Avian Non-Infectious Diseases Flashcards
Why can broken blood feathers be dangerous? What treatment is recommended?
risk of hemorrhaging out and extremely painful
pluck feather and apply Qwick stop or skin glue to promote hemostasis
In what birds are feather cysts most common? What are 2 options for treatment?
Canaries —> can be mistaken for xanthomas or fibrosarcomas
- lance cyst, remove feather material, and cauterize the follicle with silver nitrate
- surgically excise entire feather follicle
What is suspected to be the cause of uropygial gland impaction? What 4 treatments are recommended?
improper nutrition —> hypovitaminosis A (check choanal papilla)
- lance affected lobe
- antibiotic based on C&S
- flush with chlorhexidine
- heal via secondary intention
What causes pododermatitis in birds? What signs are seen? What birds are most commonly affected?
bumblefoot —> Staphylococcus aureus
progressive inflammation of the foot - mild erythema —> abscessation and osteomyelitis
- raptors
- psittacines
- poultry
- waterfowl
What are 6 predisposing factors to pododermatitis?
- obesity
- overgrown talons/nails
- sedentary lifestyle
- trauma
- improper perching
- poor sanitation/husbandry/nutrition - bird requires a variety of perches to avoid sitting on the same part of foot, ground dwellers need clear floors without abrasive material
What are the 5 grades of pododermatitis?
- early insult, no apparent infection
- infection of tissues near insult
- infection with swelling and discharge, likely lame
- above + involvement of deeper structures
- crippling deformity, loss of function
How is pododermatitis diagnosed? What are 5 options for treatment?
culture, bloodwork, radiographs
- fix husbandry
- bandage to remove weight from plantar aspect of foot - interdigital, donut (severe)
- surgical debridement - III or above
- topical therapy - anti-inflammatories (DMSO, CEH cream, preparation H) + antibiotics
- systemic antibiotics + analgesia
What is prognosis of pododermatitis like?
- Gr 1-3 = good with quick recovery
- Gr 3-5 = guarded to poor with prolonged recovery (can take 2-6 months!)
What is Amazon foot necrosis syndrome? What etiology is suspected?
pruritic, ulcerative lesions on feet/legs with self-mutilation common —> poor prognosis
allergic or immune-mediated
What is constricted toe syndrome? What is the most common cause? How is it treated?
fibrous band of tissue on the toe of Psittacine neonates constricts one or more digits
low humidity in incubators or brooders
surgical excision of band
What kind of injury are mammal bite wounds to birds? What treatment is recommended?
true emergency - Pasteurella multocida is part of the normal flora of a cat’s mouth
antibiotic therapy immediately —> Fluoroquinolones or Penicillins are best choices
Antimicrobials used in avian species:
What birds are most commonly affected by xanthomas? What are they? Where are they most commonly found?
Cockatiels and Budgerigars
locally invasive, benign, sometimes pruritic, yellow friable masses
ventral coelom, hip, thigh, wing, around face
How are xanthomas diagnosed? How are they treated?
cytology - foamy microphage, multinucleated giant cells, cholesterol crystals
- surgical excision (recurrence possible)
- low fat/protein diet
(large = guarded prognosis)
What are 6 possible causes of feather picking/feather destructive behavior?
- behavioral
- pain response - growing, arthritis, cysts
- aggression from conspecifics - finches in breeding season
- improper husbandry - decreased humidity
- infectious - PBFD
- endocrine - hypothyroidism causes decreased molting, discoloration, and flaky skin
(diagnosis of exclusion)
What birds commonly develop lipomas? How do they appear? Treatment?
birds on high fat seed diets
soft, pale, yellow, encapsulated and lobulated masses in the subcutis, commonly on the sternum
surgical excision and diet correction
What kind of tumors are most commonly found in the uropygial gland? How do they appear? What treatments are recommended?
adenocarcinoma +/- SCC
superficial, crusty, proliferative, localized to the lower back and pygostyle region
- debulk - difficult
- cryotherapy - recurrence likely
- radiation therapy - promising
When is polyostotic hyperostosis considered normal? What are 3 pathogenic causes?
