Diagnosis and clinical management of gastrointestinal conditions in exotic companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas).

Gastrointestinal disorders are common in exotic mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. Presenting clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease can vary widely. Small herbivores require specific dietary support and therapeutic treatments. Ileus is a common clinical condition and can be a primary or secondary disease. Common forms of treatment for ileus include fluid therapy, pain relief, nutritional support, and prokinetic therapy. The prognosis of the exotic mammal patient with gastrointestinal disease depends on the timing of the diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Surgical conditions such as gastrointestinal obstruction can have a good outcome if diagnosed early.

Cutaneous lymphosarcoma in a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix).

A 2-year-old double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix) was presented for evaluation of a mass on the left wing. A second soft tissue swelling was present under the left mandible and a third in the right inguinal region. The bird had pale mucous membranes, but no other abnormalities were observed on physical examination. Results of the complete blood count and plasma biochemical profile were anemia and decreased total solids. Cytologic findings from fine needle aspirates of the 3 affected areas were nondiagnostic. Whole-body radiographs revealed focal soft tissue swellings. Doppler ultrasound demonstrated significant vascularity in the inguinal swelling; therefore, biopsy of the area was considered contraindicated. Because of the rapid and extensive progression of disease, the owners elected euthanasia. Gross postmortem examination revealed marked and generalized skin thickening. The spleen was slightly enlarged and the bone marrow prominent and gelatinous. The histologic diagnosis was lymphosarcoma, which involved the skin, spleen, and bone marrow. Immunohistochemistry results were consistent with lymphosarcoma of T-cell origin. This case presents an unusual cutaneous manifestation of lymphosarcoma in an Amazon parrot.

Egg binding in a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus).

A 6-year-old cockatiel was diagnosed with egg binding based on clinical signs, physical examination findings, radiographs, and lack of oviposition. Medical management failed to induce oviposition, and surgical salpingotomy was used to remove the egg from the oviduct. Sterile egg yolk peritonitis was diagnosed based on histology. Postoperative management with leuprolide acetate and husbandary changes successfully prevented egg production for at least 2.5 months after the event.

Wound healing and management in psittacine birds.

Psittacines and other companion avian species often develop wounds requiring some form of medical or surgical therapy. Advancing technology in the field of wound care and management continues to evolve for use by the veterinary clinician. Although not all wounds can be successfully treated, many can be reduced and minimized with therapy. Consideration of the overall health, management, and nutrition of the avian patient will also aid in wound management. The avian patient with normal immune function and optimal nutrition will have improved wound healing compared with an immunocompromized or malnourished patient. The duration of treatment and potential stress of the wound-management program should also be taken into consideration when selecting a treatment program for the avian patient.

Ferret orthopedics.

Orthopedic conditions requiring surgical intervention and correction frequently occur in the ferret patient. Elbow luxations and long bone fractures are among the most common syndromes affecting the ferret patient, which often presents in an emergency setting. Orthopedic conditions in the ferret, as in other mammalian species, are often the result of trauma. Surgical treatment including reduction and stabilization of the affected bony structure, combined with supervision and the recommended postoperative care, can provide a good prognosis to return to normal function for the ferret.