Lycopodium as a treatment for Urate Deposition (gout) in birds: case report

A 3-year-old male cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was diagnosed with joint arthritis due to hyperucemiasyndrome. The bird presented deposition of urate crystals on the synovial membrane with inflammation of joints and tendons (tufts), causing listlessness, anorexia and lameness, with difficulty in keeping perched or moving. Laboratory tests displayed an increase in uric acid and creatinine phosphokinase levels, and leukocytosis despite lymphopenia. Unsucessfully, the animal had been treated with allopathic medicine for 2 months, without a favorable response and still developing stressful reaction to handling.Methodology:High dilution therapy was attempted with 2 globules of Lycopodiumclavatum30 cH /bid and Arnica montana30 cH /bid /oral. The most expressive tufts were removed with daily cleaning of the affected area; a new diet was established and perches were removed, allowing the bird to remain on a flat surface until regression of symptoms. The medication was continued for 30 days. On the second appointment, although the caregiver reported episodes of probable pain, there was an improvement in behavior with normal appetite. Lyc30cH /sid was continued and Arn30cH /bid to qid, depending on pain episodes, for over 30 days. The tutor authorized the case report through a consent form. Results and discussion:Follow-up laboratory tests were performed everythree months for one year, reaching normal levels for uric acid (3.5-11 mg/dL) and CK (30-245mg/dL) on the third measurement. The bird presented no formation of new tufts along the second month of treatment. After 12 months, the animal ingests homeopathic globules spontaneously and presents stable clinical presentation (Lyc30cH / sid / 3 times a week) with no recurrence and without side effects nor stressful behavior. Conclusion: In view of these results, it is considered that homeopathic treatment is an option to be considered in the treatment of joint arthritis from hyperuricemia syndrome in birds.

Feeding behavior of cockatiels in captivity / Comportamento alimentar de calopsitas em ambiente artificial

In nature, cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) feed consists of a huge variety of seeds, fruits, flowers, leaves, and insects. In captivity, their feed is generally poor, as many breeders offer only a mixture of seeds as food, leading to nutrient deficiency and even obesity. This paper presents a study on cockatiel feeding behavior in artificial environments at different stages of development (growth, maintenance, and reproduction), to evaluate their preference from the offer of six different food types (sunflower seed, oats, millet, rice, ration, and a cornmeal based feed or farinhada), and an analysis of their preferences for locations in the cage. No significant differences were observed about the final weight of the birds during the stages of development. Consumption of millet seeds was significantly higher in the growth stage, but at this stage, the birds showed a preference for oats. On the other hand, at the reproduction and maintenance stages, they showed a preference for sunflower seeds. The birds in the reproduction stage were the ones that visited the nest, and the nest grid, the most. Among all the cage locations, all birds showed a preference for the perches.(AU)

Na natureza a calopsita (Nymphicus hollandicus) tem a sua alimentação composta por uma enorme variedade de sementes, frutos, flores, folhas e insetos. Em cativeiro a sua alimentação geralmente é deficiente, pois muitos criadores oferecem apenas misturas de sementes como alimento, causando deficiência de nutrientes e até mesmo obesidade. Neste trabalho foi realizado um estudo sobre o comportamento alimentar de calopsitas em ambiente artificial em diferentes fases de desenvolvimento (crescimento, mantença e reprodução) e uma análise de uso do espaço pelas aves dentro da gaiola, com o objetivo de avaliar a preferência das aves a partir da oferta de seis diferentes tipos de alimentos (sementes de girassol, aveia, painço, arroz, ração e farinhada) e a preferência das mesmas pelos locais na gaiola. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as fases de desenvolvimento ao que se diz respeito ao peso final dos animais. O consumo de sementes de painço foi significativamente maior na fase de crescimento, mas o alimento preferido nessa fase foi a aveia. Já nas fases de reprodução e mantença a preferência foi pela semente de girassol. As aves na fase de reprodução foram as que mais visitaram o ninho e a grade do ninho. O local das gaiolas preferido por todas as aves foram os poleiros.(AU)

