Measuring the Level of Agreement for Lactate Measurements in Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis) Among 2 Point-of-Care Analyzers and a Benchtop Analyzer.

Lactate is an important biochemistry analyte used in human and veterinary medicine to assess tissue perfusion and can be used as a prognostic indicator for certain disease conditions. Whereas lactate is commonly measured using "patient-side" handheld meters, these meters have not been validated for companion avian species. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of agreement between 2 commercially available point-of-care lactate meters and a laboratory benchtop blood analyzer in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Blood samples were collected from 20 adult parrots at Louisiana State University by drawing 1.5 mL of blood from the right jugular vein. One drop of whole blood was used for the Lactate Plus analyzer and the remainder of the sample transferred into a lithium heparin microtainer. From the blood in the microtainer, 0.2 mL whole blood was analyzed using the epoc Blood Analysis System, and the remaining sample was centrifuged to obtain plasma that was immediately frozen at -80°C (-112°F) and submitted to the Texas A&M University Clinical Pathology Laboratory for analysis on the VITROS 4500 benchtop analyzer. Bland-Altman agreement plots and Passing-Bablok regression were used to measure the level of agreement between the methods. There was poor agreement between all 3 methods with mean percentage differences in lactate concentrations ≥22% (epoc and Lactate Plus: 33.6% [95% CI: 27-40]; epoc and VITROS 4500: 55% [95% CI:52-58]; VITROS 4500 and Lactate Plus: 22% [95% CI:16-28]). Based on these results, the point-of-care meters tested in this study are not interchangeable, and separate reference intervals were calculated for each method. Blood lactate concentrations may have more utility in tracing lactate trends over time in an individual rather than being able to utilize this information at 1 time point for disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Pharmacokinetics of single-dose oral atorvastatin and its metabolites support therapeutic use in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the plasma concentrations and determine pharmacokinetic parameters of atorvastatin and its primary active metabolites (para- and ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin) after administration of a single oral dose in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica). ANIMALS: 8 adult orange-winged Amazon parrots (4 male, 4 female) of varying ages. METHODS: A compounded oral suspension of atorvastatin 10 mg/mL was administered via oral gavage at 20 mg/kg to each bird. Blood samples were collected at 10 different time points from 0 to 30 hours postadministration to evaluate plasma levels of atorvastatin, para-hydroxyatorvastatin, and ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using noncompartmental analysis and commercially available software. RESULTS: Mean ± SD atorvastatin half-life, tmax, and Cmax were 5.96 ± 11.50 hours, 1.60 ± 0.80 hours, and 82.60 ± 58.30 ng/mL, respectively. For para-hydroxyatorvastatin, the half-life, tmax, and Cmax were 6.46 ± 54.20 hours, 5.00 ± 2.51 hours, and 34.10 ± 16.00 ng/mL, respectively, and 5.58 ± 9.92 hours, 3.38 ± 2.10 hours, and 7.35 ± 3.96 ng/mL for ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic profile shown support the therapeutic use of atorvastatin at the dose evaluated in this species based on human pharmacokinetic data. While 20 mg/kg PO q24 hours could be used as a starting dosage until further studies evaluating multiple dose administration and efficacy in this species become available, the high interindividual variability results warrant monitoring of the treatment response to make dosing adjustments if needed.

Pathological findings and their association with diseases of captive psittacine birds native to Mexico.

The captivity and use of native psittacine birds is prohibited in Mexico. However, as these birds are among the groups most affected by illegal trafficking, they are commonly found as companion animals. Nevertheless, it is difficult to obtain information on their health. Therefore, a retrospective study was conducted of the clinical histories and necropsy reports of native psittacines that had been submitted to the Bird Disease Diagnostic and Research Laboratory of the Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, from 2006 to 2017. The lesions were classified according to type and anatomical location and the diseases were classified as infectious or non-infectious. During this period, 252 psittacines were submitted, the most frequent of which were the red-lored parrot (Amazona autumnalis), orange-fronted parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) and scarlet macaw (Ara macao). The lesions were primarily located in the digestive and respiratory systems. By integrating the clinical histories and post-mortem findings, we concluded that nutritional disorders were the most frequent non-infectious diseases, systemic bacterial infections were the most frequent infectious conditions, the primary parasite was Sarcocystis spp and the most frequent neoplasm was multicentric lymphoma.

Modelling Red-Crowned Parrot (Psittaciformes: Amazona viridigenalis [Cassin, 1853]) distributions in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas using elevation and vegetation indices and their derivatives.

