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.

PHARMACOKINETICS OF CEFTIOFUR CRYSTALLINE-FREE ACID ADMINISTERED VIA INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION IN WHOOPING CRANES (GRUS AMERICANA).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of a single dose of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid (CCFA) in whooping cranes (Grus americana). Ceftiofur crystalline-free acid is a long-acting, injectable, third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic drug. A preliminary study evaluated CCFA administered intramuscularly in the pectoral or thigh muscle at 20 or 30 mg/kg IM to a single adult whooping crane for each dose. On the basis of these data, a dose of 30 mg/kg IM of CCFA was administered to five additional whooping cranes, and blood was collected at various time points from 0 to 288 h. Pharmacokinetic parameters for ceftiofur equivalents were determined and reached concentrations above minimum inhibitory concentrations of various bacteria in other avian species (>1 µg/ml) for at least 96 h in all birds, and for 144 h in two birds. From these findings, ceftiofur crystalline-free acid appears to be a long-acting antibiotic option for whooping cranes and may be dosed every 96 h; however, additional multidose studies are needed.

Successful radiation treatment of undertail fibrosarcoma in a Major Mitchell's cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri).

CASE DESCRIPTION: A male Major Mitchell's cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) of unknown age presented with an ulcerated mass on the ventral tail caudodorsal to the cloaca. CLINICAL FINDINGS: An impression smear of the mass showed spindle cell atypia. Multiple biopsies were submitted for histopathology with inconclusive results. A CT scan revealed a soft tissue mass causing compression of the cloacal lumen. The patient underwent surgical debulking, and a core of the mass was submitted again for histopathology, which reported it as fibrosarcoma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Under repeated general isoflurane gas anesthesia, the patient received a course of definitive radiation therapy totaling 60 Gy and divided in 3 Gy X 20 fractions. By treatment completion, the lesion had decreased in size with necrotic debris on the surface. Surrounding tissues appeared healthy and no adverse effects were observed. As of 1.5 years post-treatment, the mass appears completely healed with no signs of reoccurrence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case suggests that radiation therapy with this protocol could be an effective treatment option for fibrosarcoma in avian species.

Intraluminal Uropygial Gland Epithelioma in an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus).

A 27-year-old female African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) presented as a referral for surgical removal of an enlarged uropygial gland that was first observed by the owner 6 months prior. Antibiotic therapy was attempted by the referring veterinarian with limited treatment response. No abnormalities were noted in the results of a complete blood count and plasma biochemistry panel. Computed tomographic imaging of the parrot showed a left-sided uropygial gland mass with no evidence of metastasis or invasion into the underlying soft tissue or bone. The uropygial gland was surgically excised in an attempt to obtain clean margins devoid of tumor cells. Histopathological evaluation of the submitted tissue was suggestive of an intraluminal uropygial gland epithelioma. Intraluminal epithelioma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in psittacine species that are presented with an asymmetrically enlarged uropygial gland.

Suspected hemolytic anemia secondary to acute zinc toxicity after ingestion of "max strength" (zinc oxide) diaper rash cream.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation of a dog with hemolytic anemia secondary to zinc toxicosis after 1-week use of "max strength" 40% diaper rash cream. CASE SUMMARY: A 2-year-old female neutered Maltese presented for vomiting, lethargy, pigmenturia, and pale mucous membranes. "Max Strength" zinc oxide cream had been applied to the patient daily for a week prior to presentation. Clinical examination revealed light pink to pale mucous membranes and tachycardia. Hematology demonstrated large numbers of spherocytes and a strongly regenerative anemia. Plasma zinc concentrations were markedly increased. A diagnosis of hemolytic anemia secondary to subacute zinc toxicosis was made and supportive therapy was instigated. The patient ultimately recovered uneventfully. Acute or subacute zinc toxicosis resulting in hemolytic anemia is not frequently observed, and this case was also unusual in that the zinc source was diaper cream, which historically has been thought to require very large quantities to cause toxicosis. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To the authors' knowledge, there is only one previously reported case of hemolytic anemia secondary to diaper cream use in a hospital setting but no previous reports involving toxicosis secondary to prolonged application at home by owners. Most commercial diaper creams contain zinc oxide, which historically was thought to have poor gastrointestinal absorption and would require a large quantity to cause significant toxicosis and hemolytic anemia. Moreover, this case emphasizes the potential risks associated with zinc oxide cream use, the significance of client education if using these creams, as well as the importance of history in elucidating the underlying cause of hemolytic anemia.

Anesthetic Effects of Intramuscular Alfaxalone-Ketamine in Naked Mole Rats (Heterocephalus glaber).

In this study, adult intact male and female (n = 10) naked mole rats (Heterocephalus glaber) were anesthetized by using a combination of ketamine (20 mg/kg IM), and alfaxalone (4.0 mg/kg IM). Induction and recovery times were recorded. Vital parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and reflexes, were monitored every 5 min during the anesthetic period. Anesthetic induction was smooth and rapid. Induction time was significantly longer in male rats (median, 325 s; range, 180 to 385 s) than in females (median, 145 s; range, 118 to 180 s). In addition, overall duration of loss of righting reflex was shorter in male mole rats (median, 50 min; range, 36 to 65 min) than females (median, 70 min; range, 60 to 85 min). Males largely had intact withdrawal reflexes, whereas females showed variable loss of both forelimb and hindlimb withdrawal reflexes. Neither recovery time (mean ± 1 SD, 16 ± 13 min) nor vital parameters differed between sexes. None of animals showed any anesthesia-related adverse responses. According to these findings, intramuscular AK is a safe and effective protocol that provides brief, light anesthesia in male naked mole rats and deeper anesthesia in females. We recommend adding analgesics when this AK protocol is used for pain-inducing or invasive procedures, and further studies evaluating higher doses and different combinations are indicated.