Survey on pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Abstract We surveyed healthy captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) for Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Cloacal swabs were collected from 94 cockatiels kept in commercial breeders, private residencies and pet shops in the cities of São Paulo/SP and Niterói/RJ (Brazil). Three strains of E. coli from each individual were tested for the presence of ExPEC-, APEC- and DEC-related genes. We evaluated the blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCMY, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, aadA, aphA, strAB, sul1, sul2, sul3, qnrA, qnrD, qnrB, qnrS, oqxAB, aac (6)′-Ib-cr, qepA resistance genes and markers for plasmid incompatibility groups. Salmonella spp. was not detected. E. coli was isolated in 10% of the animals (9/94). Four APEC genes (ironN, ompT, iss and hlyF) were detected in two strains (2/27-7%), and iss (1/27-4%) in one isolate. The highest resistance rates were observed with amoxicillin (22/27-82%), ampicillin (21/27-79%), streptomycin (18/27-67%), tetracycline (11/27-41%). Multiresistance was verified in 59% (16/27) of the isolates. We detected strAB, bla TEM, tetA, tetB, aadA, aphaA, sul1, sul2, sul3 resistance genes and plasmid Inc groups in 20 (74%) of the strains. E. coli isolated from these cockatiels are of epidemiological importance, since these pets could transmit pathogenic and multiresistant microorganisms to humans and other animals.

Avaliação de dietas na reprodução de calopsitas e parâmetros reprodutivos / Diet assessment in cockatiels reproduction and reproductive parameters

As calopsitas são consideradas aves monogâmicas, atingem a maturidade sexual aos 12 meses, com postura variando entre três a sete ovos. São classificadas como granívoros, embora alguns estudos tenham demonstrado uma grande diversidade nos hábitos alimentares. Este trabalho foi realizado em caráter investigativo, com o objetivo de comparar o efeito de dietas na reprodução de calopsitas, assim como efetuar um levantamento dos parâmetros reprodutivos da espécie. O experimento foi feito na Universidade Federal de Lavras. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando-se o GLM do SAS (Statistical Analysis System, Cary, NC, USA). A variável ordem de postura apresentou significância (P<0,1) com as variáveis espessura da casca, peso do ovo e tempo de eclosão. A variável peso do ovo apresentou significância (P<0,1) com as variáveis, ordem de postura e largura do ovo. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo suportam a conclusão de que a dieta formulada conseguiu suprir as necessidades nutricionais das calopsitas na fase reprodutiva, não afetando a qualidade e a fertilidade dos ovos.(AU)

Cockatiels are monogamous birds that reach sexual maturity at twelve months, with posture ranging from three to seven eggs. They are classified as granivores, although some studies have shown a great diversity in eating habits. This work was performed in investigative character, in order to compare the effect of diet on reproduction of cockatiels and perform a survey of reproductive parameters of the species. The experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Lavras. Statistical analyzes were performed using the SAS GLM (Statistical Analysis System, Cary, NC, USA). The variable order posture showed significance (P<0.1) with the variables, shell thickness, egg weight and time of hatching. The variable egg weight showed significance (P<0.1) with the variables posture order and width of the egg. The results found in this study support the conclusion that the formulated diet was able to satisfy the nutritional needs of the calopsitas in the reproductive phase, not affecting the quality and the fertility of the eggs.(AU)

Survey on pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Abstract We surveyed healthy captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) for Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Cloacal swabs were collected from 94 cockatiels kept in commercial breeders, private residencies and pet shops in the cities of São Paulo/SP and Niterói/RJ (Brazil). Three strains of E. coli from each individual were tested for the presence of ExPEC-, APEC- and DEC-related genes. We evaluated the blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCMY, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, aadA, aphA, strAB, sul1, sul2, sul3, qnrA, qnrD, qnrB, qnrS, oqxAB, aac (6)-Ib-cr, qepA resistance genes and markers for plasmid incompatibility groups. Salmonella spp. was not detected. E. coli was isolated in 10% of the animals (9/94). Four APEC genes (ironN, ompT, iss and hlyF) were detected in two strains (2/277%), and iss (1/274%) in one isolate. The highest resistance rates were observed with amoxicillin (22/2782%), ampicillin (21/2779%), streptomycin (18/2767%), tetracycline (11/2741%). Multiresistance was verified in 59% (16/27) of the isolates. We detected strAB, bla TEM, tetA, tetB, aadA, aphaA, sul1, sul2, sul3 resistance genes and plasmid Inc groups in 20 (74%) of the strains. E. coli isolated from these cockatiels are of epidemiological importance, since these pets could transmit pathogenic and multiresistant microorganisms to humans and other animals.