Observations on the significance of diagnostic findings in egg-binding of Psittaciformes.

Clinical examination of 2192 psittacine birds of both sexes revealed a prevalence of 2.74 per cent (60 birds) of egg-binding. Domesticated species easily bred in captivity were the most commonly affected; the prevalence in cockatiels (15.75 per cent), and in budgerigars (5.73 per cent). An accurate diagnosis was possible in all cases by means of an evaluation of the case history, a visual examination, palpation and radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The case history alone was typical in 60 per cent of the cases, and reliable diagnosis was reached with the help of a visual examination in 70 per cent of the cases. Radiographic examination provided a definitive diagnosis in 30 per cent of the cases, especially in those with shelled eggs. Medullary bone proved to be a radiographic indication of laminated and thin-shelled eggs. However, laminated and thin-shelled eggs could only be differentiated definitively from abdominal masses, salpingitis and cystic degeneration by means of ultrasonography.

[Cystic testicular anomaly with subsequent stenosis of the small intestine in an emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus L., 1758)]. / Zystische Hodenmissbildung mit nachfolgender Dünndarmstenose bei einem Grünen Hundskopfschlinger (Corallus caninus L., 1758).

A case report with emphasis on diagnostic procedures and differential diagnoses is given. The etiology is discussed in comparison to similar malformations in mammals and other reptiles. The literature is reviewed with emphasis on differential diagnostic aspects.

Failure to induce formation of proteinase K resistant fibrils in pigeons through experimental infection with paramyxovirus type 1.

Ten racing pigeons were infected experimentally with the paramyxovirus (PMV) type 1 of the pigeon. Within twelve weeks of observation, they were euthanized at different times. Their brains were examined for proteinase K resistant fibrils and histopathologically for spongiform lesions. No proteinase K resistant fibrils and no spongiform lesions could be detected in any case. Therefore, it is estimated that PMV type 1 of the pigeon is not likely to induce pathogenic mechanisms assumed for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Review of the literature and investigations on the prevalence and consequences of yeasts in reptiles.

Ninety-one reptiles were examined for the presence of yeasts by standard protocols and pathohistological methods. Yeasts were isolated from 42 of the animals. Representatives of herbivorous families (Testudinidae and Iguanidae) carried yeasts more often than animals belonging to carnivorous taxa (Boidae and Emydidae). Yeasts were most often isolated from the gastrointestinal tract, and in 24-6 per cent of cases they could be cultured from the oral cavity and/or cloaca of living animals. Postmortem examination revealed that the intestines of 80-6 per cent of the animals carried yeasts. In all, 56 isolates, belonging to the genera Candida (32), Trichosporon (11), Torulopsis (9) and Rhodotorula (3), and one perfect yeast were obtained. The species included taxa potentially pathogenic to man. However, no sufficiently reliable criteria could be established to prove that positive culture results were associated with disease. In the reptiles examined postmortem, three cases of dermatomycosis were detected histologically. No case of organ mycosis was identified.

[Polyostotic hyperostosis in a plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala L., 1766]. / Polyostotische Hyperostose bei einem Pflaumenkopfsittich (Psittacula cyanocephala L., 1766).

With emphasis on a case report, the clinical and pathological findings commonly associated with polyostotic hyperostosis as well as its etiology are discussed, and the available literature is reviewed. The diagnostic specifics of the disease are detailed, and a survey of possible differential diagnoses is given.