Description of a microfilaria from an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) and an unsuccessful attempt to infect mosquitoes (Culex pipiens pipiens).

Unidentified microfilariae circulating in the blood of an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) are described. They are ensheathed, measure 102-152 microns long and 2-3 microns in diameter, and have four distinct and consistent gaps in the nuclear column. Attempts to infect mosquitoes (Culex pipiens pipiens) with the microfilariae were unsuccessful.

Effect of selected anthelmintics on three common helminths in the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis).

The effect of selected anthelmintics (albendazole, fenbendazole, piperazine dihydrochloride and clorsulon) against three major helminths (Contracaecum multipapillatum, Mesostephanus appendiculatoides, and Phagicola longus) were studied in 29 brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis). Albendazole and fenbendazole were highly effective against all three parasites. Clorsulon had moderate effect against M. appendiculatoides and poor effect against C. multipapillatum and P. longus. Piperazine dihydrochloride had no effect against these helminths.

Pathology of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis).

Lesions caused by experimentally produced mixed infections (two flukes, Phagicola longa and Mesostephanus appendiculatoides, and an ascarid, Contracaecum sp.) were studied in 40 brown pelicans. The flukes occurred throughout the intestines and caused mild villus atrophy, lengthening of the crypts, increased goblet cell population, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Contracaecum caused small ulcers where they attached to the esophagus and proventriculus. Microscopically, these ulcers had an eosinophilic, hyaline lining surrounded by focal necrosis, cellular infiltration, and fibrosis. Changes in several biochemical constituents of the blood were seen. These gastrointestinal parasitisms had low virulence, and they probably play a secondary role as a factor influencing population fluctuations in brown pelicans.

Relationship between blood iron parameters and trichinellosis in swine.

Reduced levels of total iron binding capacity and unsaturated iron binding capacity were observed in the blood of trichinous and iron-injected trichinous pigs. No change was observed in their serum iron and saturation concentration levels. Also, reduced iron concentration levels were observed in the livers of trichinous pigs, while increased iron concentration levels were observed in the spleens of trichinous pigs and the livers and spleens of iron-injected pigs. No difference was found with regard to weight gains, number of larvae per gram of tissues, or histologic characteristics of 'nurse cells'.

Effects of iron deficiency on viability of Trichinella spiralis larvae in vitro.

The importance of iron for survival of Trichinella spiralis larvae in vitro was examined. It was found that iron-deficient media drastically reduce the survival of this larva. Also, molting of the larvae was observed in the control media but not in the iron-deficient media.

Unusual psammoma bodies in an extracranial syncytial meningioma from a dog. A light and electron microscopic study.

An epidural neoplasm was removed from the right side of the third cervical vertebra of a Blue Tick Hound dog. By light microscopy the tumor was classified as a syncytial meningioma containing psammoma bodies that were histochemically positive for calcium salts, but negative for reticulum fibers and collagen. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells had numerous processes and desmosomes. Cytoplasmic fibrils were sparse. Coated cytoplasmic vesicles frequently were fused with plasma membranes. The psammoma bodies were not within the cytoplasm, but were in spaces continous with the extracellular space. The bodies were composed of a medium electron-dense matrix; a crystalline, highly electron-dense center; and, sometimes, short fibrils embedded in the glanular matrix.

Bilharziasis in a Nanday conure.

Natural infection with a schistosome in a pet Nanday conure caused weight loss, blood-flecked diarrhea, and death. Hemorrhagicoulcerative colitis and cloacitis were found at necropsy. The schistosome was not identified but was believed to be Gigantobilharzia sp.