Intralipid Emulsion Therapy for the Treatment of Suspected Toxicity in 2 Avian Species.

Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy has shown promise as a treatment option for a variety of lipophilic toxins. Two birds presented for suspected ingestion of a toxic substance. A blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna) presented after chewing a block of bromethalin rodenticide without overt clinical signs at the time of presentation. Additionally, a free-ranging bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was found weak and depressed near a municipal landfill after presumptive ingestion of pentobarbital. Both birds were treated with ILE therapy for potential intoxication without any adverse events. The macaw was clinically normal after 3 days of hospitalization and at a 1-week reevaluation. The eagle was transferred to a rehabilitation center after markedly improved mentation and strength and was released 7 days later. Clinicians should consider ILE therapy for the treatment of lipophilic toxicities; however, monitoring is recommended for persistent lipemia and other adverse effects that have been reported in the veterinary literature.

Impact of Dietary Fructose on the Lipid Profile in Six Macaws.

Atherosclerosis is frequently diagnosed in captive parrots. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of high fructose intake in the development of human cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fructose on the lipid profile in psittacine birds. Six macaws, composed of 3 green-winged macaws (Ara chloropterus, 2 females, 1 male), and 3 blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna, 1 female, 2 males), ranging from 15 to 26 years of age, were used as subject animals for this dietary investigation. Initially, fruits were removed from the diet and replaced with vegetables lower in fructose for a month. Then, with a crossover study design, each bird was randomly selected to receive either 34 kcal of a fructose solution daily for 5 days then an equivalent volume of water for 5 days, or water in the first 5 days followed by the 34 kcal fructose solution. Lipid profiles were repeatedly performed over the course of the study at specific intervals. Serum cholesterol (3.01-5.55 mmol/L), triglycerides (0.27-2.70 mmol/L), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (1.43-4.79 mmol/L), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (0.02-0.85 mmol/L), and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (0.12-1.22 mmol/L) levels were not statistically significantly different over time and treatment. Although no significant effect could be demonstrated in this study, further studies are needed to investigate the effect of a high fructose intake in psittacine birds, because it could have a deleterious influence on their cardiovascular health if proven to be linked with dyslipidemia as reported in humans. Higher amounts of fructose and longer periods of administration should be considered for future studies.

Modified Tail Amputation Technique in a Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) With Uropygial Gland Adenocarcinoma.

A 33-year-old male blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) presented with a 5-month history of an ulcerated lesion and feather loss at the tail base. Two 4-mm biopsies obtained by the primary care veterinarian were consistent with uropygial gland adenocarcinoma. The bird was examined at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, and on physical evaluation, the dorsal and ventral surface of the tail base were devoid of feathers, ulcerated and crusted without an identifiable uropygial gland. Complete blood count, plasma biochemistry panel, whole-body radiographs, and an echocardiogram were performed before surgery. The bird was anesthetized, and a complete amputation of the tail was performed. The skin was incised with a radiofrequency electrosurgical system approximately 2 mm circumferentially cranial to the diseased tissue. The musculature was transected to the level of the vertebral column, disarticulating between the second and third caudal vertebrae and transecting the spinal cord with a no. 15 blade. Lateral vertebral processes of the second vertebra were removed with a rongeur. Coccygeus lateralis muscles and tensor fasciae latae muscles and skin were closed laterolaterally with 2 layers and 3-0 polydioxanone suture. The bird recovered uneventfully and was discharged after 6 days of hospitalization. The histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation, marked scirrhous response, and superficial epithelial ulceration. It was determined that narrow margins of unaffected tissue were achieved from the pathological examination of submitted material. The bird was evaluated 24 days after surgery and again 3.5 months after surgery, without evidence of complications or recurrence. Approximately 10 days after the last reexamination, the bird was euthanatized after being found minimally responsive at home. A postmortem examination was not performed.

Necrotic Enteritis Caused by Clostridium perfringens in Blue and Gold Macaws (Ara ararauna).

