Superficial Chronic Ulcerative Dermatitis (SCUD) in Psittacine Birds: Review of 11 Cases (2008-2016).

We reviewed 11 cases of superficial chronic ulcerative dermatitis (SCUD) in psittacine birds that presented to an exotic animal practice over an 8-year period. African grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus) were overrepresented, accounting for 55% of SCUD-affected birds. All affected birds were hand-reared pets and bonded strongly to their owners. In all cases, fungal culture results were negative. The most commonly cultured bacteria were Enterobacter cloacae (27%), followed by Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus (both 18%). An underlying cause of behavioral self-mutilation with secondary infection of dermatitis lesions by opportunistic bacteria was suspected in 10 of 11 cases. The axillae were the most common anatomic sites affected (45%). In two cases, more than one site was affected concurrently. Mean age of birds affected was 11.4 years. Two birds had suffered from SCUD previously, with 1 bird having suffered from 3 previous episodes and was euthanized as a result. All birds were treated with systemic antibiotics, topical antibacterial preparations, and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A neck collar was applied in all cases. Median time to clinical resolution was 2 months (range, 1-21 months). Excluding the bird that was euthanized, all birds showed a positive response to treatment.

Cloacal Prolapse in Raptors: Review of 16 Cases.

Sixteen cases of cloacal prolapse in raptors were reviewed in this study. Colonic prolapse was the most common presentation (56% of cases). Red-tailed hawks ( Buteo jamaicensis ) were overrepresented, comprising 66% of colonic prolapse cases. In cases of colonic prolapse, postsurgical stricture formation was a commonly identified complication after resection and anastomosis of the colon. A novel technique was used in 2 cases of colonic prolapse, in which sterile, semirigid rubber tubing was placed in the distal colon and removed per-cloaca at the end of the procedure; this facilitated a secure, fluid-tight anastomosis while maintaining sufficient intestinal lumen. Oviductal prolapse (31% of cases) was associated with the most guarded prognosis (40% treatment success). Cloacoliths were treated successfully in 2 birds (13% of cases) by minimally invasive per-cloacal manual removal.

Distraction Osteogenesis Correction of Mandibular Ramis Fracture Malunion in a Juvenile Mute Swan ( Cygnus olor ).

A juvenile mute swan (Cygnus olor) was presented with right lateral deviation of the mandible. Radiographs demonstrated a healed fracture of the right mandibular ramis, which had compromised osteogenesis. A corrective osteotomy was performed and an osteogenic distractor was inserted over the lateral aspect of the right mandible. Dental acrylic implants were fixed to the rhinotheca to correct rotational alignment. A pharyngostomy tube was placed to facilitate administration of nutrition and medication. Postoperative images confirmed correct alignment of the mandible in relation to the maxilla. Implants were removed and postoperative complications were not reported. This is the first report of an osteogenic distractor used to correct mandibular deviation in an avian species. Distraction osteogenesis should be considered as a valid surgical option in juvenile or adult avian patients with pathologic bone shortening.

Calcinosis Circumscripta in the Digital Extensor Tendon of a Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax).

A 9-month-old, captive-bred, female tawny eagle (Aquila rapax) presented with a nonpainful, firm, nodular structure attached to the digital extensor tendon. The mass was surgically resected without complications and was submitted for histopathologic examination. Grossly, cut surfaces of the lesion had chalky-white deposits. Histologically, the resected tissue was identified as calcinosis circumscripta. No recurrence was observed in follow-up after 6 and 12 months. To our knowledge, this is the first case of calcinosis circumscripta in a bird involving a limb extremity, similar to the presentation recognized more commonly in domestic animals. Calcinosis circumscripta should be included in the differential diagnosis list for nodular masses attached to the tendons in birds.

Evaluation of the phenol red thread tear test in falconiformes.