Texas Rio Grande Valley Red-crowned Parrots (Psittaciformes: Amazona viridigenalis [Cassin, 1853]) primarily occupy vegetated urban rather than natural areas. We investigated the utility of raw vegetation indices and their derivatives as well as elevation in modelling the Red-crowned parrot's general use, nest site, and roost site habitat distributions. A feature selection algorithm was employed to create and select an ensemble of fine-scale, top-ranked MaxEnt models from optimally-sized, decorrelated subsets of four to seven of 199 potential variables. Variables were ranked post hoc by frequency of appearance and mean permutation importance in top-ranked models. Our ensemble models accurately predicted the three distributions of interest ([Formula: see text] Area Under the Curve [AUC] = 0.904-0.969). Top-ranked variables for different habitat distribution models included: (a) general use-percent cover of preferred ranges of entropy texture of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values, entropy and contrast textures of NDVI, and elevation; (b) nest site-entropy textures of NDVI and Green-Blue NDVI, and percent cover of preferred range of entropy texture of NDVI values; (c) roost site-percent cover of preferred ranges of entropy texture of NDVI values, contrast texture of NDVI, and entropy texture of Green-Red Normalized Difference Index. Texas Rio Grande Valley Red-crowned Parrot presence was associated with urban areas with high heterogeneity and randomness in the distribution of vegetation and/or its characteristics (e.g., arrangement, type, structure). Maintaining existing preferred vegetation types and incorporating them into new developments should support the persistence of Red-crowned Parrots in southern Texas.

Palliative Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma in a Double Yellow-headed Amazon Parrot (Amazona oratrix).

A 17-year-old captive female double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona oratrix) was presented to the Kansas State University Zoological Medicine Service (Manhattan, KS, USA) for a 2-month history of a left sided facial swelling. On examination, a red, raised mass was noted on the left side of the face. A whole-body computed tomography scan of the bird was performed to assess the extent of the mass and evaluate the patient for obvious evidence of disseminated disease. No systemic involvement was detected, and the swelling was localized to the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues overlying the left rhamphotheca. Two punch biopsies were collected, and histopathology was consistent with cutaneous lymphoma, with strong positive CD3 staining congruous with a T-cell origin. Because of a lack of evidence for disseminated disease, the authors elected to pursue localized radiation therapy, and a single fraction of 8 Gray was administered. The swelling had resolved by the time of the recheck examination 4 weeks post-radiation therapy, and the patient remained clinically normal 52 weeks after radiation therapy.

Changes in parrot diversity after human arrival to the Caribbean.

Humans did not arrive on most of the world's islands until relatively recently, making islands favorable places for disentangling the timing and magnitude of natural and anthropogenic impacts on species diversity and distributions. Here, we focus on Amazona parrots in the Caribbean, which have close relationships with humans (e.g., as pets as well as sources of meat and colorful feathers). Caribbean parrots also have substantial fossil and archaeological records that span the Holocene. We leverage this exemplary record to showcase how combining ancient and modern DNA, along with radiometric dating, can shed light on diversification and extinction dynamics and answer long-standing questions about the magnitude of human impacts in the region. Our results reveal a striking loss of parrot diversity, much of which took place during human occupation of the islands. The most widespread species, the Cuban Parrot, exhibits interisland divergences throughout the Pleistocene. Within this radiation, we identified an extinct, genetically distinct lineage that survived on the Turks and Caicos until Indigenous human settlement of the islands. We also found that the narrowly distributed Hispaniolan Parrot had a natural range that once included The Bahamas; it thus became "endemic" to Hispaniola during the late Holocene. The Hispaniolan Parrot also likely was introduced by Indigenous people to Grand Turk and Montserrat, two islands where it is now also extirpated. Our research demonstrates that genetic information spanning paleontological, archaeological, and modern contexts is essential to understand the role of humans in altering the diversity and distribution of biota.

Determining the Prevalence of Avian Chlamydiosis in Wild Amazona Species From Brazil Using Molecular Testing and Clinical Signs.

