Because of concerns regarding potential adverse effects of meloxicam in pelicans reported by several zoos and wildlife rehabilitation facilities, this study was undertaken to determine the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of meloxicam in brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis). A pilot study was performed with 6 apparently healthy wild adult brown pelicans of unknown sex during rehabilitation, administered a single oral dose of meloxicam at 0.2 mg/kg. Plasma drug concentrations were monitored for 24 hours but failed to capture the elimination phase of the drug. Consequently, a principal study monitored plasma concentrations for 120 hours. Six additional adult wild brown pelicans, 3 males and 3 females, approaching releasable condition in rehabilitation were split into 3 groups and each orally administered 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 4 additional time points that differed between groups. Plasma concentrations were measured with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The mean maximum plasma concentration was 1.22 µg/mL and was achieved at 24 hours after drug administration. The elimination half-life was 36.3 hours, the longest reported to date for any avian species. Further studies are needed to determine the pharmacokinetics of multiple doses of meloxicam and other routes of administration, as well as the pharmacodynamics and safety profile of meloxicam in brown pelicans. On the basis of the results of these investigations, caution is advised when dosing brown pelicans with meloxicam until more studies are completed. By extrapolation, close taxonomic relatives in the order Pelecaniformes may also warrant additional studies.

The purpose of this study was to determine reference interval intraocular pressure (IOP) values in 8 different species of companion birds. One hundred and nineteen companion birds (238 eyes) from a captive colony were examined: 21 pigeons (Columba livia; 18%), 17 African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus; 14%), 22 common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis; 18%), 24 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus; 20%), 12 zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata; 10%), 9 budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus; 8%), 6 domestic canaries (Serinus canaria domestica; 5%), and 8 ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri; 7%). Intraocular pressure was measured by rebound tonometry (TonoVet) avoiding induced, undesired pressure on the head, neck, or eyes. Mean IOP values varied by species. Mean (± SD) IOP values determined for each species were pigeon (5.42 ± 2.06 mm Hg), African grey parrot (4.93 ± 1.91 mm Hg), common mynah (6.22 ± 2.04 mm Hg), cockatiel (5.08 ± 1.76 mm Hg), zebra finch (5.90 ± 2.11 mm Hg), budgerigar (5.88 ± 2.31mm Hg), canary (5.83 ± 1.60 mm Hg), and ring-necked parakeet (6.25 ± 1.75 mm Hg). No statistically significant differences were found in IOP values between right and left eyes for the species studied (P > .22), with the exception of the ring-necked parakeet (P = .001). The results of this study provide representative IOP values measured using rebound tonometry in 8 different species of companion birds.

A study was conducted to estimate the hematological values of captive white-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) in Nepal. Blood samples were collected from 23 adults and 14 juvenile captive white-rumped vultures during their annual health examinations at the Vulture Conservation and Breeding Center, Kasara, Chitwan, Nepal. Of 23 adults, 12 (52%) were male and 11 (48%) were females, whereas the sex of the 14 juveniles was undifferentiated. The mean (± SD) values for the adult birds were estimated as red blood cell count (2.86 ± 1.01 × 10⁶/µL), white blood cell count (14.75 ± 6.01 × 10³/µL, hemoglobin concentration (12.86 ± 1.67 g/dL), and packed cell volume (44.69 ± 3.63%). The mean (± SD) values for the juvenile vultures were estimated as red blood cell count (1.98 ± 0.5 × 10⁶/µL), white blood cell count (16.73 ± 7.11 × 10³/µL), hemoglobin concentration (11.57 ± 0.39 g/dL), and packed cell volume (44.5 ± 2.67%). There were no significant differences between the mean values of the hematological parameters based on the age or sex of vultures.

This study evaluated the effects of silymarin on acetaminophen-induced acute liver and kidney toxicities in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). Standard colorimetric methods with commercial kits were used to measure the serum activities or levels of biomarkers associated with liver and kidney damage, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, uric acid, total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol, in 21 pigeons randomly assigned into 3 groups (A, B, and C). Groups A and B were administered acetaminophen 3000 mg/ kg PO q24h at the beginning of the experiment (hour 0). Group B pigeons were further treated with silymarin 35 mg/kg, starting at 12 hours after acetaminophen exposure (post-AA), with the silymarin treatment continuing q12h for 3 days. Group C pigeons served as the control group and were given tap water as the placebo. Blood was collected from the pigeons at hours 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 of the experiment for serum biochemistry analyses. The results showed that treatment of group B pigeons with silymarin decreased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, and uric acid compared with the untreated control (group A). It also prevented decreases in serum alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, and cholesterol seen in Group A. Mortality, which was 86% in the untreated control (group A), was completely prevented in group B. It was concluded that silymarin remediated the effects of acetaminophen-induced acute toxic liver and kidney injuries, which may result in pigeon mortality.

The aim of this study was to describe the reference intervals of electrocardiographic patterns and values in conscious healthy domestic geese (Anser anser). Standard bipolar and augmented unipolar limb lead electrocardiograms with a direct writing electrocardiograph were recorded in 14 domestic geese. The durations of PR interval, QRS complex, ST and QT intervals, the net of the QRS complex, and the P and T amplitudes were determined at 50 mm/s and at 1 cm = 1 mV. The polarity waveform was examined. The mean electrical axis in the frontal plane was determined in leads II and III. Data are expressed as means and standard deviations. The mean (SD) heart rate was 153.8 (22.4) beats/min. The QRS complex was mainly negative in leads II and III; it was positive in the augmented vector right, augmented vector left, and augmented vector foot leads. The T wave was positive in leads II, III, and the augmented vector foot lead and was negative in the augmented vector right and left leads. The mean electrical axis ranged between –30° to –140°. Electrocardiogram recordings were well tolerated by the geese. The reference intervals provided here can be used to assist in the interpretation of electrocardiographic patterns in geese.

