The Effects of Critical Care Nutrition on Weight Gain in African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) Chicks.

Nutritional support in malnourished animals is an essential aspect of wildlife rehabilitation; this support is especially relevant when providing lifesaving nutrition to endangered species such as the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). This study investigated the short-term effects of a commercially available, semi-elemental, critical care diet compared with a hand-made fish formula. Twenty-one African penguin chicks were selected on admission to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Costal Birds in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2015. Initial assessment included body weight, a full clinical exam, white blood cell count, packed cell volume, and total plasma protein. Ten animals received the commercial critical care diet, whereas a control group of 11 animals were fed hand-made formula for the 2-week study period. All animals were weighed daily and blood sampling was repeated after 14 days. The median weight of both groups increased significantly over 14 days (critical care diet χ2 = 10.1, P = 0.002; control χ2 = 7.4, P = 0.006). The difference was not significant between the groups for start weight (χ2 = 0.1, P = 0.725) or end weight (χ2 = 0, P = 1.000) and was not significantly different in the change over time for either absolute numbers (χ2 = 1.7, P = 0.193) or percent gain (χ2 = 0.8, P = 0.36). The values for packed cell volume, total plasma protein, and white blood cell count increased in all animals after the 14-day study period was complete. On the basis of the results of this study, it was determined that the differing diets led to similar weight gain.

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.

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.

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.