First detection of Chlamydia avium in healthy Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) in Argentina.

In recent years, new Chlamydia species, other than Chlamydia psittaci, have been confirmed in birds. One of these new species, Chlamydia avium, was reported mainly in pigeons and parrots in Europe. Analyzing multimucosal swabs obtained from 7 Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) from illegal trade and admitted to the Reserva Experimental Horco Molle (Tucuman, Argentina) for their rehabilitation, we describe the finding of the genetic material of C. avium in 2 of these birds. There were no signs compatible with the chlamydiosis-like disease in the studied birds or in the rehabilitation center staff. The use of sensitive and wide-ranging molecular tools is necessary for the detection of all Chlamydiaceae present in birds and would aid in the selection of control measures in wildlife rehabilitation centers to prevent outbreaks in the facilities and the introduction of pathogens in nature. We provide the first molecular evidence of the presence of C. avium in Argentina and a new species of psittacine host.

Are echocardiographic parameters affected by body condition scores in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758)?

This study aimed to determine the echocardiographic parameters of blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758) with varying body condition scores. Thirty-five birds only grown in captivity were included in the study and allocated into three different groups according to their respective body condition scores: Lean, Ideal, and Obese. The group of obese parrots presented lower right ventricle dimensions in diastole than lean parrots. The fractional shortening was considerably lower in obese parrots than in parrots with lean and ideal body condition scores but without statistical significance. The flow rate and the aortic pressure gradient were lower in the lean group than in the ideal group. The alterations in the nutritional state of captive blue-fronted amazon parrots may lead to cardiovascular dysfunctions detected through an echocardiographic evaluation, which represents an important diagnostic tool for these animals. The description of the techniques and the measures obtained in this study can contribute to future research in the area.

Unusual Pathologic Brain Changes Associated with Zinc Toxicosis in a Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot (Amazona aestiva).

An adult blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) was presented for a 6-wk history of ataxia and weight loss. Complete blood count, plasma chemistry panel, bile acids, and radiographic imaging were considered normal or unremarkable. The patient was hospitalized and supported with subcutaneous fluids, vitamin B complex, meloxicam, enrofloxacin, gavage feeding, and fenbendazole. While hospitalized, the ataxia significantly improved, and the bird began eating on its own and gaining weight. The bird was discharged from the hospital and prescribed enrofloxacin, meloxicam, and fenbendazole to be administered by the owner with recommendations for routine follow-up care. Medications were discontinued before emergent representation; at the time of reevaluation, the patient's condition had deteriorated severely. Given the poor prognosis, the owners elected for euthanasia. No gross abnormalities were noted on postmortem examination. Liver tissue zinc levels measured 125 ppm; normal limit is less than or equal to 25 ppm. Histopathologic changes to the brain were consistent with severe zinc toxicosis demonstrated by vasculopathy of the cerebral arteries and arterioles with multifocal areas of hemorrhage and astrocyte swelling. These findings have been reported in humans and other mammals but not birds. Although the source of this bird's heavy metal exposure is unknown, the high tissue zinc concentrations imply chronic exposure. This case presentation and unusual pathologic findings will be beneficial to the further understanding of avian zinc toxicosis.

Radiographic Measurements of the Cardiac Silhouette in Healthy Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots (Amazona aestiva).

The objective of this investigation was to determine radiographic measurements, without chemical restraint, of the cardiac silhouette in 34 healthy, adult blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) of unknown sex with a mean body weight of 393 g. The birds were fasted 3 hours before the radiographic examinations. Three thoracic radiographic views (ventrodorsal, right lateral, and left lateral) were obtained from each bird for assessment. There was no significant statistical difference between right and left radiographic measurements. The mean values of the measurements in the ventrodorsal views were heart width of 21.04 mm and coelomic cavity width of 50.61 mm. The mean values of the measurements in the lateral views were left heart length of 23.44 mm, right heart length of 23.40 mm, left sternal length of 65.69 mm, and right sternal length of 65.03 mm. A strong correlation and ratio of 43% between the heart width and coelomic cavity width and a moderate correlation and ratio of 36% between the heart length and sternal length were observed. In conclusion, the radiographic measurements of the cardiac silhouette in healthy blue-fronted Amazon parrots can be obtained without chemical restraint. The values obtained can be used to assist in the detection of cardiomegaly or microcardia in blue-fronted Amazon parrots.

