Avian Dermatology.

Dermatologic conditions are common in avian practice and can be caused by a huge array of potential disorders, ranging from infectious diseases, ectoparasites, metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and management deficits. The skin is the largest organ in the body and has the potential to lead to significant discomfort and welfare compromise when pathology is present. Some conditions may be relatively pathognomonic based on gross findings, whereas others may require a full diagnostic workup to investigate. Getting to the bottom of skin lesions and disorders often involves identification and correction of the underlying cause, rather than just treating the lesions present in the integument.

Technological Advances in Herpetoculture.

Technology plays a vital role in herpetoculture because ectothermic animals rely on their environment to carry out basic physiologic functions. Controlling the environment appropriately ensures the health and welfare of captive reptiles and amphibians. This article summarizes some of the technological advances and products currently available, including lighting, climate control, and recordkeeping.

Percloacal Ovocentesis in the Treatment of Avian Egg Binding: Review of 20 Cases.

Egg binding is one of the most commonly diagnosed reproductive disorders in avian medicine. Often, egg binding is caused by multiple factors, including inappropriate diet and husbandry, reproductive tract pathology, and/or systemic disease. Treatment of egg binding can include medical management or egg removal either percloacal or through surgical means. Percloacal ovocentesis is a commonly described technique in avian practice. The aim of this study was to consider the signalment, success of facilitating egg removal, associated complications, and outcome when percloacal ovocentesis was performed. Data were obtained from an avian first-opinion and referral center in the United Kingdom over a 10-year period. Of the 20 cases that met the inclusion criteria, the following orders were represented (Psittaciformes (n = 15; 75%), Anseriformes (n = 1; 5%), Accipitriformes (n = 2; 10%), and Strigiformes (n = 2; 10%) were represented. Patient age ranged from 2 to 26 years, with an average age of 9.4 years. Percloacal ovocentesis successfully facilitated egg removal in 16 of 20 cases (80%) with no complications observed in 14 of 20 cases (70%). Percloacal ovocentesis is not without potential complications; eggs fragmented in 2 of 20 (10%) cases, with coelomic penetration and coelomitis suspected in a single case (5%). Careful risk assessment and case selection should be performed before the use of this technique. In cases that are refractory to medical management, and in which surgical intervention is high risk or not a feasible option, percloacal ovocentesis can facilitate successful resolution of egg binding in an avian patient and should be considered as a viable treatment option.

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.