Clostridium perfringens types A and C, which are gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria, can cause necrotic enteritis in birds. Although Clostridium perfringens is considered a commensal organism in the avian intestinal tract, in association with severe stress, other infectious agents, or immunosuppressive conditions, it can cause disease outbreaks. This report describes a disease occurrence of necrotic enteritis caused by C perfringens in macaws (Ara ararauna). Two adult male blue and gold macaws maintained in a zoo exhibit were presented for postmortem examinations after histories of sudden death. Based on the gross examinations and microscopic evaluation of submitted tissue from both birds, the cause of death was determined to be necrotic enteritis. Microbiologic assays followed by polymerase chain reaction analyses identified the isolated strains as C perfringens type A, indicated by only being positive for the cpa gene that encodes the α-toxin. The birds were maintained in an exhibit in which patrons can interact with the animals within their environment. Thus, organisms, such as this pathogen, may present a danger for other birds because visitors could disperse the bacterium to other parts of the zoo.

Key Ring Fixator: A Novel External Fixation Technique for Avian Long Bone Stabilization.

A 12-year-old blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) of unknown sex (case 1) and a 14-year-old female hybrid Catalina macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao) (case 2) were evaluated and treated for an open tarsometatarsal fracture and a tibiotarsal fracture, respectively. In case 1, 1 month of external coaptation resulted in a delayed union, significant osteolysis, and presumptive osteomyelitis, which led to the decision to treat with a key ring fixator. In case 2, a key ring fixator was chosen for fracture repair because of presumed resistance to destruction by the bird. In both cases, fractures were stabilized with makeshift circular external fixators composed of key rings, K-wires, orthopedic wire, and acrylic resin. After key ring fixator removal, radiographs confirmed complete bone healing. Both patients had acceptable function of the affected limbs 5 years (case 1) and 2 years (case 2) after their procedures. The key ring fixator described in this report is a viable option for fracture repair in pelvic limbs of moderately sized birds (300-1500 g).

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) outbreak in blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna) in the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil / Surto de doença da dilatação proventricular em araras-canindé (Ara ararauna) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is a lethal and important disease of captive psittacine birds, and affects a wide range of species, including endangered ones, and lacks an effective treatment. This report describes PDD in three blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna) in southern Brazil. All three macaws originated from the same aviary and presented similar clinical signs including anorexia, apathy, emaciation and prostration. At necropsy, one of the macaws presented an enlarged proventriculus. Histologically, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates was observed in the ganglia and nerves of the esophagus, crop, proventriculus, ventriculus, heart, adrenal glands, and adrenal medulla of all three cases. Two macaws had meningoencephalomyelitis and one had myocarditis. Immunohistochemistry identified PaBV antigen in the brain, proventricular, ventricular ganglia, and epicardial ganglia, and cardiomyocytes of all three macaws.(AU)

A doença da dilatação proventricular (PDD) e uma importante e fatal doença de psitacídeos de cativeiro, que afeta uma grande variedade de espécies e não tem um tratamento efetivo até o momento. Este relato descreve PDD em três araras canindé (Ara ararauna) no sul do Brasil. Todas as três araras eram provenientes do mesmo criatório e apresentaram sinais clínicos semelhantes incluindo anorexia, apatia, emaciação e prostração. Na necropsia, uma das araras apresentou proventrículo dilatado. No exame histopatológico, infiltrados linfoplasmacitários foram observados em gânglios e nervos do esôfago, inglúvio, proventrículo, moela, coração, glândulas adrenais e rins de todos os casos. Adicionalmente, meningoencefalomielite foi observada em duas araras e miocardite em uma. A imuno-histoquímica identificou antígenos de PaBV no encéfalo, coração, proventrículo e moela de todos os casos.(AU)

COELOMIC TERATOMA IN A BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (ARA ARARAUNA).

A 2-mo-old, female blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) presented with severe abdominal distension, pain, and respiratory distress. Ultrasonographic examination detected a heterogeneous mass with multiple anechoic areas, compatible with a multilocular cyst, occupying most of the coelomic cavity. Postmortem examination revealed a mass of 12.0 × 8.5 × 5.0 cm, which had an irregular surface and was connected by a pedicle to the ileum. This mass compressed and displaced the liver, proventriculus, gizzard, and intestines cranially to the left. The cut surface was lobulated, gray-white, mildly firm or soft, and was interspersed with multiple cysts filled with viscous and opaque liquid. Microscopically, it was composed of well- differentiated embryonic tissues from the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm; therefore, it was diagnosed as a mature teratoma, which was theorized to have originated from Meckel's diverticulum. This study is the first, to the authors' knowledge to report a case of a teratoma in a blue-and-yellow macaw.

Radiation Therapy of Periorbital Lymphoma in a Blue-and-Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna).