Applicability of optical coherence tomography in blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva).

OBJECTIVE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of adult blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva), free from infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic systemic diseases and from any ophthalmological illness, aim at its characterization, as well as to standardize the examination technique for the species. PROCEDURE: Pupillary dilation was achieved with rocuronium bromide (5 mg/mL) at 0, 2, 15, 17, 30, and 32 minutes. The animals were sedated with midazolam maleate (0.5 mg/kg/IM) and anesthetized with propofol (5.0 mg/kg/IV). Measurements were made to evaluate the thickness of the total retina (TR), sensorineural retinal (SR), and ganglion cell complex (GCC), 2 millimeters (mm) from the pecten toward the fovea. OCT data were compared to measurements of retinal histological slides from enucleated eyes of blue-fronted parrots, scanned in automatic fluorescence microscope and measured with by the VS-ASW® software. RESULTS: Averages of measurements from the 43 retinas evaluated by OCT were TR: 279.40 micrometers (µm), SR: 255.90 µm, and GCC: 138.60 µm, respectively, and the measurements of six retinas using fluorescence microscopy were 260.30 µm for TR, 238.20 µm for SR, and 129.30 µm for GCC, demonstrating a high correlation coefficient between all measurements (r = .8698, P < .0001). It is also possible to evaluate the anatomy of the retina and to identify its layers, variations and abnormalities using OCT images. Variations were found between the different areas of the retina, both in the images of the histological slides and in the images of the OCT. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography is a valuable technique for in vivo evaluation of retinal structures in blue-front parrots, providing detailed and accurate images. This method improves the understanding of retinal diseases, monitoring the beginning, progression and therapy of retinal diseases, in the same individuals during longitudinal studies. In comparison to histological investigations, OCT enables imaging in vivo, therefore reducing the number of euthanized animals or enucleated eyes.

Key Ring Fixator: A Novel External Fixation Technique for Avian Long Bone Stabilization.

A 12-year-old blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) of unknown sex (case 1) and a 14-year-old female hybrid Catalina macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao) (case 2) were evaluated and treated for an open tarsometatarsal fracture and a tibiotarsal fracture, respectively. In case 1, 1 month of external coaptation resulted in a delayed union, significant osteolysis, and presumptive osteomyelitis, which led to the decision to treat with a key ring fixator. In case 2, a key ring fixator was chosen for fracture repair because of presumed resistance to destruction by the bird. In both cases, fractures were stabilized with makeshift circular external fixators composed of key rings, K-wires, orthopedic wire, and acrylic resin. After key ring fixator removal, radiographs confirmed complete bone healing. Both patients had acceptable function of the affected limbs 5 years (case 1) and 2 years (case 2) after their procedures. The key ring fixator described in this report is a viable option for fracture repair in pelvic limbs of moderately sized birds (300-1500 g).

Parrot Genomes and the Evolution of Heightened Longevity and Cognition.

Parrots are one of the most distinct and intriguing groups of birds, with highly expanded brains [1], highly developed cognitive [2] and vocal communication [3] skills, and a long lifespan compared to other similar-sized birds [4]. Yet the genetic basis of these traits remains largely unidentified. To address this question, we have generated a high-coverage, annotated assembly of the genome of the blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva) and carried out extensive comparative analyses with 30 other avian species, including 4 additional parrots. We identified several genomic features unique to parrots, including parrot-specific novel genes and parrot-specific modifications to coding and regulatory sequences of existing genes. We also discovered genomic features under strong selection in parrots and other long-lived birds, including genes previously associated with lifespan determination as well as several hundred new candidate genes. These genes support a range of cellular functions, including telomerase activity; DNA damage repair; control of cell proliferation, cancer, and immunity; and anti-oxidative mechanisms. We also identified brain-expressed, parrot-specific paralogs with known functions in neural development or vocal-learning brain circuits. Intriguingly, parrot-specific changes in conserved regulatory sequences were overwhelmingly associated with genes that are linked to cognitive abilities and have undergone similar selection in the human lineage, suggesting convergent evolution. These findings bring novel insights into the genetics and evolution of longevity and cognition, as well as provide novel targets for exploring the mechanistic basis of these traits.

