem examination, extensive T-cell lymphocytic infiltration was found throughout the internal organs.

Cutaneous Mycobacteriosis Caused by Mycobacterium kansasii in a Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot (Amazona auropalliata).

An approximately 25-year-old, female, yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona auropalliata) was evaluated for a chronic, raised, ulcerative mass on the lateral aspect of the left thigh. Histopathology of an excisional biopsy revealed severe, chronic, multifocal-to-coalescing, ulcerated dermal and subcutaneous granulomas. No infectious organisms were observed on Ziehl-Neelsen or Gomori methenamine silver stains. The parrot was treated with oral sulfamethoxazoletrimethoprim and meloxicam. When reexamined 2 weeks later, the biopsy site had healed. Surgical biopsies were resubmitted 14 months after the original presentation due to recurrence of similar ulcerative lesions on the right leg. Histopathology revealed a similar inflammatory pattern, and hematoxylin-eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen, and silver stains on the biopsy samples were all negative. A Fite-Faraco stain revealed rare acid-fast bacilli throughout the lesion. Tissue polymerase chain reaction test was negative for Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium genavense. Mycobacterial culture and subsequent genotyping revealed Mycobacterium kansasii. Mycobacterium kansasii is a significant cause of mycobacteriosis in humans and, therefore, should be considered a potential zoonotic organism. This report describes an unusual primary cutaneous presentation of avian mycobacteriosis.

Treatment with chloroquine is retinotoxic in captive African penguins (Speniscus demersus). Attenuation and recovery of electroretinographic responses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of prophylactic anti-malarial chloroquine treatment, and its cessation, on electroretinographic (ERG) responses of captive African penguins. METHODS: A brief ERG protocol ("QuickRetCheck") was recorded under mesopic conditions with manual restraint and no sedation or pupil dilation. Birds were recorded on two separate occasions, first while being treated with a daily chloroquine dose of 10 mg/kg for 12 days (n = 15, treatment group) and second after 4 months without chloroquine treatment (n = 6, off-treatment group). Three birds were recorded on both occasions. Three other birds from the flock that died were studied histopathologically. RESULTS: Scotopic responses were unmeasurable in either recording and therefore were not analyzed. Mean a- and b-wave amplitudes of the mixed rod-cone responses to standard (3 cd·s/m2 ) and high (10 cd·s/m2 ) intensity flashes were higher in the off-treatment group. No difference in implicit times was observed. Sex, age, and number of previous chloroquine treatments did not affect ERG responses. Histopathology revealed Plasmodium spp.in the lungs, liver, and brain, but not in the eyes, of the necropsied birds, and there were no signs of retinitis or retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Daily chloroquine treatment was associated with attenuated ERG responses in penguins, which improve following cessation of treatment. Further work is warranted to establish a chloroquine dose that is efficacious yet has minimal adverse effects. Our results suggest that ERG responses of captive penguins undergoing ERG for any indication (such as prior to cataract surgery), must be evaluated in light of the birds' anti-malaria treatment status.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Heavy Metal Toxicosis in Six Waldrapp Ibis (Geronticus eremita).

Six adult Waldrapp ibis (Geronticus eremita) were presented with heavy metal toxicosis secondary to paint chip ingestion after being placed in an indoor confinement enclosure because of a regional highly pathogenic avian influenza epornitic and government restrictions. Four of the ibis developed clinical disease signs between 45 and 64 days of confinement, including weakness, lethargy, inability to fly, low body condition, and bilateral wing droop while 2 birds appeared to remain normal during that period. Common clinicopathological findings included elevated plasma aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and bile acids values. Erythrocyte morphological changes included prominent hypochromasia, decreased size of polychromatophils with occasional cytoplasmic stippling, abnormal shapes, and D cells. Whole-body radiographic imaging revealed particulate radio-opaque material in the ventriculus of all affected birds. One bird died before chelation therapy could be instituted and heavy metal testing of the liver revealed increased concentrations of lead and zinc. Lead toxicosis was diagnosed in the 5 remaining birds by plasma lead analysis. These 5 birds were hospitalized for an average of 40 days and treated with sodium calcium edetate and fluid therapy, which resulted in resolution of the toxicosis. Plasma biochemistry, complete blood counts, and blood lead values were performed repeatedly on all 5 birds and were used to guide therapy and monitor treatment response. This case series emphasizes the importance of early contingency planning and reviews the treatment of lead toxicosis in birds with a focus on long-term clinical monitoring and hematology.

[GnRH agonist implants in small animal practice - what do we know 13 years following EU registration?] / GnRH-Agonisten in der Kleintierpraxis ­ Was wissen wir 13 Jahre nach der EU-Zulassung?