Avian chlamydiosis is a disease that occurs in birds, especially parrots, and is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. Wild Animal Screening Centers in Brazil receive, maintain, treat, and place (preferably to nature) wild animals recovered from illegal trafficking. We performed molecular testing for avian chlamydiosis in parrots from the genus Amazona that were presented to these centers. Cloacal swab samples were collected from 59 parrots (Amazona species) and transported in aqueous or culture medium. The samples were subsequently submitted for DNA extraction by the boiling method, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using CPF/CPR primers, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, and poor body condition were the clinical signs associated with a differential disease diagnosis of avian chlamydiosis. Transport medium did not have an effect on the test results. The prevalence of C psittaci in the samples was 37% (22/59, 95% confidence interval: 25-49). There was a significant (P = 0.009) association between the PCR test results and clinical signs. Follow-up testing was conducted on a subgroup of 14 individuals that initially tested negative on PCR; 50% (7/14) of these birds were found to be positive within 24 days of the first test. The results of this study confirm the feasibility of using the CPF/CFP primer-based PCR to detect C psittaci in Amazona species, describe a less costly method of transporting biological material for DNA extraction, and evaluate the temporal aspect for obtaining positive results through molecular testing for C psittaci in Amazona species.

Mercury and methylmercury concentration in the feathers of two species of Kingfishers Megaceryle torquata and Chloroceryle amazona in the Upper Paraguay Basin and Amazon Basin.

Mercury (Hg) contamination remains a significant environmental concern. In aquatic ecosystems, Hg can undergo methylation, forming its organic form, methylmercury (MeHg), which bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in the food chain, ultimately reaching the top predators, including waterfowl. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution and levels of Hg in wing feathers, with a specific focus on evaluating heterogeneity in the primary feathers of two kingfisher species (Megaceryle torquata and Chloroceryle amazona). The concentrations of total Hg (THg) in the primary feathers of C. amazona individuals from the Juruena, Teles Pires, and Paraguay rivers were 4.724 ± 1.600, 4.003 ± 1.532, and 2.800 ± 1.475 µg/kg, respectively. The THg concentrations in the secondary feathers were 4.624 ± 1.718, 3.531 ± 1.361, and 2.779 ± 1.699 µg/kg, respectively. For M. torquata, the THg concentrations in the primary feathers from the Juruena, Teles Pires, and Paraguay rivers were 7.937 ± 3.830, 6.081 ± 2.598, and 4.697 ± 2.585 µg/kg, respectively. The THg concentrations in the secondary feathers were 7.891 ± 3.869, 5.124 ± 2.420, and 4.201 ± 2.176 µg/kg, respectively. The percentage of MeHg in the samples increased during THg recovery, with an average of 95% in primary feathers and 80% in secondary feathers. It is crucial to comprehend the current Hg concentrations in Neotropical birds to mitigate potential toxic effects on these species. Exposure to Hg can lead to reduced reproductive rates and behavioral changes, such as motor incoordination and impaired flight ability, ultimately resulting in population decline among bird populations.

Tracheal stenosis in a yellow-crowned parrot (Amazona ochrocephala) due to diffuse ossification and osteopetrosis of tracheal rings.

Tracheal luminal stenosis can cause clinical respiratory distress in wild birds. We describe a case of tracheal stenosis due to diffuse ossification with osteopetrosis of tracheal rings in a yellow-crowned parrot (Amazona ochrocephala) with a history of chronic respiratory distress and death after development of marked dyspnoea. An ante-mortem radiographic examination revealed that the tracheal rings were radiopaque and that there were multiple areas of osteopenic change in long bones. At necropsy, there was stenosis of the tracheal rings characterized by complete replacement of cartilage by thickened compact bone with osteopetrosis and bone necrosis. The clinical respiratory distress and death of the parrot were associated with tracheal luminal stenosis due to thickening of the tracheal rings by diffuse ossification with osteopetrosis.

Evaluation of Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time in Native and Citrated Whole Blood in Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis) With a Handheld Point-of-Care Analyzer.

Objective assessment of coagulation in birds is difficult, and traditional methods of measuring prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) with the use of mammalian reagents have not been validated in birds. Avian-specific reagents must be prepared from brain extract and are not practical for clinical use. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether the InSight qLabs point-of-care analyzer (Micropoint Biotechnologies Inc, Guangdong, China) could measure PT and aPTT in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) in native and citrated whole blood, and whether the values obtained correlated with clinical appearance and basic hematologic and biochemical parameters from the bird. The qLabs analyzer was able to measure aPTT reliably, but not PT. Activated partial thromboplastin time of citrated blood was significantly different from the aPTT measured from native whole blood (P < 0.001). On the basis of this study, the qLabs machine may be used to measure aPTT, but clinical application between avian species requires further research.