Distribution of species and antimicrobial resistance among enterococci isolated from the fecal microbiota of captive blue-fronted parrot (Amazona aestiva) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Enterococcal strains recovered from fecal samples of captive blue-fronted parrots (Amazona aestiva) assisted at two wild animal screening centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were identified as Enterococcus hirae (the predominant species; 75.3%), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (17.3%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (4.8%), Enterococcus gallinarum (1.7%), and Enterococcus hermanniensis (0.9%). All strains were susceptible to linezolid and teicoplanin. Rates of nonsusceptibility (including resistant and intermediate categories) to other 16 antimicrobials tested varied from 69.3% to 0.4%, A considerable proportion (48.0%) of the strains was multidrug-resistant and diverse genetic determinants associated with antimicrobial resistance were identified. Tetracycline-resistant strains carried the tet(M) and/or tet(L) genes. Macrolides resistance was associated with the erm(B), erm(A) and mefA genes, while 43.2% of the isolates were negative for the investigated genes. High-level resistance to gentamicin associated with the aac(6')-le-aph(2″)-la gene was detected in one E. faecalis strain. The two strains presenting high-level resistance to streptomycin were negative for the ant(6')-Ia, ant(3')-Ia, ant(9')-Ia and ant(9')-Ib genes. The vat(D) gene was found in all the 47 quinupristin/dalfopristin resistant strains identified as non-E. faecalis. Analysis of PFGE profiles of E. hirae strains after restriction with SmaI demonstrated the occurrence of five clonal groups. The predominant E. hirae clone was distributed among birds in the two institutions, suggesting that this clone was well adapted to the host and environments investigated. The four clonal groups identified among E. faecalis were composed by small numbers of strains and, generally, restricted to birds in the same sector. The occurrence of enterococcal strains exhibiting antimicrobial resistance traits and carrying genetic determinants that represent potential threats to the health of both humans and animals, in the intestinal microbiota of A. aestiva, highlights the need for additional monitoring studies to elucidate the population structure and the dynamics of transmission of these microorganisms among animals, humans and the environment.

Sedative Effects of Intranasal Midazolam Administration in Wild Caught Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva) and Orange-winged Amazon (Amazona amazonica) Parrots.

Safe and effective sedation protocols are important for chemical restraint of birds in clinical and diagnostic procedures, such as clinical evaluations, radiographic positioning, and blood collection. These protocols may reduce stress and ease the management of wild-caught birds, which are susceptible to injury or death when exposed to stressful situations. We compare the sedative effect of intranasal midazolam in wild-caught blue-fronted (Amazona aestiva) and orange-winged (Amazona amazonica) Amazon parrots. Ten adult parrots of each species (n = 20), of unknown sex, weighing 0.337 ± 0.04 (blue-fronted) and 0.390 ± 0.03 kg (orange-winged), kg were used. Midazolam (2 mg/kg) was administered intranasally and the total volume of the drug was divided equally between the 2 nostrils. Onset time and total sedation time were assessed. Satisfactory sedation for clinical evaluation was induced in all birds. Onset time and total sedation times were similar in both species: 5.36 ± 1.16 and 25.40 ± 5.72 minutes, respectively, for blue-fronted Amazons and 5.09 ± 0.89 and 27.10 ± 3.73 minutes, respectively, for orange-winged Amazons. A total of 15 animals showed absence of vocalization, with moderate muscle relaxation and wing movement upon handling, and 2 animals presented with lateral recumbence, with intense muscle relaxation and no wing movement, requiring no restraint. Three blue-fronted Amazons had no effective sedation. Intranasally administered midazolam at a dose of 2 mg/kg effectively promoted sedative effects with a short latency time and fast recovery in wild-caught parrots.

