To compare results of clinical biochemical analysis using an Abaxis VetScan bench-top analyzer with reagents specifically marketed for avian use and a Hitachi 911 analyzer, plasma (both methods) and whole blood (VetScan method) samples from 20 clinically healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) were analyzed. Correlation between methods was very high (r  =  0.9–1.0) for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, glucose, and uric acid; high (r  =  0.7–0.89) for creatine kinase (CK), phosphorus, potassium, and total protein; moderate (r  =  0.5–0.69) for globulin; and low (r  =  0.3–0.49) for albumin and sodium. VetScan analyzer results for globulin, sodium, and uric acid had a constant negative bias (values below those from the Hitachi method). Based on difference plot analysis, results for AST, calcium, CK, and glucose are comparable. Because 16 of 20 values fell below the lower detection limit of the VetScan analyzer, bile acid data were excluded from analysis. By using a relatively small sample size (0.1 ml whole blood or plasma), the VetScan analyzer offers rapid in-house results, compact size, and ease of operation. For 4 of the most clinically relevant biochemical analytes used in avian medicine (AST, calcium, CK, glucose), it offers reliable values. For an additional 4 analytes (phosphorous, potassium, total protein, uric acid), establishing analyzer-specific reference intervals is recommended. Neither the VetScan nor the Hitachi method is recommended to assess albumin and globulin concentrations.

Although breeding of companion birds has become increasingly popular over the last decades, evaluating avian fecundity is rarely addressed and remains a challenge. Whereas histologic examination of a testicular biopsy sample is useful in evaluating reproductive status, as well as in identifying pathologic changes, cytologic examination is a much quicker method and is less invasive. To determine if cytologic examination of testicular impression smears is reliable compared with histologic examination in assessing reproductive status, we evaluated results in 16 live and in 14 dead male budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). In most birds, macroscopic evaluation, combined with histologic or cytologic examination, resulted in a consistent grading of testicular reproductive stage. However, some testes assessed as inactive macroscopically showed advanced reproductive stage on histologic examination. Although a single biopsy caused no permanent damage to the testes and did not impact the general health status of the examined birds, repeated endoscopic examination resulted in testicular cicatrization or adhesions with the air sacs. In addition, some birds had delayed recovery after endoscopy. A biopsy of 1 testis done once or even repeatedly during a 1-year period had no impact on sperm production or quality.

Quantitative measures of corticosteroids in biological samples that can be obtained noninvasively, such as saliva, feces, and body hair, have important potential as contributing elements in assessing the quality of captive environments and the severity of experimental procedures. Egg-laying chickens may be of particular interest because the corticosterone contents of the egg may have potential as a convenient measure of preceding adrenocortical activity. To develop methods to reliably quantify corticosterone content in the egg white and yolk, corticosterone content in eggs from 15 egg-laying chickens housed in single production cages were compared with that of eggs from 15 sister chickens, group housed in 1450 cm² cages equipped with bedding, straw nests, sand baths, and perches. Approximately 80% of the total amount of corticosterone in the eggs was found in the yolk, and there was a positive correlation between yolk corticosterone concentration and total egg corticosterone (r  =  0.90, n  =  30, P < .001). The egg white contained approximately 20% of the total amount of corticosterone, but there was no correlation between concentrations in the white and the total corticosterone content of the eggs (r  =  0.003). There was no difference in the white and yolk corticosterone concentrations or total egg corticosterone between singly housed and group-housed egg-laying hens. Quantitative analyses of corticosterone concentration in eggs may assist when analyzing the stressfulness of experimental procedures and major changes to the birds' environment that affect the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

An intact male white pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) was presented for examination because of respiratory distress and 2- to 3-month history of lameness and lethargy. Results of radiography, ultrasonography, and cytologic examination revealed a large neoplastic mass in the coelom. The duck was euthanatized, and results of necropsy revealed 2 large, lobulated masses in the coelom and a small nodule on the liver. Histopathologic examination of the large masses revealed a collision pattern testicular tumor consisting of Sertoli, seminoma, and interstitial cell components. The hepatic nodule was a metastatic lesion consistent with a Sertoli cell testicular tumor. This is the first reported case of a mixed germ cell–sex cord–stromal tumor in a duck.

A 1-year-old male canary (Serinus canaria, Jibber breed), with a protuberance on the left tibia was referred to the clinic. The bird was not able to use the affected foot to stand on its perch. Results of radiographs revealed a radio-opaque hard tissue mass. The canary was euthanatized and submitted for necropsy. On histopathologic examination, the mass was diagnosed as an ossifying fibroma tumor. To our knowledge, ossifying fibroma has not been reported in birds so far, and this is the first known report of this tumor in birds.

Two birds were presented with malunion fractures. The first was a young toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) with malunion of the tarsometatarsus that was treated by an opening-wedge corrective osteotomy and an acrylic-pin external skeletal fixator (type II) to stabilize the osteotomy. The second bird was an adult southern caracara (Caracara plancus) with radial and ulnar malunion that was treated by closing-wedge osteotomies. Stabilization of the osteotomy sites was accomplished through a bone plate fixed cranially on the ulna with 6 cortical screws and an interfragmentary single wire in radius. In both cases, the malunion was corrected, but the manus of the southern caracara was amputated because of carpal joint luxation that induced malposition of the feathers.

