Objective:To evaluate the duration of action and antinociceptive and sedative effects of buprenorphine hydrochloride following SC administration to orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica). Methods:10 adult, healthy Amazon parrots were included. High-concentration buprenorphine formulation (1.8 mg/mL and 0.1, 1, and 2 mg/kg) and saline solution (0.9% NaCl; 0.55 mL/kg) were administered SC to the parrots in a within-subjects, complete, masked crossover study design. Foot withdrawal thermal threshold was determined prior to administration of treatment and 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 6 hours postinjection. Agitation-sedation scores were determined 1 to 2 minutes prior to each thermal challenge. Results:Buprenorphine at 2 mg/kg significantly increased the thermal foot withdrawal threshold, whereas lower doses evaluated did not have a significant effect. Although no significant interaction effect of treatment*time was observed, the graphical data suggest that the effect could increase over time and still be present at the 6-hour time point. No significant effect of buprenorphine on agitation-sedation score or nausea-like behavior was observed. Conclusions:SC administration of buprenorphine at 2 mg/kg has a mild thermal antinociceptive effect in orange-winged Amazon parrots, which graphically appears to have a slow onset and last for the duration of the testing times. In addition, buprenorphine did not cause agitation or sedation, nausea-like behavior, or vomiting. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of buprenorphine in psittacines. Clinical Relevance:Buprenorphine hydrochloride could be considered for pain management in the orange-winged Amazon parrot and does not cause significant adverse effects following single SC administration.

Objective:To evaluate the thermal antinociceptive effects of hydromorphone hydrochloride administered IM to cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) at higher doses than previously reported. Methods:12 adult cockatiels received hydromorphone IM at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg and an equivalent volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control treatment) in a masked, randomized, within-subjects complete crossover study. The thermal foot withdrawal threshold (TFWT) was determined at baseline as well as 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 6 hours postinjection. Agitation-sedation scores were also evaluated at each time point prior to delivery of thermal stimulus. The changes in TFWT compared to baseline as well as agitation-sedation scores prior to each TFWT were compared among treatments over time. Results:1 bird died during the study for unrelated causes. Hydromorphone at both doses (1 and 2 mg/kg) had a significant difference in foot withdrawal threshold from baseline when compared to the control at the 3-hour postinjection time point. Hydromorphone at 1 mg/kg significantly decreased odds of a bird having higher agitation scores (proportional OR of increase in agitation score of 1, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.96). Conclusions:Hydromorphone administered IM at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg had a small but significant thermal antinociceptive effect in cockatiels at 3 hours after drug administration. Hydromorphone at 1 mg/kg demonstrated evidence of mild sedative effects. Clinical Relevance:This study provides evidence that hydromorphone may provide analgesic effects when administered to cockatiels at doses higher than those evaluated in prior studies. Further studies with other types of noxious stimuli, routes of administration, and testing time points are needed to fully evaluate the analgesic effects of hydromorphone in cockatiels.

Objective:To determine the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol [APAP]) and its metabolites after oral administration of a single dose of APAP, with or without silymarin or N-acetylcysteine (NAC), to orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica). Methods:Eight parrots received, in 3 separate studies, 1 of the following oral treatments: (1) APAP (100 mg/kg) with silymarin (50 mg/kg, twice, q 12 h); (2) APAP (100 mg/kg) with NAC (400 mg/kg); or (3) APAP (100 mg/kg) alone. For each study, blood samples were collected over 24 hours after drug administration to evaluate plasma concentrations of APAP, APAP-glucuronide, and APAP-sulfate. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Plasma biochemistry panels were performed before and after each study. In a fourth study, a single oral dose of APAP (100 mg/kg) was administered to 8 additional parrots for adverse effects evaluation alone. Results:Pharmacokinetic parameters for APAP, APAP-glucuronide, and APAP-sulfate were established. The APAP maximum plasma concentration, time of maximal plasma concentration, and half-life across studies ranged from 2,016.9 to 2,917.2 ng/mL, 1.13 to 2.1 hours, and 1.3 to 1.45 hours, respectively. Acetaminophen had marked metabolism to APAP-glucuronide and negligible to APAP-sulfate. Concurrent administration of APAP with silymarin resulted in a mild but significant elevation in glutamate dehydrogenase. Conclusions:Acetaminophen plasma concentrations were lower than in other avian species despite a relatively high dose. Acetaminophen has fast absorption, short half-life, and marked glucuronidation. Single oral dose administration of APAP, alone or with NAC, appears safe based on plasma biochemistries. Multidose and pharmacodynamic studies are needed. Clinical Relevance:This is the first pharmacokinetic study of APAP in psittacines, which has the potential to be an effective and safe component of multimodal analgesia in these species.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the prevalence, clinical findings, lesions, and risk factors associated with chlamydial infections in free-ranging raptors presented to a university veterinary medical teaching hospital. METHODS:Medical records retrospectively searched for raptors admitted from January 1993 through April 2022 were tested for Chlamydia spp infections using quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunohistochemistry, culture, and sequencing. Findings were collected and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the association between Chlamydia spp infection status and risk factors, including age class, species, sex, and season of admission. RESULTS:The prevalence for cases that tested positive for Chlamydia spp on 1 or more diagnostic tests, including mucosal qPCR samples for Chlamydia spp, tissue PCR for C buteonis, and mucosal qPCR genotyped as C buteonis, was 1.9% (74 of 3,983). All positive cases were from the genus Buteo (n = 74). Juvenile birds and winter season had higher odds of infection. All birds were in poor body condition (n = 74), often with moderate-to-severe CBC and biochemistry abnormalities consistent with multiorgan chronic inflammatory disease, emaciation, and dehydration. On postmortem examination of Chlamydia-positive birds (58 of 74), hepatitis (44 of 56), nephritis (24 of 39), splenitis (22 of 53), airsacculitis (21 of 43), myocarditis (21 of 39), and pneumonia (21 of 38) were common lesions, with intracellular bacteria in multiple tissues. CONCLUSIONS:Signalment, season of admission, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, and Chlamydia-specific testing identified chlamydial infections in free-ranging raptors. Appropriate protections to prevent potential zoonotic transmission in clinical wildlife rehabilitation settings are recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Many clinical parameters used to identify C psittaci infection in parrots can also be used to identify chlamydial infections in raptors.