Modified Schirmer tear test and rebound tonometry in blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) / Teste lacrimal de Schirmer modificado e tonometria de rebote em papagaio-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva)

The aim of this study was to describe the modified Schirmer tear test (mSTT), intraocular pressure (IOP) by rebound tonometry and palpebral fissure length (PFL) in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva). Thirty-five healthy adult animals from a conservation breeding center in Brazil were used in this study. Modified Schirmer tear test, rebound tonometry and PFL measurements were performed in both eyes, with birds under physical restraint. Mean mSTT was 6.2±0.1mm/min and mean IOP was 6.4±0.1mmHg, while PFL was 10.1±0.1mm. A moderate correlation was seen between mSTT and PFL for OD (ρ=0.14) and OS (ρ=0.20). The results provide ophthalmic tests reference values for A. aestiva.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o teste lacrimal de Schirmer modificado (TLSm), a pressão intraocular (PIO) pela tonometria de rebote e o comprimento da fissura palpebral (FP) do papagaio-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva). Foram avaliados 35 papagaios adultos e saudáveis, provenientes de um Criadouro Conservacionista do Brasil. Após avaliação clínica e laboratorial, as aves foram fisicamente contidas para aferição, em ambos os olhos, do TLSm, da PIO pela tonometria de rebote e do comprimento da FP utilizando-se um paquímetro digital. Valor médio do TLSm foi 6.2±0.1mm/min e da PIO foi 6.4±0.1 mmHg, enquanto a aferição da FP foi 10.1±0.1mm. Uma correlação moderada foi observada entre TLSm e a FP para olho direito (OD) (ρ=0.14) e olho esquerdo (OE) (ρ=0.20). Os resultados podem servir como valores de referência para testes oftálmicos para A. aestiva.(AU)

Behavioural and hormonal effects of member replacement in captive groups of blue-fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva).

Social species in captivity may face allostatic overload due to artificial grouping and other social constraints. In rescue centres, groups of psittacines are constantly mixed due to the arrival and/or release of individuals; this procedure is potentially harmful to animal welfare. This study aimed at evaluating the possible impacts of mate replacement on the stress levels of captive blue-fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva). During five weeks, we recorded agonistic interactions and dropping-glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) concentrations of individuals allocated in a group whose members were kept constant and in a group subjected to frequent member replacement. In both groups, non-linear hierarchies developed, without sex differences regarding aggression or hierarchical positions. The replacement of individuals had no effect on the number of agonistic interactions or on the animals' stress levels. In both groups, higher-ranking individuals had higher stress loads than subordinates. Our study, the first to investigate the social dynamics of A. aestiva, indicated that introducing or removing individuals in captive groups does not seem to affect the welfare of the birds in the short term. This information favours release and reintroduction programs and is relevant for conservation management of this, and possibly other parrot species with similar environmental requirements.

Resposta endócrina à contenção física e isolamento em papagaios-verdadeiros / Endocrine response to physical restraint and isolation in blue-fronted parrots

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a resposta dos papagaios-verdadeiros aos procedimentos de contenção e separação física por método não invasivo, como a dosagem das concentrações de metabólitos de glicocorticoides nas excretas. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 24 aves, 17 machos e sete fêmeas, inicialmente mantidas em viveiros amplos e adjacentes, separadas por sexo. Após captura e contenção de três minutos, 13 aves voltaram para os viveiros coletivos e 11 foram alojadas em gaiolas individuais no mesmo recinto dos viveiros, de modo a permitir que as aves isoladas mantivessem contato visual e auditivo com as demais. Para avaliar se os animais responderiam de maneira diferente quando fisicamente isolados ou em grupo, amostras de excretas foram coletadas sequencialmente em intervalos de três horas durante 24 horas para avaliação dos metabólitos de glicocorticoides por enzimaimunoensaio. Não houve efeito significativo de sexo (P=0,5850), tratamento (P=0,6805) e tempo (P=0,2293), e as concentrações de metabólitos de glicocorticoides mantiveram-se dentro da variação diurna esperada para esta espécie. Portanto, ambos os grupos responderam endocrinologicamente de forma semelhante e o estresse de captura e separação física não foi significativo para as aves.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of blue-fronted parrots to restraint procedures and separation by non-invasive methods such as measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in droppings. For this, we utilized 24 birds, 17 males and 7 females, initially kept in large adjacent aviaries, separated by sex. After capture and 3 minutes of manual contention, by random, 13 birds returned to the aviary and 11 animals were housed in individual cages in the same facility of the aviaries allowing the maintenance of auditory and visual contact between them. In order to evaluate if the physically isolated birds isolated or in groups would react in different ways, all droppings samples were collected at 3-hours intervals during 24 hours to evaluation of excreted glucocorticoid metabolites by enzimeimmunoassay. There were no significant effects of sex (P=0.5850), treatment (P=0.6805) and time (P=0.2293) and the glucocorticoid metabolites concentrations were within the diurnal range expected for this specie. Therefore, the endocrine response of both groups was similar and stress of capture and physical separation was not significant for the birds.(AU)