Handling and restraint induce a significant increase in plasma corticosterone in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

OBJECTIVE: To measure baseline plasma corticosterone levels in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) and assess the effects of handling and restraint on corticosterone levels over 1 hour, reflective of what parrots might experience during veterinary care. ANIMALS: 10 male and 12 female Hispaniolan Amazon parrots. PROCEDURES: Each parrot was removed from its cage and wrapped in a towel for restraint similar to that performed in a clinical setting. An initial baseline blood sample was collected in < 3 minutes upon entrance into the parrot room, after which blood samples were taken every 15 minutes for 1 hour (a total of 5 blood samples). An enzyme-linked immunoassay was validated for Hispaniolan Amazon parrots and used to determine concentrations of plasma corticosterone. RESULTS: On average, parrots showed a significant increase in corticosterone between baseline samples and all subsequent postrestraint time points (average baseline corticosterone ± SD: 0.51 ± 0.65 ng/mL). Females, on average, displayed significantly higher corticosterone levels than males after 30, 45, and 60 minutes of restraint (P = .016, P = .0099, and P = .015, respectively). Birds with feather-destructive behavior did not have significantly higher corticosterone levels than birds without the condition (P = .38). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the physiological stress response in companion psittacine birds during routine handling will allow clinicians to better evaluate how this may affect the patient's condition and diagnostic test results. Assessing how corticosterone correlates to behavioral conditions such as feather-destructive behavior will provide clinicians with the potential to develop treatment options.

Endogenous lipid pneumonia associated with atherosclerosis in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva).

Endogenous lipid pneumonia is a rare inflammatory, non-infectious lung disease characterized by the accumulation of endogenous lipids in alveolar macrophages. It has been associated with bronchial obstruction, chronic lung inflammation, alveolar proteinosis and lipid storage disorders. A 14-year-old female blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) presented with intermittent dyspnoea, neurological signs and persistent lipaemia of unknown aetiology. At necropsy, the most relevant gross findings were increased rigidity of the great vessels, lungs with diffuse grey to whitish discolouration of the parenchyma and multifocal small yellowish nodules. Microscopic examination revealed typical lesions of atherosclerosis and severe multifocal accumulation of foamy macrophages filling the parabronchi, which led to a diagnosis of endogenous lipid pneumonia. Although the relationship between dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and endogenous lipid pneumonia in birds is not well established, the chronic dyslipidaemia of unknown origin could be involved in the pathogenesis of both the atherosclerosis and the endogenous lipid pneumonia. The present case highlights the need to better understand the relationships between various disorders of lipid metabolism in psittacine birds.

Twice-daily oral administration of a cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid-rich hemp extract was well tolerated in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica) and has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of 8 cannabinoids and 5 metabolites after oral administration of single and multiple doses of a cannabidiol (CBD)-cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)-rich hemp extract to orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica) as well as to evaluate the extract's adverse effects. ANIMALS: 12 birds. PROCEDURES: Based on pilot studies, a single-dose study based on 30/32.5 mg/kg of cannabidiol/cannabidiolic acid of a hemp extract was administered orally to 8 fasted parrots, and 10 blood samples were collected over 24 hours after administration. After a 4-week washout period, the hemp extract was administered orally to 7 birds at the previous dose every 12 hours for 7 days, and blood samples were collected at the previous time points. Cannabidiol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, cannabidiolic acid, cannabigerolic acid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, and 5 specific metabolites were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem/mass-spectrometry, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Adverse effects and changes in the plasma biochemistry and lipid panels were evaluated. RESULTS: Pharmacokinetic parameters for cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, and the metabolite 11-hydroxy-9-tetrahydrocannabinol were established. For the multiple-dose study, cannabidiol/cannabidiolic acid mean Cmax was 337.4/602.1 ng/mL with a tmax of 30 minutes and a terminal half-life of 8.6/6.29 hours, respectively. No adverse effects were detected during the multidose study. The predominant metabolite was 11-hydroxy-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Twice daily oral administration of the hemp extract based on 30 mg/kg/32.5 mg/kg of cannabidiol/cannabidiolic acid was well tolerated and maintained plasma concentrations considered to be therapeutic in dogs with osteoarthritis. Findings suggest different cannabinoid metabolism from mammals.

Onto the sense of smell in macaws, amazons and toucans: can they use volatile cues of fruits to make foraging decisions?