An adult male blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented for evaluation of a right periorbital mass. Results of diagnostic tests, including periorbital ultrasound, fine-needle aspirate, and cytologic examination, confirmed a diagnosis of periocular lymphoma. Radiographs were suggestive of disseminated disease but because of concerns about the patient's quality of life, localized radiation therapy to address the periorbital disease was pursued. Coarse-fractionated radiation therapy was initiated, and the mass regressed rapidly during the 3-week course of treatment. The macaw tolerated the treatments well, maintained vision in the affected eye, and activity level and appetite improved. Three months after treatment was completed, the bird died. Necropsy revealed T-cell-rich B-cell-infiltrative lymphoma of the spleen, liver, and kidneys, with some residual neoplastic cells found in the right periorbital region. This case demonstrates a radiation therapy protocol that reduced a tumor mass in a localized treatment of periorbital lymphoma in a macaw.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna): the species morphologically similar to Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis).

Six genera of the Arini tribe form morphologically diverse group termed as Macaws. The presence of bare facial area distinguishes them from other members of the tribe. Genera and species of Macaw group differ in pattern of this bare skin as well as in body size. The genus Ara contains eight extant species. Two of them are classified as medium-sized Macaws and other six species are classified as large Macaws. Based on morphological similarities and differences, large Macaw species can be segregated into three pairs according to their plumage coloration. So far, representative mitochondrial genomes were sequenced only for Ara glaucogularis (blue and yellow coloration), Ara macao (predominantly red/scarlet) and Ara militaris (predominantly green) species. Ara ararauna is the second of two Ara species with predominant blue and yellow plumage. Hitherto, close phylogenetic relation of these two species was shown using only ND2 genes or incomplete combined COI/Cytb/ND2 sequences. Therefore, Ara ararauna mitogenome, which was sequenced in this study, will be indispensable to refine the phylogenetic relationships within Macaws group.

Antemortem Diagnosis of Coxiellosis in a Blue and Gold Macaw ( Ara ararauna).

A 15-year-old female blue and gold macaw ( Ara ararauna) was presented for evaluation after being found laterally recumbent, reluctant to move, and lethargic. Results of a complete blood count showed an increased number of immature heterophils with increased cytoplasmic basophilia and degranulation and the presence of a left shift. Radiographs and a computed tomography scan were performed and revealed a markedly enlarged spleen. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate of the spleen was submitted for cytologic examination and aerobic bacterial culture. While the culture revealed no growth, cytologic examination identified mononuclear phagocytes with cytoplasmic vacuoles containing structures consistent with bacteria. Pan-bacterial 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction of the splenic sample followed by direct sequencing identified a Coxiella-like agent identical to one previously isolated in the liver of a golden-mantled rosella ( Platycercus eximius). Phylogenetic analysis shows that avian coxiellosis agents and Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, represent 2 independent events of development of vertebrate pathogenicity in this group of tick endosymbionts. This report suggests diagnostic and treatment directions for coxiellosis in avian patients and indicates where further study is needed.

Pelvic Limb Amputation for the Treatment of a Soft-tissue Sarcoma of the Tibiotarso-tarsometatarsal Joint in a Blue-and-gold Macaw (Ara ararauna).

An unsexed, 16-year-old blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented for evaluation of rapidly growing subcutaneous masses at the left tibiotarso-tarsometatarsal joint. Results of incisional biopsy were diagnostic for an intermediate-grade soft-tissue sarcoma. A distal-femoral amputation was performed and the leg was submitted for histopathology. Histopathologic examination confirmed the biopsy diagnosis and revealed neoplastic spread into the bone marrow cavity of the tibiotarsus. Excisional margins were complete. The macaw recovered and did well until it died suddenly 32 months after surgery. At necropsy, death was attributed to acute hepatic hemorrhage. No recurrence or metastasis of the sarcoma was identified.

Bilateral Uveitis and Hyphema in a Catalina Macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao ) With Multicentric Lymphoma.