The availability of GnRH agonist implants offers the possibility of a reversible, temporary downregulation of endocrine and germinative testicular function in male dogs and hobs. This review provides an overview of the registered indication, the induction of temporary infertility in healthy, intact, sexually mature male dogs (4.7 and 9.4 mg deslorelin) and hobs (9.4 mg deslorelin) as well as various off-label indications. Off-label use requires strict indications, informed consent from the owner and a lack of licensed medication (safe and optimum effect). Off-label indications in the male dog include sexual-hormone dependant (disturbing) behavior, benign prostatic hyperplasia, small adenomas of the hepatoid glands and alopecia X. Successful use of deslorelin implants for estrus suppression in jils, but also for the treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets in general have been described. Similarly, hormonal castration can be induced in tomcats and queens. The variable time to onset of effect and its duration (extremely variable in some animals) represent a challenge for breeders. No (sufficient) contraceptive activity was identified in male rabbits and male guinea pigs; however, treatment did successfully suppress the estrus cycle in female individuals of these species, as well as reproductive activity in male and female rats. Regarding the use in birds and reptiles, significant species-specific differences exist with regard to efficacy, time until onset of effect and duration of downregulation. In birds, the implant is efficient to fully suppress egg laying in chicken, Japanese quail and psittacids. In doves, egg laying is only significantly reduced. Successful treatment of reproduction-associated (unwanted) behaviour patterns (feather picking, aggression) has also been described. In some male birds, namely zebrafinch and Japanese quail, the deslorelin implant is suitable to reduce testosterone levels. Successful treatment of hormone-dependent tumours (Sertoli-cell tumorus) in budgerigars has been described as well as the modulation of specific behavior in turkeys and an efficacy in facilitating their keeping (i. e. reduction of aggression). In reptiles, only the successful use of deslorelin in iguana has been demonstrated to date.

Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis Caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes in a Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) and a Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis).

A 20-year-old female mute swan (Cygnus olor) originally in a flock of free-living swans on a Long Island, New York, lake, was presented for facial swelling and decreased appetite. An adult male ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) was also presented to the same wildlife rescue center for bilateral lameness of 1-week duration. Once referred for veterinary evaluation and care, both species were diagnosed with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes and treated with orbifloxacin until complete recovery. Chryseobacterium indologenes is infrequently diagnosed as an opportunistic pathogen in human medicine, and less so in veterinary medicine. In human patients, this bacterium is the cause of various infections, including meningitis, pneumonia, and implant failure. However, in veterinary medicine its pathogenicity has only been reported in fish, and sporadically mentioned as a culture result in tree frogs and turtles, where it was generally considered insignificant. In this report a clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by C indologenes is described in 1 anseriforme and in 1 charadriiforme species.

Evaluation of Orally Administered Atorvastatin on Plasma Lipid and Biochemistry Profiles in Hypercholesterolemic Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis).

Atorvastatin is a synthetic statin administered in its active form and used for the treatment of dyslipidemias. In the current study, the effects of atorvastatin were evaluated on plasma lipid profiles and the potential for adverse effects after once daily PO dosing of atorvastatin for 30 days in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Sixteen adult parrots (10 female, 6 male) with hypercholesterolemia were used for this study. Birds were assigned to 2 groups (treatment and control) of 8 parrots each (3 male, 5 female) after balancing for age, sex, originating institution, and baseline plasma cholesterol values. Compounded atorvastatin oral suspension (10 mg/kg) was administered PO once daily via gavage into the crop. Equivalent volumes of placebo suspension were administered to the control group. Plasma biochemistry and plasma lipid profile analysis (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and triglycerides [TGs]) were analyzed on days 0, 14, and 30. Plasma samples and HDL-C fractions were evaluated for cholesterol and TG concentrations via enzymatic assays. Subtraction of HDL-C values from total cholesterol yielded the non-HDL-C concentration for each bird. Birds were routinely assessed for appetite, activity, and urofeces. Plasma atorvastatin concentrations were obtained from 7 of 8 birds in the treatment group from banked samples. Those samples were obtained on days 14 and 30, with drug administration 6 to 8 hours before collection. No significant differences were observed in total cholesterol, HDL-C, non-HDL-C, or TG between treatment and control groups at days 0, 14, and 30. Plasma atorvastatin concentrations were variable on day 14 (0.54-5.41 ng/ mL for 6 of 7 samples, with 1 outlier of 307 ng/mL) and on day 30 (0.79-6.74 ng/mL). No adverse effects were noted in any of the birds during the study period. When dosed PO at 10 mg/kg once daily, atorvastatin did not result in significant changes to plasma lipid profiles (eg, lowering of plasma total or non-HDL-C concentrations) at any time point during this study. Future studies to investigate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of atorvastatin in parrots may require increased doses and/or frequency of administration.

