Yolk sac retention or the failure to absorb yolk is a common problem in recently hatched ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus) and is one of the major causes of mortality in the first 2 weeks after hatching. In a study of 80 yolk sacs from dead-in-shell (DIS) eggs (n = 24) and ostrich chicks up to 3 weeks after hatching (n = 56), several aspects were considered. A predictive curve for normal growth and yolk absorption was calculated, a histologic study of “normal” and “retained yolk” sacs was conducted, and a microbiological evaluation of yolk sacs and the chicks was performed. Findings were discussed in comparison to comparable data for poultry and in relation to possible causes of yolk sac retention. At necropsy, the diagnosis of retained yolk sac was made 13 times. No differences were observed by histopathologic examination between chicks with yolk sac retention and normal chicks. When the predictive curve was compared with direct observations at necropsy, the direct method had a sensitivity and specificity of 52% and 93%, respectively. Using the predictive curve, 19 yolk sacs were considered to be retained. Bacterial growth was found in the yolk of 42% of the DIS chicks, in 26% of the normal chicks, and in 22% of chicks with retained yolk sacs. In most cases, the same organism was also cultured from the liver of the chick. The bacterium most commonly isolated was Escherichia coli. Omphalitis could not be correlated with any of the isolates.

Female cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are prone to development of reproductive problems, especially overproduction of eggs and egg binding. Salpingohysterectomy is recommended for permanent control of these problems because removal of the oviduct and uterus seems to suppress ovulation. Salpingohysterectomy has not been used commonly as a preventative measure, in part because of concerns about surgical risk, especially with traditional surgical methods. In addition, clients may not perceive its value. In this study, endoscopic salpingohysterectomy was evaluated in 14 juvenile female cockatiels. Hemorrhage was negligible and all 14 procedures were successful. The positive outcomes suggest that the procedure is safe and simple when performed by veterinarians familiar with avian coelomic endoscopic techniques. Endoscopic salpingohysterectomy in juvenile cockatiels could be used to prevent future reproductive problems. Further study is required to evaluate long-term effects and the preventative value of this procedure in cockatiels.

The sedative effects of medetomidine administered alone or in combination with ketamine or midazolam were evaluated in 20 adult pigeons (Columba livia). Six to 12 pigeons were randomly assigned to each of 5 treatment groups. Medetomidine administered alone (80, 150, or 200 μg/kg IM) caused effects ranging from ataxia to sternal recumbency, but the righting reflex was always retained. The level of sedation resulting from medetomidine (80 μg/kg IM) in combination with either ketamine (5 mg/kg IM) or midazolam (0.5 mg/kg IM) was variable; birds exhibited signs ranging from mild to heavy sedation. Heavy sedation was defined as loss of the righting reflex and profound muscle relaxation. Medetomidine-ketamine resulted in heavy sedation in 3 of 9 birds, whereas 5 of 12 birds were heavily sedated with medetomidine-midazolam. Atipamizole (0.5 mg/kg IM) was administered to reverse the effects of medetomidine. The length of time (mean ± SD) from atipamizole injection until loss of ataxia and return of full responsiveness ranged from 10 ± 4.0 to 17 ± 5.0 minutes with medetomidine alone. Birds sedated with medetomidine-ketamine recovered within 20 ± 12.0 minutes, and those sedated with medetomidine-midazolam recovered within 38 ± 11.0 minutes. Atipamizole was given 30 minutes after administration of medetomidine alone and medetomidine-ketamine, whereas birds given medetomidine-midazolam received atipamizole 50 minutes after administration. Medetomidine used alone or in combination with ketamine or midazolam cannot be recommended for sedation of pigeons at the dosages described in this study. Used alone, medetomidine was inadequate for restraint, and when administered with ketamine or midazolam, sedative effects were unpredictable.

Cardiovascular anomalies have been reported rarely in psittacine birds. This report describes 2 cockatoos, each presenting with a heart murmur, tachycardia, and a bounding pulse. Clinical signs associated with these patients included cyanosis of the cere and, in 1 bird, ascites. Echocardiographic evaluations of both birds suggested ventricular septal defects, which corresponded to radiographic evidence of an enlarged cardiac silhouette. Pathologic evaluation revealed a ventricular septal defect and persistent truncus arteriosus in an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba), whereas a Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) had a subvalvular septal defect and aortic hypoplasia. Congenital cardiovascular anomalies should be considered when young psittacine birds are presented with heart murmurs and signs of circulatory dysfunction.

Pulmonary carcinoma was diagnosed in a 14-year-old male Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) presented for sudden onset of ataxia of the pelvic limbs lasting several hours. On physical examination, the cockatoo had paraparesis of both legs and a reduction in pectoral muscle mass. The bird responded to initial supportive therapy; however, its clinical condition deteriorated over a 3-week period. Histopathologic examination revealed pulmonary carcinoma with intrapulmonary metastases as well as metastases to the vertebral column and right humerus.

A 3-year-old female peregrine falcon-gyrfalcon hybrid (Falco peregrinus × Falco rusticolus) was presented for evaluation of a lesion below the right eye. Initial examination revealed an abraded, crusty lesion on the right lower eyelid that was believed to be consistent with trauma and a secondary bacterial infection. Despite initial diagnostic procedures and treatment, the condition progressed to severe blepharitis and dermatitis involving the upper and lower eyelids of both eyes and the head. Septated fungal hyphae were identified by histopathologic analysis in specimens obtained from the lesions and an Aspergillus species was cultured. The blepharitis and dermatitis were treated successfully with oral itraconazole (15 mg/kg q12h) and topical miconazole cream, applied twice daily.

A 7-year-old male Major Mitchell's cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri) was presented with an encrusted beak tumor. Clinical examination demonstrated a bird that was bright and alert and had good pectoral muscle condition. The bird was open-mouth breathing and had a bilateral mucopurulent ocular discharge. A relatively well-demarcated thick crust overlaid the right naris and extended along the right lateral wall of the rhamphotheca. Radiographs of the head demonstrated a diffuse increased radiodensity of the nasal sinuses. A diagnosis of cryptococcosis was made by examining Wright's-stained choanal smears, which demonstrated a mixed overgrowth of gram-negative coccobacilli and occasional aggregates of encapsulated yeast organisms measuring 6–10 μm within 8- to 12-μm nonstaining capsules. The bird was euthanized, and necropsy findings were confined to the nasal and infraorbital sinuses. The sinuses contained a pale, gelatinous substance, which yielded a heavy growth of Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii on culture. Histopathologic examination confirmed a diagnosis of nasal cryptococcosis with severe infiltration of the nasal passages with cryptococci and subsequent destruction of the rhamphotheca.

A 13-year-old male golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) was examined for a hemorrhagic mass on the leading edge of the right propatagial area of 1 day's duration. Physical examination revealed a scabbed mass that bled easily when manipulated. Hemorrhage and cellulitis were observed from 2 incisional biopsies. The mass was removed under general anesthesia, and histopathology demonstrated a hemangiosarcoma. Assays on white blood cells for avian leukosis/sarcoma viruses, Marek disease viral serotypes 1, 2, and 3, and reticuloendotheliosis virus were negative. The bird recovered uneventfully, but the tumor recurred within 10 days after removal. Upon clinical deterioration 3 months later, the bird was euthanized.