A 20-year-old, female Catalina macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao ) was presented with bilateral uveitis and hyphema. The hyphema initially improved with 0.12% prednisolone acetate ophthalmic drops (1 drop OU q4h for 7 days), but the hyphema recurred after the drops were tapered. The bird subsequently developed inappetance, weight loss, regurgitation, and lethargy and was euthanatized 24 days after initial presentation. Necropsy revealed marked splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, with significant mucosal ulcerations of the proventriculus and petechiation associated with both kidneys. Histopathologic examination revealed multicentric lymphoma, with neoplastic cells observed in ocular, splenic, hepatic, renal, proventricular, intestinal, pancreatic, and choanal tissue. Neoplastic lymphocytes effaced the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid of the eyes, and neoplastic lymphocytes were attached to the corneal endothelium and infiltrated the sclera, episclera, and conjunctivae. Immunohistochemical results indicated that the neoplastic lymphocytes were CD3(+) and CD79a(-), which is consistent with T-cell lymphoma.

Motivation and manipulation capacities of the blue and yellow macaw and the tufted capuchin: a comparative approach.

This study compared the motivation of the blue and yellow macaw (n=8) and the tufted capuchin (n=3) to manipulate objects that presented different features, their manipulative repertoires, and their ability to solve complex manipulation tasks. Results show that both species seem to be more motivated to manipulate objects that look like food items and that manipulative behavior may be considered as play behavior in the blue and yellow macaws, and would improve foraging motor skills. The tufted capuchins performed more different action styles than the macaws when manipulating objects, and performed substrate-use behavior - the object is put in relationship with a substrate - while the macaws did not. This is an interesting difference because these characteristics are supposed to be precursory of tool-use, behavior never observed in this macaw species. It may be due to the arboreal lifestyle of the macaw and its neophobic character that do not allow it to easily contact objects. Following the same method and using more individuals, further comparative studies should be conducted in order to test these hypotheses. Both species were able to solve complex manipulation tasks.

Plant food resources exploited by Blue-and-Yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna, Linnaeus 1758) at an urban area in Central Brazil / Plantas alimentares exploradas pela Arara Canindé (Ara ararauna, Linnaeus 1758) em uma área urbana do Brasil Central

In this study, we described the food plants available to Blue-and-Yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna), its feeding habits and the relationship between these parameters with feeding niche breadth. We established four transects, each one 12 km long, to sample fruiting plants and the feeding habits of this macaw (monthly 40 h, of observations), at the urban areas of Três Lagoas (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil). During all studied months, macaws foraged for palm fruits, mainly Syagrus oleracea and Acrocomia aculeata fruit pulp, both available all year, as well as Caryocar brasiliense and Anacardium occidentale seeds, in the wet season. The year-round feeding activity of macaws suggests Três Lagoas city as an adequate feeding area. The permanent availability of plant food resources, potentially, resulted from the diverse fruiting patterns of exotic and, mainly, native plant species, which provided a variety of suitable fruit patches.

Neste estudo, nós descrevemos as plantas alimentares disponíveis para Arara-Canindé (Ara ararauna), sua atividade alimentar, bem como a relação desses parâmetros com a amplitude do seu nicho alimentar. Para tanto, estabelecemos quatro trajetos, cada um com 12 km, dispersos na área urbana de Três Lagoas (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil). A partir deles amostramos, mensalmente durante 40 h, as espécies vegetais que frutificavam e a atividade alimentar dessa ave. As araras exploraram frutos em todos os meses do ano e consumiram principalmente frutos comuns e nutritivos. Entre os itens mais explorados pelas araras estiveram as sementes de Anacardium occidentale e Caryocar brasiliense, cuja frutificação ocorreu durante a estação chuvosa, bem como a polpa dos frutos das palmeiras Syagrus oleracea e Acrocomia aculeata, que frutificaram o ano todo. A presença de araras forrageando todos os meses em Três Lagoas sugere a adequação dessa área urbana como local de alimentação. A disponibilidade de recursos alimentares ao longo do ano, potencialmente, decorreu da combinação da variedade dos padrões de frutificação em espécies vegetais exóticas e, sobretudo, nativas que proporcionaram oferta abundante e variada de recurso alimentar.

Genetic evaluation of the mating system in the blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna, Aves, Psittacidae) by DNA fingerprinting.

More than 90% of birds are socially monogamous, although genetic studies indicate that many are often not sexually monogamous. In the present study, DNA fingerprinting was used to estimate the genetic relationships between nestlings belonging to the same broods to evaluate the mating system in the socially monogamous macaw, Ara ararauna. We found that in 10 of 11 broods investigated, the nestlings showed genetic similarity levels congruent with values expected among full-sibs, suggesting that they shared the same parents. However, in one brood, the low genetic similarity observed between nestlings could be a result of intraspecific brood parasitism, intraspecific nest competition or extra-pair paternity. These results, along with available behavioral and life-history data, imply that the blue-and-yellow macaw is not only socially, but also genetically monogamous. However, the occurrence of eventual cases of extra-pair paternity cannot be excluded.