Falconiformes are active searchers and hunters that require visual precision to catch their prey and survive in the wild. Despite this, ocular disease is likely to be underdiagnosed in these species, at least in part because of limited proven diagnostic methods and lack of published scientific data. Tear film deficiency is recognized as an important ocular surface disease in dogs but has not been well evaluated in birds. To evaluate the phenol red thread (PRT) tear test as an alternative method to the Schirmer tear test (STT) for determining tear production in Falconiformes, we assessed the PRT tear test twice for each eye in 21 birds from the genus Falco. The mean PRT test values for the right (OD) and left (OS) eyes were OD=30.2±4.6 mm/15 s and OS=29.1±3.7 mm/15 s, with an overall PRT test value for both eyes (OU) of 30.6±4.2 mm/15 s. Good reproducibility was seen with the PRT test as shown by the strong positive correlation between the first and second tests in the birds. The PRT test method provides repeatable results that are easy to obtain, easy to read, and achieved under the same conditions as the STT.

Use of an esophagostomy tube as a method of nutritional management in raptors: a case series.

We determined if esophagostomy tube placement is feasible for nutritional support in raptors. The clinical data were reviewed from 18 raptors admitted between 2006 and 2012, and in which esophagostomy tubes were placed. Indications for tube placement, complications associated with its placement and management, duration of treatment, and changes in patient body weight were evaluated. The most common indication was nutritional and medical support in stressed hospitalized animals, and intensive care cases. Complications were regurgitation, unexpected removal, and misplacement of the tube. The esophagostomy tube was well tolerated in all but 2 cases. A tube was replaced once in 2 patients. Five birds died during the treatment course. Mortality was not associated with the placement of the tube. Average duration of tube placement was 6.1 +/- 3.7 days. Most birds did not gain any weight with use of the feeding tubes. Esophagostomy tubes are well tolerated in raptors, but further studies are needed to demonstrate their efficiency.

Mucocele in a spectacled owl (Pusilatrix perspicillata).

A 6-year-old breeding female spectacled owl (Pusilatrix perspicillata) was presented for a soft, fluid-filled, spherical mass under the neck that had been increasing in size over the previous 3 days. Results of a fine-needle aspirate of the mass showed clear, pale-yellow fluid with a total protein of 12.6 g/L. Cytologic examination revealed erythrocytes, moderate numbers of heterophils, and numerous foamy mononuclear cells against a mucoid background. Macroscopically, the mass appeared to be attached firmly to the esophagus. The mass was excised surgically and submitted for histopathologic examination. The lesion comprised a circumscribed, fibrous-encapsulated multilocular cyst, lined by plump, goblet-type, cuboidal epithelial cells lying in abundant mucinous matrix. Findings were consistent with a mucocele of the esophageal mucosal gland. Excision was considered curative based on follow-up 6 months after initial presentation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this condition in Strigiformes and indicates that mucocele should be included in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses in birds.

A novel technique for prevention of self-mutilation in three Harris' hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus).

Feather destructive behavior is an ever-increasing problem in captive birds of prey and any associated self-mutilation can be challenging to manage. This clinical report describes a noninvasive, nonpainful, temporary beak modification technique used to prevent self-mutilation in 3 Harris' hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus), when other methods and husbandry modifications had failed. The technique was successful in all 3 birds, and no adverse effects were observed. Further investigations are required to further evaluate if this beak modification technique causes any psychologic or physical stress to the avian patient.

The effects of isoflurane anaesthesia on some Doppler-derived cardiac parameters in the common buzzard (Buteo buteo).

In order to gain an initial overview of the influence of anaesthesia on the results of Doppler-derived blood flow measurements in raptors, the heart rate as well as three different sample volumes of pulsed-wave spectral Doppler-derived flow velocity (diastolic flow across the left and right atrioventricular valve, systolic flow across the aortic valve) were determined in 10 common buzzards (Buteo buteo). Measurements were taken once in conscious and once in anaesthetized birds. Anaesthesia was shown to produce significant changes in cardiac parameters recorded in the same birds whilst conscious. When comparing conscious birds with each other (with one exception for right sided ventricular inflow velocity) no correlation between the heart frequency and measured blood flow velocities was evident. This was also the case under anaesthesia. However, significant differences in these parameters were evident when comparing the results obtained before and under anaesthesia. The results suggest that the influence of anaesthesia in raptors is more than a simple reduction of heart rate and that there is also reduction in blood flow velocity.

Captive raptor propagation.

"Raptor" is a collective term to describe both diurnal birds, mainly of the order Falconiformes and those which are generally nocturnal, the Strigiformes (owls). This article discusses the management of raptors in captivity for breeding.