pre-ovulatory females - calcium storage in long bones
- cystic ovaries - secrete estrogen
- ovarian and oviduct neoplasia - secrete estrogen
- paraneoplastic syndrome
What is splay-leg syndrome? What are 3 suspected causes?
laxities of the ligaments of the stifle and/or angular deformities of the femur, tibiotarsus, and tarsometatarsus, common in younger birds
- parental oversitting - can’t strengthen muscles and ligaments
- nutritional deficiencies (MBD)
- insufficient support/substrate in nestbox - slippery, lacks traction
What are 3 options for treating splay-leg syndrome?
- hobbling
- coaptation
- surgery - risks to circulation and innervation + mutilation common with older birds
What birds develop hypovitaminosis A? What does it lead to?
birds fed a seed-based diet
squamous metaplasia —> salivary gland cysts/abscesses, blunting choanal papilla —> predisposes to respiratory infections
What inhaled toxin are birds commonly exposed to in the home? What does this cause?
Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) - burned nonstick cookware, ovens in self-cleaning mode, burning butter or oils, candles, or air fresheners
- irreversible diffuse pulmonary edema/congestion
- regurgitation
- dyspnea
- ataxia
- sudden death
How are birds that inhaled toxins treated? What is prognosis like?
- oxygen therapy
- diuretics
- bronchodilators
- anti-inflammatories
- antimicrobials
poor —> lung changes likely irreversible
What are the 4 most common cause of nasal discharge in birds?
- accumulation of dead cells, dust, or debris
- FB
- squamous metaplasia from hypovitaminosis A
- rhinitis
(common for healthy birds to sneeze several times a day)
What is the most common cause of periorbital swelling? What are 4 etiologies?
conditions affected the infraorbital sinus
- sinusitis
- granuloma - associated with hypovitaminosis A
- trauma
- orbital mass - abscess, neoplasia
What are the 3 most common causes of tracheal disease in birds? How is it treated?
- infectious - bacterial, fungal
- FB
- stenosis
air sac cannulation to buy time to allow the removal of tracheal lesion via endoscopy (size limitations!) or transtracheally
Approach to tracheal FB:
transtracheal - push FB cranially from behind and pop it out of the mouth
What is indicative of pneumonia on radiographs? When is this most commonly seen?
loss of honeycomb pattern
aspiration pneumonia in gavage fed hatchlings/young birds
What are the 2 most common cause of air sac rupture? How are they treated?
- trauma - SQ emphysema, create a circular defect in the skin and allow healing via second intention
- chronic form - occlusion between cervicocephalic air sac and infraorbital sinus, treatment more difficult
What are the 3 most common causes of hepatic lipidosis in birds?
- high fat diet (seeds!)
- sedentary lifestyle
- nutritional deficiencies (biotin)
(fatty liver disease)
What are some clinical signs of hepatic lipidosis?
- lethargy, anorexia
- dyspnea
- biliverdinuria
- regurgitation
- PU/PD
- distended coelom
- neurologic signs
What 4 things are seen on blood work in cases of hepatic lipidosis?
- lipemic serum/plasma
- hepatocellular damage - increased AST, GLDH, BA
- liver dysfunction - decreased TP, ALB, UA, coagulation factors
- impaired gluconeogenesis - decreased glucose
What is seen on imaging in cases of hepatic lipidosis? What gives a definitive diagnosis?
- RADIOGRAPH - enlarged cardiohepatic silhouette
- U/S - hyperechoic liver with rounded margins +/- ascites
histopathology
How is hepatic lipidosis treated?
- aggressive supportive care
- lactulose - binds ammonia
- improve nutrition (less fats/seeds, supplement deficiencies)
- gradual weight loss plan with exercise encouragement
What are 3 additional causes of liver disease in birds?
- HEPATOTOXINS - mycotoxins, heavy metals (Zn, Pb), drugs —> fibrosis, cirrhosis
- HEPATITIS - bacterial, fungal, viral
- NEOPLASIA
What are 6 risk factors that increase chances of developing primary crop stasis?