Spinal injuries and congenital or developmental spinal deformities have rarely been reported in pet birds, and treatment for these conditions is even less often described. In poultry, spinal and leg deformities have been well documented, but treatment of the individual is not considered, because affected individuals are typically culled. A 10-week-old male African black-footed penguin (Spheniscus demersus) from the penguin exhibit at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore was evaluated for ataxia, weakness, and motor deficits and was diagnosed with a spinal deformity. Further investigation by using magnetic resonance imaging was conducted, and the penguin subsequently underwent an attempted surgical repair of the malformation. The penguin never regained normal motor control and was found dead 4 weeks after the surgery. Necropsy results revealed hemivertebrae and compression of the spinal cord with associated myositis. Although attempted treatment was unsuccessful in this case, this report illustrates the diagnostic and treatment challenges of avian spinal disease.

A 2-year-old DNA-sexed female Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was evaluated for self-trauma of the feathers and skin of the tail base for a duration of more than 1 year. All rectrices and tail coverts were missing, the skin of the tail base was thickened and ulcerated, and the uropygial gland was swollen. Results of a complete blood cell count revealed relative monocytosis and basophilia. Survey radiographs showed truncation and lysis of the caudal vertebrae and pygostyle. Results of biopsy and bacterial culture of the tail base lesions revealed an ulcerative bacterial dermatitis positive for staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IV (community-acquired) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The bird was treated with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, meloxicam, fluoxetine, topical lidocaine gel, and hydrotherapy. One month later, tail feather regrowth was evident; however, follow-up over 2 years found continued self-trauma to the rectrices in spite of repeated skin biopsies negative for MRSA or other bacteria. It is unknown if the MRSA cultured from this bird was commensal or acquired from either the environment or humans to which the bird was exposed.

An 11-year-old male peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), known to have been a successful breeder in the wild with 31 offspring in 9 breeding seasons, was presented for evaluation of wing and leg injuries and for the purpose of rehabilitation. Four 13-day-old young were present in the nest at the time of injury. Aside from superficial trauma to the left leg and wing, a dorso-cranially luxated left coxofemoral joint and a severely fragmented (7–8 fragments) left ulna were seen radiographically. The coxofemoral luxation was manually reduced and held in position by slinging the left leg, bandaged in flexion, to the body for 14 days. After removal of the sling and leg bandage, the falcon regained full use of the moderately contracted left leg within 2 days. The left wing was immobilized with a figure-of-8 bandage. The ulnar fragments were held in alignment by the intact left radius, which served as an internal biologic splint. To promote rapid healing with reestablishment of full biomechanical strength and normal function, the wing fracture was treated according to the concepts of biological fracture healing without surgical intervention. Complete healing of the ulna was achieved within 25 days. For strengthening of the wing and to assure prey capture capability, the falcon was reconditioned in a large flight chamber under the supervision of a licensed falconer. He was released into his home territory 4 months after his accident and continued his productive life for another 2 breeding seasons, in which 5 additional young were produced.

Recently, the media has been reminding us on a daily basis that we're in the middle of an economic recession. Whether it's on the television, on the radio or in print, consumers are repeatedly hit with the news that our economy is in bad shape and, as a result, our pocketbooks will suffer. We are affected in all areas of our lives: at gas stations, in supermarkets, in restaurants, and even at animal hospitals. In fact, just the other day, NBC News in New York ran a story on the 11 o'clock news about the rising cost of veterinary care and how pet owners are cutting back on spending for pet care because of the declining economy. The newscast even suggested that, to combat the effects of rising pet care costs, pet owners ask their veterinarians for extended payment plans and multiple-pet discounts. As a veterinarian and practice owner, these suggestions frustrated me, because I, like other consumers, have to deal with rising costs from the economic recession and would have even more difficulty if I had to face reduced income from payment plans and discounts. This news program made me wonder: how are other veterinarians dealing with the effects of this economy? Are the economic effects on pet care different in different areas of the country?

To address this issue, I invited 6 private practitioners working in several different states to comment on the receding economy's effects on their veterinary practices. I purposely selected participants from states across the country to see whether geography plays a role on the potential effects the declining economy may be having on veterinary practice. The participants are Todd Driggers, DVM, Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Arizona, Gilbert, AZ, USA; Steven Dyer, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), VCA South Shore Animal Hospital, South Weymouth, MA, USA; Tarah Hadley, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), Atlanta Hospital for Birds and Exotics, Inc., Conyers, GA, USA; Lonnie Kasman, DVM, Monroe Animal Hospital, Monroe, NY, USA; Larry Nemetz, DVM, The Bird Clinic Veterinary Corporation, Orange, CA, USA; and Anneliese Strunk, DVM, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls, NJ, USA. I hope this commentary will raise interesting discussion for all veterinarians practicing in this uncertain economic climate and will make us aware that our patients, as luxury items for our clients, may be subject to the negative effects of the American consumer's budget tightening.