Fecal samples were collected from 34 clinically healthy cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), with 15 consuming a commercially available seed diet and 19 on a formulated pelleted diet. Next-generation DNA sequencing was used to analyze the samples, revealing a diverse microbial landscape. A total of 179 bacterial species from 94 genera and 244 fungal species from 156 genera were identified across both diet groups. Although no significant differences in microbial diversity were observed between the 2 groups, distinct microbial compositions were noted. Notably, Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii and Enterococcus durans/faecium were enriched in the pellet-fed group, whereas Lactobacillus oris and a species in the Brevinemataceae family were more abundant in the seed-fed group. In the mycobiome, Aspergillus penicillioides, Meyerozyma sp, and Fusarium sp were enriched in the pelleted diet group, whereas Bulleribasidium oberjochense was more prevalent in the seed diet group. These findings highlight the nuanced effects of diet on the fecal microbiome of cockatiels, providing valuable insights for avian health management and potential probiotic interventions.

Twenty falcons exhibiting tongue swelling, oropharyngeal pustules, and crop mucin gland impactions were presented for veterinary care to the Al Aseefa Falcon Clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from October to January 2018–2021. Squamous metaplasia was confirmed in 2 euthanized falcons from this group. A study was undertaken to assess circulating concentrations of serum retinol in this group of diseased falcons (n = 20) compared with the values of a clinically healthy group (n = 20). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for concentrations of serum retinol. Comparison of serum retinol concentrations between the 2 groups showed a significant difference (P < 0.001), with clinically normal falcons having a median (25–75%) range of 1.43 (1.34–1.66) mg/mL and clinically abnormal falcons 0.17 (0.11–0.36) mg/mL. The significant difference in the serum retinol concentrations between groups provided strong evidence that the squamous metaplasia was associated with hypovitaminosis A. These results demonstrate that circulating serum retinol concentrations may be useful for assessing and diagnosing hypovitaminosis A in cases exhibiting distinctive lesions in the tongue, salivary glands, crop, and oropharynx.

White-eyed parakeets (Psittacara leucophthalmus) are medium-sized birds that are diurnal and arboreal and eat a predominantly fruit-based diet. Although white-eyed parakeets are frequently presented with ocular lesions, information about ophthalmological parameters for this species is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the baseline ophthalmic parameters of healthy, white-eyed parakeets to contribute to a better understanding of their ocular health. This study evaluated the modified Schirmer tear test I (mSTTI), standardized endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), and measurement of the palpebral fissure length (PFL) of 24 adult white-eyed parakeets under manual restraint. The same evaluator examined both eyes of each bird. To avoid any interference for the tear tests, 12 birds were assigned to mSTTI and 12 to EAPPTT. There was a significant difference (P = 0.031) in the PFL between eyes, with right eyes measuring 7–9 mm and left eyes 6–8 mm. There was no significant difference (P = 0.435) in CCT between eyes. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the mSTTI and EAPPTT values, with EAPPTT values being higher than mSTTI values. There was no significant difference (P = 0.157) for these measures within bird. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the IOP values between the different species parameters, with significant differences (all P <0.001) recorded between all species measures except dog and rabbit (P = 0.09). There was no significant difference (P = 0.157) for the IOP measures within bird. The ophthalmic parameters obtained from the adult, white-eyed parakeets in this study can be used to expand our knowledge about the species and help distinguish healthy eyes from diseased eyes.

Respiratory disease is common in psittacine birds; thus, having evidence-based methods to evaluate clinical cases is important for confirming a diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to describe the computed tomographic characteristics of the normal lung parenchyma of wild blue and yellow macaws (Ara ararauna), including measuring lung volume and normal radiographic attenuation of the lung parenchyma. Ten blue and yellow macaws from a wildlife center were used for this study. For computed tomography, transverse 1-mm slices were obtained, as well as multiplanar and 3-dimensional reconstructions for description of tomographic anatomy. Quantitative lung radiodensity was evaluated by regions of interest and via the histogram method. The lungs occupied the dorsal region of the coelomic cavity, with a triangular appearance on sagittal view, and were divided into left and right lungs. The lungs showed no lobulation. Mean attenuation values obtained were –727.19 ± 44.53 Hounsfield units by the histogram method and –722.19 ± 29.69 Hounsfield units by regions of interest. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between methods. Mean lung volume was 26 ± 6.03 cm³. The description of the normal computed tomography lung anatomy and density values of blue and yellow macaws are useful baseline data that can be applied to the diagnosis of respiratory diseases in this species.

In cases in which vision cannot be restored and the eye is a source of pain, removal of the eye may be indicated. In mammals, enucleation is the most common procedure performed; however, due to the distinct anatomical features of the avian eye, evisceration may be the preferred method in these species. The large globe size and rigid sclera leave the bird with a large sunken eye socket, which may cause the bird to become unbalanced and is not cosmetically appealing. Furthermore, birds have short optic nerves that can be injured due to traction and a thin interorbital septum that can be damaged during surgery. Evisceration reduces these risks and is typically done within a shorter anesthetic time. This case series reports the successful use of a modified evisceration technique in 4 pet psittacine birds: a red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksia) diagnosed with severe fungal keratitis and anterior uveitis based on histopathology, a galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) with a traumatic injury resulting in a ruptured globe, a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) diagnosed with a cataract and secondary glaucoma, and a green cheek conure (Pyrrhura molinae) diagnosed with anterior lens luxation and suspected endophthalmitis. Each bird underwent a modified evisceration surgery because the eyes were nonvisual and painful and had a grave prognosis for recovery. All 4 birds recovered uneventfully without complications and have remained stable for between 2.5 and 4.5 years postoperatively. This report demonstrates that the modified evisceration technique is safe and achievable in psittacine patients.

Two wild adult bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were presented to the University of Florida zoological medicine department on separate dates, both being unable to fly. One eagle had a fracture of the left humerus, and the second had no external injuries. Thoracic radiographs of both animals revealed cardiomegaly, and echocardiography revealed reduced systolic function. Both eagles were treated with oral pimobendan until recheck echocardiography documented normal systolic function. Several weeks after pimobendan was discontinued, the echocardiograms of both eagles showed normal systolic function and were considered normal. The transient nature of systolic dysfunction in these 2 eagles could be consistent with a stress-induced, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy-like phenotype although traumatic myocarditis or adverse anesthetic reactions must also be considered.

A seven-month-old male blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented with an inability to move the maxillary beak after flying into a clothesline. Unsuccessful attempts to reduce the beak were performed, first by the owner at home and later within the same day by the referring veterinarian under general anesthesia. The patient was referred for assessment and treatment 5 days later. A palatine luxation and entrapment with a possible fissure of palatine bone was suspected based on history, a physical examination, and radiographic imaging. Another unsuccessful attempt to manually reduce the beak was performed under general anesthesia. A computed tomography (CT) scan was scheduled to evaluate the skull further. Rostrodorsal displacement and entrapment of the palatine bone on the rostral edge of the interorbital septum in the mesethmoid region were identified. In addition, the CT images provided useful information for the veterinary team to rule out other skeletal abnormalities, rendering a significantly more detailed evaluation of the skull bones before surgical intervention. Surgery was performed after the previously published pin insertion method over the dorsal aspect of the palatine bone. Pressure in the ventral direction was then applied on the pin while simultaneously further hyperextending the maxillary beak to unhook the palatine bone from the interorbital septum. The present case report describes an in vivo diagnosis of palatine luxation and entrapment in a blue and yellow macaw by means of a CT scan and successful surgical resolution.