YERSINIA PSEUDOTUBERCULOSIS, SEROGROUP O:1A, INFECTION IN TWO AMAZON PARROTS (AMAZONA AESTIVA AND AMAZONA ORATRIX) WITH HEPATIC HEMOSIDEROSIS.

Necropsies were conducted on a female blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva) and a female yellow-headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix) that died after depression, ruffled feathers, diarrhea, and biliverdin in the urine. Gross and microscopic examinations revealed multifocal necrosis in the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, intestines, and heart caused by acute bacteremia. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, serogroup O:1a, was isolated by culturing from the visceral lesions in the liver, intestines, and spleen. Virulence gene analysis showed the presence of the inv gene and the complete pathogenicity island: IS100, psn, yptE, irp1, irp2 ybtP-ybtQ, ybtX-ybtS, and int asnT-Int. Histopathologic findings and chemical analysis also demonstrated hepatic hemosiderosis. As has been demonstrated in other species, hemosiderosis may predispose Amazona spp. to systemic infection with Y. pseudotuberculosis after enteric disease.

Isolation of Salmonella spp. in captive Psittaciformes from zoos and a commercial establishment of Fortaleza, Brazil / Isolamento de Salmonella spp. em Psittaciformes de zoológicos e estabelecimento comercial de Fortaleza, Brasil

This study showed a low prevalence of Salmonella spp. in captive psittacines from zoos and a commercial establishment of Fortaleza. None of the isolated serotypes (S. Lexington, S. Saintpaul and S. Newport) have yet been reported in Amazona aestiva, Ara chloroptera or Melopsittacus undulatus. However, the fact that most birds presented negative for Salmonella spp. may not imply the absence of this pathogen in these birds, since the intermittent excretion is a well-known characteristic of this microorganism...

A manutenção de aves em cativeiro reúne condições que favorecem a disseminação de doenças infecciosas, sendo a Salmonella uma dessas doenças infecciosas que acomete os psitacídeos. Portanto o objetivo do presente estudo foi isolar e identificar Salmonella spp. em Psittaciformes mantidos em criatórios comerciais e conservacionistas da Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza. Para o estudo, foram coletados swabs cloacais de 182 psitacídeos clinicamente sadios. Os resultados mostraram que três psitacídeos avaliados (1,65%) foram positivos: Amazona aestiva (Salmonella Lexington), Ara chloroptera (Salmonella Saintpaul) e Melopsittacus undulatus (Salmonella Newport). De acordo com a literatura científica, não há registro desses sorotipos em psitacídeos. Esta pesquisa evidenciou uma baixa prevalência de Salmonella spp. em Psittaciformes mantidos em criatórios comerciais e conservacionistas da Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza...

Retrospective study of ocular disorders in Amazon parrots / Estudo retrospectivo das alterações oculares observadas em papagaios

A retrospective study was conducted to identify the occurrence and types of ocular disorders in 57 Amazon parrots admitted to the Ophthalmology Service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil from 1997 to 2006. The most frequent observed disorder was cataracts, present in 24 of the 114 examined eyes (57 parrots). Uveitis, ulcerative keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis were frequently diagnosed as well. The cornea was the most affected ocular structure, with 28 reported disorders. Uveal disorders also were commonly observed. Conjunctiva and eyelid disorders were diagnosed in lower frequency. Results suggest that cataracts are common and that cornea, lens and uvea are the most affected ocular structures in Amazon parrots.

Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo para identificar a ocorrência e os tipos de alterações oculares observadas em 57 papagaios atendidos no Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital Veterinário da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), de 1997-2006. Catarata em diferentes estágios de evolução foi a alteração ocular mais frequentemente diagnosticada, sendo observada em 24 dos 114 olhos examinados. Uveíte, ceratite ulcerativa e ceratoconjuntivite foram também diagnosticadas. A córnea foi a estrutura ocular mais acometida (28 registros). Alterações uveais foram frequentemente observadas. Alterações das pálpebras e conjuntiva foram observadas em menor freqüência. Concluí-se que catarata foi a alteração mais frequentemente observada e que a córnea, lente e úvea são as estruturas oculares mais susceptíveis a alterações em papagaios.

Blood-gas and electrolyte values for Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva)

The aim was to provide reference data for blood gas/acid-base status and electrolytes for non-anesthetized Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva). Thirty-five adult parrots from Tietê ecologic park were utilized. Arterial blood (0.3ml) samples were anaerobically collected from the superficial ulnar artery in heparinized (sodium heparin) 1-ml plastic syringes. The samples were immediately analyzed through a portable analyzer (i-STAT*, Abbot, Illinois, USA) with cartridges (EG7+). These data were grouped in such a way as to present both mean and standard deviation: body weight (360±37g), respiratory rate (82±33 b/m), temperature (41.8±0.6ºC), hydrogen potential (7.452±0.048), carbon dioxide partial pressure (22.1±4.0mmHg), oxygen partial pressure (98.1±7.6mmHg), base excess (-7.9±3.1), plasma concentration of bicarbonate ions (14.8±2.8mmol/L), oxygen saturation (96.2±1.1 percent), plasma concentration of sodium (147.4±2.2mmol/L), plasma concentration of potassium (3.5±0.53mmol/L), plasma concentration of calcium (0.8±0.28mmol/L), hematocrit (38.7±6.2 percent) and concentration of hemoglobin (13.2±2.1g/dl). This study led us to conclude that, although the results obtained showed hypocapnia and low values of bicarbonate and base excess, when compared to other avian species, these data are very similar. Besides, in spite of the equipment being approved only for human beings, it was considered simple and very useful in the analysis of avian blood samples. By using this equipment we were able to provide references data for non-anaesthetized Amazon parrots.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer dados de referência do equilíbrio ácido-básico e eletrólitos de papagaios (Amazonas aestiva) não anestesiados. Foram utilizados trinta e cinco papagaios oriundos do Parque ecológico do Tietê. Amostras de sangue (0,3ml) da artéria superficial ulnar foram coletadas em seringas plásticas (1ml) heparinizadas. As amostras foram analisadas imediatamente, usando um analisador portátil (i-stat*, Abbott, Illinois, USA) com cartuchos (i-stat EG7+). Os resultados foram demonstrados em média e desvio padrão: peso corpóreo (360±37g), freqüência respiratória (82±33mpm), temperatura (41,8±0,6ºC), potencial hidrogeniônico (7,452±0,05), pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono (22,1±4,0mmHg), pressão parcial de oxigênio (98,1±7,6mmHg), excesso de base (-7,45±3,1), saturação da hemoglobina (96,2±1,1 por cento), concentração plasmática de sódio (147,4±2,2mmol/L), concentração plasmática de potássio (3,5±0,53mmol/L), concentração plasmática de cálcio (0,8±0,28mmol/L), hematócrito (38,7±6,2 por cento) e concentração de hemoglobina (13,2±2,1g/dl). Este estudo nos levou a concluir que embora os animais apresentassem hipocapnia e valores baixos de bicarbonato e excesso de bases, quando comparamos aos das outras espécies aviárias, os dados são similares. Embora o equipamento seja aprovado somente para espécie humana, foi considerado prático e útil na análise do sangue de aves. Utilizando este equipamento, fomos capazes de estabelecer dados de referência do status ácido-básico e eletrólitos de papagaios não anestesiados.