- crop infection
- dehydration
- crop burn - young hand-fed birds
- impaction
- FB
- over-stretching of crop
What are 4 risk factors that increase chances of developing secondary crop stasis?
- systemic infection causing ileus - Eimeria, Polyomavirus, septicemia
- toxicity - lead
- PDD - Bornavirus
- hypothermia
What diagnostics are used for crop stasis? What are 4 treatments?
crop cytology/culture to determine underlying cause
- crop wash - remove all contents
- supportive care - heat support, fluids
- treat underlying disease
- over-stretched - ingluviectomy, crop bra
What 4 structures may be seen within cloacal prolapses? What are 4 causes?
oviduct, ureters, intestines/coprodeum, cloacal tissues
- chronic egg laying
- constipation/tenesmus - cloacitis, cloacaliths, enteritis, obstruction
- excessive sexual/masturbatory behavior
- idiopathic/behavioral
How are cloacal prolapses treated?
- ID tissue
- assess viability
- if viable - reduce, replace, retain (lateral vent sutures)
- if non-viable - debride, euthanize
- determine underlying cause for prevention
In what birds is renal disease most common? What clinical signs are associated?
geriatric birds - poor husbandry, diet, infection, neoplasia
- PU/PD
- depression
- lameness
- visceral/articular gout (advanced, poorer prognosis)
What diagnostics are used for renal disease?
- BLOOD WORK = persistent hyperuricemia, leukocytosis
- RADIOGRAPHS = renomegaly, mineralization
- BIOPSY = histopath
How is renal disease treated?
- fluid therapy
- improve diet
- colchicine/allopurinol
- pain medication for gout
What birds are most commonly affected by renal neoplasia? What is the most common presentation?
Budgerigars —> nephroblastomas, renal adenocarcinomas (poor prognosis)
unilateral leg lameness, weakness, paralysis, or ataxia (sciatic n)
+/- diarrhea
+/- dyspnea
+/- coelomic distention
+/- weight loss
What testicular neoplasia is common in birds? What does this result in? What clinical signs are seen?
Sertolic cell tumors —> male Budgerigars
hyperestrogenemai
- hyperostosis
- cere color change from blue to brown
- unilateral leg lameness/paresis (close to kidneys, sciatic n)
- coelomic distention and dyspnea in other species
How is phallic prolapse treated?
only reproductive, can be amputated
What is the difference between egg binding and dystocia?
EGG BINDING = failure of egg to pass through oviduct at a normal rate
DYSTOCIA = egg causing obstruction
What are the 3 most common dystocia locations?
- caudal uterus
- vagina
- junction of vaginal and cloaca
What are 8 predisposing factors to dystocia?
- muscle dysfunction
- sedentary lifestyle
- obesity
- stress
- infection
- systemic disease
- damage to the uterus from a previous egg
- malformed egg
What clinical signs are associated with egg binding/dystocia? How is it diagnosed?
(metabolic derangement)
- depression, lethargy
- unwilling to fly
- wide-based stance
- straining
- fluffed, at bottom of enclosure
- tail bob
- compressive effects = lameness, circulatory issues
PE and diagnostic imaging
How are patients stabilized prior to treating for egg binding/dystocia? What are 6 options for removing the egg?
fluids, antibiotics, lubrication of prolapsed tissue
- create a warm, humid, quiet environment
- calcium supplementation
- oxytocin
- prostaglandin - Lutylase, PGE2, Propodyl gel, Misoprostol
- manual manipulation - ovocentesis
- salpingotomy, salpinohysterectomy (if all else fails)
What is egg yolk coelomitis? What history and secondary concurrent diseases are associated?
inflammation caused by yolk free in the coelom (typically aseptic)
recent reproductive activity
- ovarian neoplasia
- oviductal impaction
- chronic obesity
What clinical signs are associated with egg yolk coelomitis?
- depression/lethargy
- coelomic distention +/- ascites
- dyspnea - mass effect,
What are 5 options for diagnosing egg yolk coelomitis?
