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1 December 2009 Polyacrylamide Gel Ingestion Leading to Fatal Intestinal Obstruction in Two Birds in a Zoological Collection
Christine L. Miller, Karyn L. Bischoff, Brent Hoff
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Two birds from a zoological collection suffered fatal intestinal obstruction after each ingested single particles of polyacrylamide gel. Polyacrylamide gel, used in soils for gardening and agriculture, exists as small granules in the dehydrated state but expands markedly upon exposure to water. Polyacrylamide gel might, therefore, be an unrecognized hazard for captive and wild birds and other small animals if consumed.

Christine L. Miller, Karyn L. Bischoff, and Brent Hoff "Polyacrylamide Gel Ingestion Leading to Fatal Intestinal Obstruction in Two Birds in a Zoological Collection," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 23(4), 286-289, (1 December 2009). https://doi.org/10.1647/1082-6742-23.4.286
Published: 1 December 2009
KEYWORDS
Avian
blue-tailed trogon
foreign body
Harpactes reinwardtii
intestinal obstruction
Phaenicophaeus javanicus
polyacrylamide gel
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