Over the past decades, empirical evidence has been accumulated indicating that olfactory information plays a fundamental role in bird life history. Nonetheless, many aspects of avian olfaction remain poorly understood. Our purpose was to broaden the knowledge about the importance of the sense of smell in some neglected bird groups: psittaciformes and ramphastids, and to compare how the response varied between the species. Because of the lack of information about the use of chemical cues for locating food in fruit-eating species, we also aimed to delve into this question. We conducted a 3-choice (water/vinegar/papaya and banana juice) scent test in 5 Costa Rican native species: scarlet macaw (Ara macao), red-lored amazon (Amazona autumnalis), yellow-naped amazon (Amazona auropalliata), keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), and yellow-throated toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus). Results revealed that macaws and toucans allocated significantly more time to interacting with the fruit scent container, indicating that these species can perceive the volatile chemicals emitted by ripe fruits and that they can use this information to make foraging decisions. However, amazons did not dedicate more time to interact with the fruit treatment. Our research provides the first evidence of the ability to exploit chemical volatile cues in macaws and toucans.

Time interval between diagnosis to treatment of breast cancer and the impact of health insurance coverage: a sub analysis of the AMAZONA III Study (GBECAM 0115).

PURPOSE: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer among women in Brazil. Evidence shows that delayed treatment onset is associated with increased mortality. This study aimed to evaluate median days between diagnosis and treatment and factors associated with delayed start of treatment (> 60 days after diagnosis): stage, treatment received, subtype, epidemiological characteristics, and type of healthcare coverage. METHODS: This analysis included 1709 stage I-III BC patients from AMAZONA III, a prospective, observational study, diagnosed from January 2016 to March 2018 in 22 centers in Brazil. RESULTS: The median number of days from diagnosis to beginning of first oncologic treatment was 46 days (IQR 28-75) overall, 43 days (IQR 25-75) for stage I disease, 49 days (IQR 28-81) for stage II, and 44 days (IQR 30-68) for stage III, (p = 0.1180). According to first treatment received, diagnosis-to-treatment interval was 43 days (IQR 29-65) for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 48 days (IQR 26-81) for surgery. Diagnosis-to-treatment interval was higher in women treated in the public system versus the private system (56 vs. 34 days, p < 0.0001). Patients in the public system had an increased odds of delayed treatment initiation (OR 4.74 95% CI 3.09-7.26, p < .0001). The longer interval from diagnosis to treatment in the public system was independent of clinical stage, type of treatment (systemic vs surgery first), subtype and region of the country. CONCLUSION: By characterizing the delays in care delivery, our study will aid stakeholders to better design interventions and allocate resource to improve timely treatment for breast cancer in Brazil. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT02663973, registered on January, 26th, 2016.

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.

Hematological and Plasma Biochemical Reference Values for Captive White-Fronted Parrots (Amazona albifrons) in México.

The objective of this study was to establish hematological and plasma biochemical reference values in captive white-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona albifrons), as well as to determine whether sex effects the reference values. To our knowledge, hematological and plasma biochemical data have not been reported in this species. Thirty-seven clinically healthy adult individuals (21 males, 16 females) from El Nido Bird Sanctuary, Ixtapaluca, Estado de México, were the subject birds for this study. Complete blood count and selected plasma biochemical parameters, including uric acid, glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, and albumin, were evaluated. Blood samples were collected in the winter (January), outside of the birds' breeding season. Many hematological and plasma biochemical analytes had large coefficients of variation, and there were no statistically significant sex differences identified.

Multiple Myeloma with Aberrant CD3 Expression in a Red-Lored Amazon Parrot (Amazona autumnalis).

