Clinical application of an external fixator in the repair of bone fractures in 28 birds.

The repair of seven tibiotarsal fractures, three humeral fractures, three tarsometatarsal fractures, two femoral fractures and 13 radial and ulnar fractures with a tubular external fixator system was evaluated prospectively in 10 common pigeons (Columba livia), 11 psittacine birds, six birds of prey and one Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildii). The fixations included type 1, type 2 and intramedullary tie-in methods, and the fractures healed in all but three cases. A comparison of the weight of different connecting bars showed that the external fixation system and polymethylmethacrylate are the lightest available systems and that there was no clinically relevant difference between them.

Survival of pigeon red blood cells after transfusion into selected raptors.

Survival time of 51Cr-labeled pigeon RBC transfused into 5 raptors was determined. Mean +/- SD estimated RBC survival time was 0.51 +/- 0.19 days. This was considerably shorter than estimated survival time of autologous RBC in a Red-tailed Hawk (estimated survival, 35.1 days) and in a pigeon (estimated survival, 26.8 days). Estimated survival time after homologous transfusion of RBC from one pigeon to another was 7.1 days. Although single heterologous blood transfusions have been recommended as a safe and efficacious means of whole blood replacement in birds, results of this study suggest that heterologous RBC transfused from pigeons to selected raptor species are rapidly destroyed.

Suspected herbicide toxicosis in a dog.

An 8-year-old 38-kg spayed female Golden Retriever was admitted for vomiting, signs of abdominal pain on palpation, ataxia, anorexia, and generalized weakness of 2 days' duration. Ten hours prior to onset of clinical signs, the dog was found standing in and drinking from large pools of an accidentally spilled herbicide that contained an octanoic acid ester of bromoxynil (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile) and an isooctyl ester of (2-methyl-4-chloro) phenoxyacetic acid (MCPA). Appendicular muscles were firm on palpation and persistent muscle contraction (myotonia > 1 minute duration) was found on muscle percussion, using a reflex hammer. Electrical activity indicative of myotonia was identified on electromyographic evaluation. With supportive treatment, the dog eventually recovered from suspected MCPA toxicosis. Although rare, MCPA toxicosis should be considered as a cause of acquired myotonia in dogs.

[Polyomavirus infections in exotic birds in Switzerland]. / Polyomavirusinfektionen bei exotischen Vögeln in der Schweiz.

Polyomavirus infections in budgerigars, in other parrots as well as in passeriformes have been described in many countries, but not in Switzerland so far. This paper reports on cases of polyomavirus infections in three different bird collections in Switzerland. The first outbreak occurred in a mixed collection of passeriformes, the second in a collection of parrotlets (Genus Forpus), and the third in a large groups of parrots (Psittaciformes), of which only one recently acquired Kea (Nestor notabilis) was affected. The clinical symptoms, gross necropsy changes and histopathologic findings are described. The presence of avian polyomavirus was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).