Erosive Enteritis and Intestinal Obstructions Caused by Decomposed Granite in a Flock of Lesser Flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor).

Decomposed granite is a material commonly used in zoos as a base for flamingo exhibits. In 2012, the artificial turf over the decomposed granite in the Fort Worth Zoo flamingo exhibit was removed and pressure washed, the granite was replaced, and the turf was then restretched in place. Approximately 8 months later, 3 lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) showed signs of lethargy and hematochezia. Results of physical examination revealed poor body condition in all birds, with variable hematologic abnormalities, including anemia, hypoproteinemia, and electrolyte disturbances. Radiographs of birds showed large amounts of radiopaque material in the ventriculus and dilated intestinal loops. Two birds died either during treatment or surgery, and 1 bird was euthanatized. Postmortem examination of all 3 birds revealed large amounts of fine, granite-like material in the ventriculus and intestines, severe congestion of intestinal mucosa, and obstruction of intestinal lumen by caseous plugs surrounded by fecal material. Microscopic evaluation of the material removed from the ventriculus showed birefringent crystals that corresponded to microscopic silica grains, consistent with the decomposed granite from the exhibit. Histologic examination of tissues showed marked chronic erosive colitis, mild erosive proventriculitis, and lesions in the muscular layer of the ventriculus. Subsequently, 82 remaining flamingos in the flock were radiographed. Results showed the same material in the ventriculus of most birds, but no intestinal obstructions were identified. Different treatment techniques were attempted unsuccessfully to remove the material from the flamingos that had the largest amount of decomposed granite in their gastrointestinal tracts. Ultimately, all birds were treated with oral gastrointestinal protectants, adsorbents, laxatives, and lubricants, along with antibiotics administered in drinking water. No further mortalities occurred once medical treatments were implemented.

Molleja de pollo: un nuevo modelo para entrenamiento laparoscópico de la anastomosis uretrovesical / Chicken gizzard: a new training model for laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis

Objetivo: Crear un modelo animal simple, económico y reproducible que presente una nueva opción de entrenamiento para la realización de la anastomosis vesicouretral durante la prostatectomía radical laparoscópica. Material y métodos: La creación y la experimentación se llevaron a cabo durante 2008. Se utilizaron diferentes materiales: caja de entrenamiento laparoscópico, cámara de vídeo, monitor, porta agujas, suturas y pollos no eviscerados de más de 2 kg de peso. El modelo fue elaborado con una nueva percepción de una estructura similar a la pelvis humana. Para la anastomosis se utilizó la molleja (cuello vesical) y el recto (uretra). Con el modelo en la caja, en condiciones anatómicas muy similares a los procedimientos reales, se realizó la experimentación con la anastomosis. La calidad de la anastomosis se evaluó mediante una prueba de impermeabilidad y endoscopia transanal. Resultados: El área de trabajo fue muy similar a la de la pelvis humana. Tejidos de calidad, textura y diámetro similares a los de la uretra (recto) y el cuello vesical (molleja) ofrecen la posibilidad de practicar la anastomosis y la “raqueta anterior”. Conclusiones: El modelo es simple, fácil, asequible, económico y reproducible. La anatomía del pollo, así como las características de sus tejidos, permite el entrenamiento en condiciones muy similares a las realizadas en casos humanos (AU)

Objective: To create a simple, inexpensive, and reproducible model that would provide a new training option for performing urethrovesical anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Material and methods: Design and experimentation were carried out in 2008. Materials employed included a laparoscopic training box, video camera, monitor, needle holder, sutures, and non-eviscerated chickens weighing more than 2 kilograms. The model was prepared with a new vision of a structure similar to the human pelvis. To create the anastomosis, we used the gizzard (bladder neck) and the rectum (urethra). Once the model was placed in the box, the anastomosis was performed in very similar anatomical conditions to those in real procedures. The anastomosis quality was assessed by means ofan impermeability test and transanal endoscopy. Results: The operating field is very similar to the human pelvis. Tissues with a quality, texture, and diameter resembling those of the urethra (rectum) and the bladder neck (gizzard) offer the possibility of practicing anastomosis and anterior racket. Conclusions: The model for urethrovesical anastomosis using the chicken gizzard and rectum is simple, easy, available, inexpensive and reproducible. The anatomy of the chicken and the characteristics of its tissues allow for training under conditions very similar to those present in human cases (AU)

Novel tissue culture method: skeletal muscle implantation under gizzard serous membrane of a chick.

A novel method for a long-term culture of skeletal muscle is described. Skeletal muscle pieces from young chicks were implanted under the gizzard serous membrane of the same chicks. Following muscle degeneration, new well-grouped muscle fibers were formed by the fusion of myocytes that differentiated from surviving satellite cells, and the regenerated muscle tissues were maintained in position for longer than 60 days. The implants were in the vital circulatory system, receiving trophic and oxygen supplies, and are completely free from motor nerve innervation and cell contamination with exogenous muscle cells, not as in intra-muscular implantation. Therefore, this tissue culture method should be useful for studying skeletal muscle regeneration and maturation over a long period. Furthermore, osteogenesis and feather development were also found in the implants of embryonic limbs by using the same method. These observations showed that not only skeletal muscle tissues but also other tissues could be cultured under the gizzard serous membrane.

Ventriculostomy for removal of foreign bodies from sarus cranes.

Of 7 captive sarus cranes (Grus antigone) that ingested foreign metallic objects, 3 became ill, and 1 of the 3 died. Clinical signs included difficulty in standing, sitting on hocks, and diarrhea. A surgical approach was developed, using pigeons as models, to open the gizzard for removal of the foreign bodies. The surgery was performed successfully 3 times on 2 of the cranes that had signs of illness.