A 20-year-old, female, red-lored Amazon parrot (Amazona autumnalis) was presented for a 2-week history of weakness. On physical examination, the bird was quiet, fluffed, weak, and had a distended coelom. Radiographic and ultrasound imaging revealed coelomic distention, increased pulmonary parenchymal opacity, renomegaly, dilated intestines, and a thickened ventricular wall. The results of a complete blood cell count indicated the patient was anemic (28%) and had intermediate to large lymphocytes with immature chromatin that were suspected to be neoplastic. Immunocytochemistry on peripheral blood determined that the suspected circulating neoplastic cells were cluster of differentiation (CD) 3+ and occasionally expressed multiple myeloma oncogene 1 (MUM1). Abnormalities from a plasma biochemistry panel were moderate hyperphosphatemia (6.8 mg/dL), marked hyperproteinemia (13.6 g/L), analbuminemia (0 g/dL), and marked hyperglobulinemia (13.6 g/dL). Agarose gel plasma protein electrophoresis documented the presence of albumin (1.2 g/dL) and monoclonal bands which, on reduced lithium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, resolved as 60-kd and ∼25-kd bands consistent with immunoglobulin Y heavy and light chains. On the basis of these findings, multiple myeloma was diagnosed. Because of a poor prognosis, the bird was euthanized for postmortem examination. Bone marrow cytology from samples collected during the postmortem examination revealed 17.4% plasma cells and 24% large immature cells with occasional plasmacytoid features. Histopathologic findings included aggregates of neoplastic plasma cells in the bone marrow, spleen, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract, muscle, ovary, and brain. The neoplastic cells were strongly immunoreactive for MUM1 and cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), but negative for CD79a, paired box protein 5, and CD20. This confirmed the clinical diagnosis of multiple myeloma. This report describes an avian immunoglobulin Y-secreting multiple myeloma with aberrant CD3 expression and pseudoanalbuminemia. Aberrant CD3 expression by avian multiple myeloma may explain previously published cases of birds with a monoclonal gammopathy and apparent T-cell lymphoma diagnosed by CD3 immunoreactivity.

Sedative Effect of Ketamin-Midazolam Administered at Acupoint GV20 Compared to Intramuscular Route in Blue-Fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva): a Pilot Study.

Background: The growth of exotic pet medicine is leading to fast developments in clinical investigations on birds. Acupuncture, specifically pharmacopuncture, offers safe chemical restraint options. Objectives: To investigate pharmacopuncture at acupoint GV20 in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) using ketamine and midazolam. Methods: Sixteen healthy birds were distributed into four groups (C: intramuscular control; 1/2 C: 1/2 dose intramuscular control; 1/2 GV20: 1/2 dose at acupoint GV20; 1/5 GV20: 1/5 dose at acupoint GV20). Degree of sedation, latency, recuperation time, heart and respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured. Quantitative data were analyzed by a Student's t-test. Results: The C, 1/2 C, and 1/2 GV20 groups showed the same degree of sedation. The 1/2 GV20 group showed longer latency times (6 ± 2.1) than the 1/2 C (2.5 ± 0.5) group. Sedation time did not differ between the C (28 ± 9.8), 1/2 C (30.5 ± 8.6), and 1/2 GV20 (41 ± 22.24) groups. The 1/2 GV20 group recuperated faster (13.7 ± 3.7) than the C group (64.2 ± 3.5). The C and 1/2 C groups showed tremors and slow and unstable recovery. Two animals in the C group showed mild hypothermia (38°C). Conclusion: The use of 1/2 GV20 was effective and safe to sedate blue-fronted Amazon parrots without side effects, providing easy, stable, and fast recovery. The use of 1/5 GV20 had a shorter sedation time. These findings show that the combination of acupuncture and drugs provides new possibilities for efficient anesthetic protocols with fewer side effects in birds.

Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in the Hispaniolan Amazon Parrot (Amazona ventralis).

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol (CBD), a potential treatment option that may alleviate pain in companion animals and humans, in the Hispaniolan Amazon parrot (Amazona ventralis). A pilot study administered a single oral dose of CBD in hemp oil at 10 mg/kg to 2 birds and 20 mg/kg to 2 birds. Because the maximum serum concentrations (Cmax) for these doses were 5.5 and 13 ng/mL, respectively, and the serum half-life was 2 hours for both groups, the doses were considered too low for clinical use in this species. Therefore, a study was designed in which 14 healthy 12-14-year-old parrots of both sexes and weighing 0.24-0.35 kg (mean, 0.28 kg) were enrolled. Seven birds were administered 60 mg/kg CBD PO, and 7 birds were administered 120 mg/kg CBD PO. Blood samples were obtained at time 0, and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10 hours posttreatment in a balanced incomplete block design. Quantification of plasma CBD concentrations was determined by use of a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental analysis. The areas under the curve (h·ng/mL) were 518 and 1863, Cmax (ng/ mL) were 213 and 562, and times to achieve Cmax (hours) were 0.5 and 4 for the 60 and 120 mg/kg doses, respectively. The serum half-life could not be determined in the 60 mg/kg treatment, but was 1.28 hours at 120 mg/kg. Adverse effects were not observed in any bird. The highly variable results and short half-life of the drug in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots, even at high doses, suggests that this drug formulation was inconsistent in achieving targeted concentrations as reported in other animal species.