In response to multiple peracute deaths caused by herpesvirus in several pheasant species, a study was designed to determine the absorption, distribution, and linearity of acyclovir in hybrid tragopans (Tragopan caboti × Tragopan temminckii). Acyclovir was administered to 5 healthy adult tragopans, 3 males and 2 females, in a single dose of 40, 80, or 120 mg/kg PO. Blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after administration, and concentrations of acyclovir were measured by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a C-8 column and ultraviolet (UV) detection. Although plasma concentrations were not linear, results from this study suggest that a dosage of 120 mg/kg PO q12h in tragopans may achieve effective plasma concentrations (1.0 μg/ml) for potential treatment and prevention of herpesviral infections. However, further studies are needed to determine if this dosage is safe for repeated administration.

A commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitate cotinine, a nicotine metabolite, in the plasma of caged birds exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Birds in smoking households were found to have significantly higher plasma cotinine levels (4.3–37.8 ng/ml) than control birds from nonsmoking households (0–3.6 ng/ml) (P < .001). These high levels of cotinine are similar to those reported in humans with clear evidence of clinical alteration and resultant disease from environmental tobacco smoke.

Three taita falcon (Falco fasciinucha) nestlings and 3 cohoused hybrid falcon (F rusticolus × F peregrinus) nestlings died after showing lethargy and anorexia for 4–5 days. Major lesions in the falcons were necrotizing hepatitis, splenitis, and lymphoplasmacytic nephritis. One hybrid falcon also had a heterophilic nephritis. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were present in the hepatocytes of the taita falcons and in the renal tubular epithelial cells of 1 hybrid falcon. Adenoviral particles were found in the cloacal content of 2 taita falcons. DNA in situ hybridization revealed aviadenoviral nucleic acid within the nuclei of hepatocytes of a taita falcon and a hybrid falcon and in the tubular epithelial cells of a hybrid falcon. Aviadenoviral DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction in the liver of taita falcons and hybrid falcons. The death of these birds was attributed to the aviadenovirus infection; however, the source of the virus was not determined. Predisposing factors for the outbreak of the viral infection in these falcons may have included transport stress, lack of quarantine measures, and cohousing of falcon species originating from isolated populations with other falcon species.

A 12-year-old male pigeon (Columba livia) demonstrated anorexia, lethargy, emaciation, and loose droppings on clinical examination. The most striking finding was the distention of the abdominal region caused by the presence of a soft tissue mass, which was detected by palpation. Radiographs and surgery thereafter confirmed the presence of the solid tissue mass, which was diagnosed as a Sertoli cell tumor on histopathologic examination. Sertoli cell tumors are rare in birds, and this is the first known report of this tumor in a pigeon.

A captive yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) and 2 free-living tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides), both native Australian species, were presented with neurologic signs including depression and pelvic limb paresis and paralysis. Despite supportive treatment, all 3 birds died or were euthanatized. On histologic examination, sections of metastrongyloid nematode larvae were found in the central nervous system of all 3 birds, whereas intact larvae, identified as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, were recovered from the brain and spinal cord of 2 birds. Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, has an obligatory migratory phase through the host's central nervous system, which can cause severe pathologic lesions. Natural infections in accidental hosts have been documented only in mammals, and to our knowledge, angiostrongyliasis in avian hosts has not been previously reported.

An immature female peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was presented with a history of reduced appetite, gradual weight loss, and passing metallic-green urates. Survey radiographs revealed a slightly enlarged liver. Plasma biochemical analysis showed moderate to severe increases in concentrations of creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase, and hematologic analysis showed mild leukocytosis with severe lymphocytosis and mild monocytosis. The erythrocytes showed moderate hypochromasia with mild to moderate poikilocytosis and anisocytosis. Intracytoplasmic parasitic forms were observed in the erythrocytes, which were subsequently identified as Babesia shortii. It was estimated that the parasite was present in approximately 5.1% of the erythrocytes examined. The primary treatment consisted of the administration of imidocarb dipropionate administered at 5 mg/kq IM given once and repeated 1 week later. Supportive therapy was also provided. The falcon was discharged at the request of the owner 10 days after admission. One month after discharge, the falcon was presented for a general examination. At this stage, results of hematologic and plasma biochemical analysis values were all within reference ranges and no trace of parasitic forms could be found in the blood films examined.

A 4-year-old chestnut-fronted macaw (Ara severa) was examined for polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. Abnormal clinicopathologic findings, including leukocytosis, anemia, β-globulinemia, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and ketonuria, were consistent with diabetes mellitus. Increasing doses of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin had no effect on the hyperglycemia, and the macaw died 5 days after presentation. Histologic examination of the pancreas at necropsy showed marked islet cell vacuolar degeneration, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, and exocrine pancreatic hyperplasia. Immunohistochemistry performed on the pancreas revealed nearly complete absence of insulin immunopositive cells. The pancreatic lesions were consistent with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

An adult female bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was presented with a history of being unable to fly. Physical examination revealed crepitus in the left shoulder, and radiographs revealed a middiaphyseal coracoid fracture with overriding fragments. The fracture was surgically stabilized with 2 bone plates. The eagle was rehabilitated and successfully released 5 months after presentation. This case demonstrates the use of bone plating of the coracoid bone in a raptor, resulting in early return to full function and release.