Genetic evaluation of the mating system in the blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna, Aves, Psittacidae) by DNA fingerprinting

More than 90 percent of birds are socially monogamous, although genetic studies indicate that many are often not sexually monogamous. In the present study, DNA fingerprinting was used to estimate the genetic relationships between nestlings belonging to the same broods to evaluate the mating system in the socially monogamous macaw, Ara ararauna. We found that in 10 of 11 broods investigated, the nestlings showed genetic similarity levels congruent with values expected among full-sibs, suggesting that they shared the same parents. However, in one brood, the low genetic similarity observed between nestlings could be a result of intraspecific brood parasitism, intraspecific nest competition or extra-pair paternity. These results, along with available behavioral and life-history data, imply that the blue-and-yellow macaw is not only socially, but also genetically monogamous. However, the occurrence of eventual cases of extra-pair paternity cannot be excluded.

Parâmetros de bioquímica sérica de machos, fêmeas e filhotes de Araras canindé (Ara ararauna) saudáveis mantidas em cativeiro comercial / Serum biochemical parameters of healthy male, female and young blue-and-yellow macaws (Ara ararauna) bred in captivity

O Brasil possui um considerável número de espécies de psitacídeos catalogados, perfazendo cerca de 80 espécies, sendo que as Araras canindé (Ara ararauna), uma das maiores representantes dessa ordem, podem ser encontradas em florestas nas diversas regiões brasileiras. O Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA) normalizou a comercialização de animais da fauna silvestre provenientes de criadouros e conseqüentemente ocorreu um aumento do número destes animais como de estimação. Atualmente, há pouco conhecimento sobre os parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais de espécies silvestres em cativeiro. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar parâmetros de bioquímica sangüínea de Araras canindé (Ara ararauna) saudáveis de sexo e faixa etária distintas mantidas em um criatório comercial com alimentação e manejo controlados e padronizados. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 35 araras canindé (11 filhotes e 24 adultos) e remetidas ao Laboratório de Análises Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF) para determinação dos seguintes indicadores bioquímicos: ácido úrico (AU), albumina (ALB), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), cálcio (Ca), colesterol (Col), creatina quinase (CK), fosfatase alcalina (FA), fósforo inorgânico (Pi), frutosamina (Fru), gama glutamil transferase (GGT), proteínas totais (PT) e uréia (UR). Entre as aves adultas, foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos valores de CK (superior nos machos), Ca e AU (superiores nas fêmeas). Entre aves adultas e filhotes foram constatadas diferenças significativas nos valores de AU, Ca, ALB, COL, FA, Pi e FRU. A maioria das alterações detectadas pode ser relacionada à diferença na dieta fornecida e à condição fisiológica de cada categoria de aves. Os dados obtidos podem ser utilizados como parâmetros de referência para as araras canindé brasileiras.

Several psittacines have been cataloged in Brazil, totaling nearly 80 species. The blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), the most representative species of the Psittaciformes order, lives in the forest areas of different Brazilian regions. IBAMA, Brazilian environmental protection agency, has authorized the trade of wild animals raised in breeding facilities; consequently, their use as household pets has increased ever since. Currently, too little is known about clinical and laboratory parameters of wild species bred in captivity. The aim of the present study was to determine the serum biochemical parameters of healthy blue-and-yellow macaws (Ara ararauna) of different sexes and ages reared in a commercial breeding facility under controlled and standardized feeding and management practices. Blood samples were collected from 35 blue-and-yellow macaws (11 fledglings and 24 adults) and sent to the Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology of Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF) for measurement of the following biochemical parameters: uric acid (UA), albumin (Alb), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium (Ca), cholesterol (Chol), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (AP), inorganic phosphorus (iP), fructosamine (Fru), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein (TP) and urea nitrogen (Ur). There were significant differences among adult macaws with regard to CK levels (higher in males) and to Ca and UA levels (higher in females). Differences were noted among adults and fledglings with respect to UA, Ca, Alb, Chol, AP, iP and Fru. Most of the findings can be ascribed to the different feeding regimens and ages of the birds analyzed. The data obtained herein can be used as reference parameters for Brazilian blue-and-yellow macaws.