Serum biochemistry values, plasma mineral levels, and whole blood heavy metal measurements in wild northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis).

Serum chemistry panels and complete mineral and heavy metal screens were performed on blood samples from eight adult northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) breeding in Pennsylvania. Serum chemistry panels were performed to determine the health status of each bird. Biochemical values measured included serum glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, uric acid, creatine kinase, and aspartate transaminase. Glucose, creatine kinase, and aspartate transaminase values were elevated when compared with published values for northern goshawks and other species of raptors. Complete mineral screens were performed to better document the blood mineral content of northern goshawks. Plasma calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, total phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc levels were determined. Whole blood heavy metal screens were done to evaluate the northern goshawk's exposure to environmental arsenic, cadmium, lead, thallium, and selenium. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium whole blood levels of less than 0.05 ppm in all birds indicated that the northern goshawks were not being exposed to significant levels of heavy metals in their environment. Whole blood selenium levels of the northern goshawks were above the minimum dietary requirement for avian species (0.130-0.200 ppm) and below published toxic selenium concentrations.

Common Emergencies in Pet Birds.

Treating avian emergencies can be a challenging task. Pet birds often mask signs of illness until they are critically ill and require quick initiation of supportive care with minimal handling to stabilize them. This article introduces the clinician to common avian emergency presentations and details initial therapeutics and diagnostics that can be readily performed in the small-animal emergency room. Common disease presentations covered include respiratory and extrarespiratory causes of dyspnea, gastrointestinal signs, reproductive disease, neurologic disorders, trauma, and toxin exposure. The duration and severity of the avian patient's disease and the clinician's initiation of appropriate therapy often determines clinical outcome.