- CBC - variable, hypercholesterolemia
- BIOCHEM - variable
- COELOMOCENTESIS - cytology + culture
- IMAGING - coelomic fluid or hyperostosis on radiographs and U/S
- LAPAROSCOPY
How is egg yolk coelomitis treated?
- analgesics/anti-inflammatories
- coelomocentesis
- fluid therapy
- antibiotics
- celiotomy
(common in chickens bred to lay eggs often)
What is considered chronic egg laying? In what birds is this most common? What causes it?
laying larger than normal clutches or multiple cluthes regardless of the presence of a mate or proper season
Budgies, Cockatiels, Lovebirds
presence of reproductively stimulating toys/objects or mate-like bonding with a particular owner
What are 4 aspects to treating chronic egg laying?
- behavioral/environmental modification - remove reproductively stimulating toys, restrict access to nesting environments/material, decreased photoperiod to 8-10 hours, limit exposure to perceived mate
- diet - low fat/reduced calories
- hormones - Deslorelin implant, Lupron injections
- remove source - salpingohysterectomy
What are some common sources of lead?
- weights
- solder
- galvanized wire
- bells
- shotgun shells
- costume jewelry
- batteries
- lead-based paints
- mirror backs
What are 6 clinical signs associated with lead toxicosis?
- lethargy/depression
- vomiting, diarrhea
- PU/PD
- anorexia
- neurological signs - weakness, ataxia, seizures
- hematuria
What is the gold standard for diagnosing lead toxicosis? What are 3 other diagnostics that can be used?
blood Pb levels
- CBC - leukocytosis, hypochromic regeneratice anemia, cytoplasmic ballooning and basophilic stiplling of RBCs in blood smears
- BIOCHEM - elevated LDH, AST, BA, and CK
- RADIOGRAPHS - radiopaque metal density in GIT
What are 3 aspects to treating lead toxicosis?
- chelation - CaEDTA
- supportive therapy - control seizures, antimicrobials, fluids, nutritional support (gavage)
- remove lead particles - bulk diets, cathartics, surgical removal
What are common sources of zinc?
- hardware cloth in homemade cages
- clappers in bells of cheap bird toys
- screws, nuts, bolts
- US pennies made after 1983
What are 6 clinical signs associated with zinc toxicosis?
- lethargy/depression
- vomiting, diarrhea
- PU/PD
- anorexia
- neurologic signs - weakness, ataxia, seizures
- acute death
(same as lead)
What is the gold standard for diagnosing zinc toxicosis in birds? What are 3 other options? How is it treated?
blood Zn levels
- CBC - leukocytosis, hypochromic regenerative anemis
- BIOCHEM - increased LDH, AST, BA, CK +/- lipase, amylase
- RADIOGRAPHS - radiopaque metal density in GIT
What toxic principle results in avocado toxicosis in birds? What does it cause? What are 4 clinical signs?
R-enantiomer of persin —> present in leaves, fruit, bark, and seeds
myocardial necrosis
- dyspnea
- SQ edema
- pericardial effusion
- acute death
(supportive therapy, poor prognosis)
Diabetes mellitus is rare in birds. What species typically get it? How is is diagnosed and treated?
toucans and smaller psittacines
assess for glucosuria and measure serum insulin
insulin + high fiber diet
What is the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism in birds? What are the 2 most common signs?
all-seed diets
- metabolic bone disease in young growing birds
- hypocalcemic associated seizures
How is hyperparathyroidism in birds treated?
- correct diet (balance out seeds)
- supplement Ca and vit D
What clinical signs of hypothyroidism are seen in birds? How is it diagnosed and treated?
- obesity
- alopecia —> lack growing feathers
TSH stim test
thyroxine supplementation
In what birds is goiter most common? What is it? How is it treated?
Budgies fed a seed-based diet low in iodine
hypertrophy of the thyroid, which causes partial obstruction of the esophagus and trachea —> dyspnea, regurgitation
supplement iodine and fix diet