Preliminary Pilot Study of Itraconazole After a Single Oral Dose of a Veterinary Formulation Solution in African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus).

Aspergillosis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in captive penguins. Itraconazole, an antifungal drug, is commonly used to treat aspergillosis infections in avian species; however, commercially available human formulations are costly, and studies have shown the effectiveness of compounded formulations to be unreliable. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a veterinary formulation of itraconazole, Itrafungol, for use in cats. This study provides preliminary results from limited sampling evaluating whether this veterinary formulation is suitable for future studies in the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). A 20 mg/kg PO itraconazole dose was administered to 9 African penguins. Blood samples were taken over the course of 24 hours; each sample was collected from a different bird to minimize stress to the animals. Plasma was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography for concentrations of itraconazole. The drug was absorbed in all penguins, and plasma concentrations in 5 of 9 penguins (56%) were found to be greater than the established therapeutic dose of 1.0 µg/ mL. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated a 20 mg/kg dose of itraconazole in a penguin species. The small sample size limits the conclusions that can be drawn from this preliminary study. Nonetheless, we demonstrate encouraging evidence that the FDA-approved formulation of oral itraconazole solution should be considered for future study as a cost-effective treatment for aspergillosis in African penguins and other avian species.

In silico, in ovo and in vitro antiviral efficacy of phosphorylated derivatives of abacavir: an experimental approach.

Outstanding increase of oral absorption, bioavailability, and antiviral efficacy of phosphorylated nucleosides and basic antiviral influence of abacavir is the central idea for the development of new series of phosphorylated abacavir (ABC) derivatives. The designed compounds were primarily screened for antiviral nature against HN protein of NDV and VP7 protein of BTV using the molecular environment approach. Out of all the designed compounds, the compounds which are having higher binding energies against these two viral strains were prompted for the synthesis of the target compounds (5A-K). Among the synthesized title compounds (5A-K), the compounds which have exhibited higher dock scores akin to the rest of the compounds were then selected and screened for the antiviral activity against NDV and BTV infected embryonated eggs and BHK 21 cell lines through the in ovo and in vitro approaches. The results revealed that all the designed compounds have formed higher binding energies against both the targets. Among all, the compounds which are selected based on their dock scores such as 5A, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5I, and 5K against NDV and 5J, 5E, 5I, 5C, 5A, and 5K against BTV have shown significant antiviral activity against HN protein of NDV, VP7 protein of Bluetongue virus in both NDV- and BTV-treated embryonated eggs and BHK 21 cell lines. Hence, it is concluded that, the best lead compounds will stand as the potential antiviral agents and prompted them as virtuous therapeutics against NDV and BTV in future.

Gastrointestinal Disease Associated with Non-albicans Candida Species in Six Birds.

A non-albicans Candida species was identified in 6 birds exhibiting clinical signs associated with gastrointestinal disease. The clinical disease signs noted in these 6 birds included diarrhea, regurgitation, and melena, and were considered concurrent or identified secondary to other comorbidities. Candida glabrata was identified in a yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona auropalliata), a ring-necked dove (Streptopelia capicola), a blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna), and 2 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). Candida krusei was identified in a white-crowned parrot (Pionus senilis). Fungal culture and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification was correlated with results of fecal and/or crop Gram's stains, and DNA sequencing was used in one case. Three cases resolved after treatment, 2 birds died, and 1 was lost to follow-up. Non-albicans Candida infections are an emerging issue in human health care and are known to have an increased resistance to antifungal drugs. Similar to Candida albicans, these non-albicans Candida species are often identified in patients that have a history of prior antibiotic exposure. Recent data in human medicine describe a shift in species distribution away from C albicans dominance and toward other species, including C glabrata and C krusei. Both species are considered normal flora within the human and bird mycobiota and may emerge to cause disease, especially when the normal gastrointestinal environment has been disrupted.

Intralesional methylprednisolone injection as an adjunct treatment for peri-cloacal pyogranuloma in an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus).

An African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) presented with a large peri-cloacal mass. The mass was diagnosed as a pyogranuloma histologically, with multifocal to coalescing inflammatory responses in the subcutis and keratinized simple stratified squamous epithelium overlying the surface. The patient was prescribed 125 mg/kg oral clavulanic acid/amoxycillin twice a day and 20 mg/kg oral terbinafine once a day for 14 days, but there was no change in the size of the mass 4 days after therapy, so a decision was made to administer 1 mg/kg of intralesional methylprednisolone. Fourteen days later, the mass resolved with no further recurrence. This case demonstrated that intralesional methylprednisolone used with antibiotic and antifungals was effective in resolving a peri-cloacal pyogranuloma and without any side effects.

DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF MYCOBACTERIOSIS IN A COLONY OF LITTLE PENGUINS (EUDYPTULA MINOR).

A group of zoo-housed little penguins (Eudyptula minor) was diagnosed with mycobacteriosis. While undergoing multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging for an unrelated research project, pulmonary lesions were detected in multiple individuals. In general, birds appeared healthy and free of outward signs of disease. After the loss of three individuals, polyclonal mycobacterial disease due to Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex was confirmed. Surviving birds were treated with rifampin (45 mg/kg), ethambutol (30 mg/kg), clarithromycin (10 mg/kg), and enrofloxacin (30 mg/kg) compounded into a single capsule administered once a day in food. After 3 mo of therapy, MDCT imaging documented a decrease in nodule size and number in all remaining birds, with further improvement documented after 13 mo of treatment. MDCT imaging was invaluable for diagnosing disease, documenting disease progression over time, and assessing response to therapy. Early initiation of therapy before the development of outward signs of disease led to resolution of mycobacterial pulmonary lesions in multiple penguins. Mycobacterial disease in this group of little penguins, as well as previously published reports, suggests that the species is at increased risk for developing mycobacteriosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of a Swainson's Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) With Rhinosinusitis.

A female Swainson's toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) was presented for examination with a 2-year history of mucoid nasal discharge and abnormal growth of the rhamphotheca. Nasal cytologic examination and culture results were consistent with mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial rhinitis. Radiographic and computed tomographic imaging demonstrated a deviated septum of the nasal diverticulum and multiple soft tissue densities in the caudal aspects of the maxillary and mandibular infraorbital diverticula of the infraorbital sinus. Results of rhinoscopy and biopsy confirmed bacterial rhinitis. Treatment included multiple nasal lavages with saline, gentamicin, and amphotericin B and systemic ciprofloxacin and tobramycin nebulizations for several weeks. Repeat radiographic imaging 4 years later showed resolution of most soft tissue opacities previously observed within the maxillary and mandibular diverticula but persistence of 3 areas of soft tissue, dense material within the maxillary sinus diverticulum. A sinus trephination procedure was performed through the maxillary bone for sinoscopy and sample collection and topical treatment. Results of aerobic bacterial cultures from the granulomas were negative. Biopsy results were consistent with keratin granulomas without bacterial or fungal infection. Two and a half years after trephination, the surgical site was fully healed with no recurrence of the nasal discharge. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of sinus trephination in a toucan and describes the advanced diagnostic and medical and surgical treatment of chronic rhinitis in this case.

Recurrent Subcutaneous Teratoma in an Adult Red-crowned Amazon Parrot (Amazona viridigenalis).

An approximately 42-year-old, wild-caught, red-crowned Amazon parrot (Amazona viridigenalis) was evaluated for a subcutaneous mass to the right of the keel. Cytologic examination of a fine needle aspirate of the mass were suggestive of granulomatous inflammation. The mass was surgically excised, and the parrot was treated with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Histologically, the mass was diagnosed as a teratoma with stratified squamous epithelial and neuroectodermal components. Tumor cells extended to surgical margins. Two years later, the neoplasm recurred, with regrowth of only the neuroectodermal component. The neoplasm was again removed surgically, but it recurred again 14 months later, necessitating a third surgery. Histopathologic examination confirmed recurrence of the original neoplasm in both instances, with incomplete margins on both excisions.

A novel herpesvirus associated with chronic superficial keratitis and proliferative conjunctivitis in a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus).

An adult great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus; GHOW) presented with a history of recurrent corneal ulceration of the right eye (OD). Findings included ulcerative superficial keratitis, proliferative conjunctivitis, and iris pigmentary changes. The ulcer was initially nonresponsive to medical therapy, but showed rapid and appropriate healing following diamond burr debridement. Proliferative conjunctivitis markedly improved following topical antiviral therapy with cidofovir 1%, interferon alpha 2B ophthalmic solutions, and oral l-lysine. Histopathologic evaluation of a conjunctival biopsy revealed epithelial features suspicious for viral cytopathic changes and intranuclear structures suspicious for viral inclusions, suggestive of a possible viral-induced papillomatous conjunctivitis. A novel alphaherpesvirus, referred to as Strigid Herpesvirus 1 (StrHV1), was identified using PCR and gene sequencing. This case represents a new clinical manifestation of a previously unreported herpesvirus in the GHOW. Identification of the herpes virus was critical to administration of appropriate therapy and resolution of the conjunctivitis, and corneal epithelial debridement promoted resolution of the chronic corneal epithelial defect.