Cloacal disease is considered a common presenting complaint in companion parrots. The purpose of this study was to better characterize the prevalence of cloacal disease within a population of owned psittacine birds. Medical records of all owned parrots presented to an exotic animal specialty service between July 2012 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of cloacal disease. Cloacal disease was identified in 43 of 1137 cases (3.8%). Cockatoos presented with cloacal disease significantly more often than other psittacine groups (P < .001). Female parrots presented with cloacal disease significantly more often than males and unsexed birds (P < .001). Cockatoos with cloacal disease predominantly presented with prolapse of the cloaca itself (P = .006). There was no significant difference in outcome based on taxonomic group, sex, or primary cloacal pathology. Prospective studies with parrot species are encouraged to have an increased understanding of the behavioral and medical conditions that result in cloacal disease. These studies would hopefully facilitate the development of better treatment options for this relatively common disease presentation.

Six adult Waldrapp ibis (Geronticus eremita) were presented with heavy metal toxicosis secondary to paint chip ingestion after being placed in an indoor confinement enclosure because of a regional highly pathogenic avian influenza epornitic and government restrictions. Four of the ibis developed clinical disease signs between 45 and 64 days of confinement, including weakness, lethargy, inability to fly, low body condition, and bilateral wing droop while 2 birds appeared to remain normal during that period. Common clinicopathological findings included elevated plasma aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and bile acids values. Erythrocyte morphological changes included prominent hypochromasia, decreased size of polychromatophils with occasional cytoplasmic stippling, abnormal shapes, and D cells. Whole-body radiographic imaging revealed particulate radio-opaque material in the ventriculus of all affected birds. One bird died before chelation therapy could be instituted and heavy metal testing of the liver revealed increased concentrations of lead and zinc. Lead toxicosis was diagnosed in the 5 remaining birds by plasma lead analysis. These 5 birds were hospitalized for an average of 40 days and treated with sodium calcium edetate and fluid therapy, which resulted in resolution of the toxicosis. Plasma biochemistry, complete blood counts, and blood lead values were performed repeatedly on all 5 birds and were used to guide therapy and monitor treatment response. This case series emphasizes the importance of early contingency planning and reviews the treatment of lead toxicosis in birds with a focus on long-term clinical monitoring and hematology.

A 4-year-old female ostrich (Struthio camelus) developed knuckling on its left foot after a traumatic event. Conservative treatment, rest, and traditional splinting methods failed to resolve the gait abnormality or improve mobility. A dynamic multicomponent orthotic shoe was then custom designed and fabricated with an ultra-high–molecular weight, low-pressure polyethylene polymer (St 1000 DIN16972 TG2) to correct the foot malposition. The affected foot and leg were wrapped with soft padding and the orthosis was attached and secured by nylon belts (Nylon PA [polyamide] 6, a semicrystalline polyamide polymer) with self-locking modified wrench straps. The orthosis immediately prevented knuckling and improved ambulation. After 2 weeks, this shoe was replaced with a modified orthotic shoe of lighter weight to improve kinetics and ease of use by the bird. The modified orthosis dramatically improved ambulation and was left attached to the affected leg for 7 more weeks. Thereafter, the bird was able to ambulate comfortably without the aid of the shoe, even though permanent anatomical changes to the affected leg seemed to restrict its speed of locomotion. The ostrich had another unfortunate traumatic event 10 weeks later, the result of which was knuckling on the contralateral (right) foot. After routine medical and supportive care, the orthosis was then applied to the right foot for a period of 9 weeks. During this period the bird was able to ambulate well, despite having to support the bulk of its weight on the previously affected left limb. At the end of 9 weeks, the orthosis was removed, and the bird was able to ambulate without aid, although the bird's speed of locomotion was considerably reduced. After recovery of its leg problems, the ostrich was confined to a relatively small paddock for the rest of its life.

Two adult African pygmy geese (Nettapus auritus) were found dead with minimal clinical disease signs. Necropsy revealed aberrant migration of the nematode parasite Echinuria uncinata, as confirmed morphologically and through DNA sequencing. This common waterfowl parasite typically lives in the proventriculus, burying headfirst into the mucosa and laying eggs into the gastrointestinal lumen. In these geese, the parasites tunneled through the gastrointestinal tract wall to invade the coelomic cavity; from which, a substantial quantity of eggs found their way into the coelomic space and into the air sacs and lungs. This potential parasite migration should be monitored for in Anseriformes species that present with similar disease conditions, and the use of Daphnia species, the intermediate host, as a waterfowl feed source is not recommended.

A 25-year-old, male, sanctuary-owned, South African ostrich (Struthio camelus australis) was evaluated for orbital emphysema after evisceration of a nonvisual and chronically irritated eye. On initial ophthalmic examination, the ostrich's left eye displayed severe corneal fibrosis, broad anterior synechia, and a shallow anterior chamber, all suggestive of a previous corneal perforation. Conjunctival hyperemia and eyelid crusts were also present, reportedly associated with chronic rubbing. Evisceration of the left eye was performed by excising the eyelid margins, conjunctiva, nictitans, cornea, and intraocular contents. Four weeks postoperatively, a nonpainful, fluctuant swelling of the surgical site was noted. Trocarization of the surgical site verified orbital emphysema and served to temporarily decompress the orbit. Orbital emphysema reoccurred within 48 hours but gradually regressed without intervention over the subsequent 9 months. A Jones test was performed in the healthy, right eye and demonstrated clear communication to the oropharynx. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an evisceration performed on an ostrich and the first reported case of orbital emphysema in any avian species. It is probable that the emphysema noted in this case was secondary to nasolacrimal duct-oropharynx communication.