Objective:To evaluate the plasma concentrations and determine the pharmacokinetic profile of pravastatin after administration of a single oral dose in cockatiels. Methods:A pilot study was performed at single oral doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg. Based on the results of the pilot study, 14 adult cockatiels (7 male and 7 female) were administered a 40-mg/kg dose using a compounded oral suspension of pravastatin via oral gavage. Blood samples were collected at 7 different time points from 0.5 to 12 hours after administration in a balanced incomplete block design, with 3 blood samples/bird and 6 replicates/time point. Plasma concentrations of pravastatin were determined via LC-MS-MS. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using compartmental analysis. Results:The estimated time to maximum concentration, maximum plasma concentration, and terminal half-life were 2 hours, 669.9 ng/mL, and 3 hours, respectively. There was high interindividual variability, and 1 cockatiel had extremely high levels of pravastatin through all sample points and was excluded from the analysis. Conclusions:A single oral dose of 40 mg/kg of pravastatin administered to cockatiels exceeded plasma concentrations that would be considered therapeutic in humans (45 to 55 ng/mL). Clinical Relevance:A starting dose of 40 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours or lower has the potential of being beneficial in the treatment of cockatiels with lipid disorders pending further investigations with multidose pharmacokinetic studies, efficacy studies evaluating hypolipidemic effect, and its possible administration in drinking water.

Objective:To determine pharmacokinetic parameters after IV and SC administration of a single dose of maropitant. Methods:In this experimental study, adult orange-winged Amazon parrots were administered a single dose of maropitant (1 mg/kg) SC and IV with an 8-week washout period between experiments. Blood samples were collected at 0.5, 1.5, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration for the SC study. For the IV study, samples were taken at the same time points with additional collections at 5 minutes and 36 hours. Plasma maropitant was determined with LC-MS-MS, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a noncompartmental model. Results:A total of 8 orange-winged Amazon parrots (2 female and 6 male) were used in this study. Mean ± SD maximum concentration after SC administration was 130.9 ± 24.6 ng/mL and was reached at 0.5 ± 0 hours. Combined terminal half-life after SC administration was 6.67 hours. Bioavailability after SC administration was 85%. Plasma concentration at 24 hours was negligible and nearly identical between SC and IV administrations. Conclusions:A single dose of 1 mg/kg was well tolerated in all birds IV and SC. Maropitant rapidly attained plasma concentrations following SC administration and had a relatively high bioavailability and short half-life. Clinical Relevance:The results of this study suggest that the currently used doses and dosing intervals for maropitant in psittacine birds do not maintain above-target plasma concentrations considered therapeutic in dogs and may be insufficient to achieve systemic effects comparable to those observed in other species.

Adipocytic tumors are mesenchymal tumors that are commonly reported in psittacine birds; however, large-scale studies evaluating their prevalence and associated risk factors are lacking. A retrospective study of adipocytic tumors in psittacine birds was performed by reviewing pathology submissions from the University of California, Davis-Drury Reavill Pathology Database, containing 26 013 submissions from psittacine birds (1998-2018). Age, sex, genus, anatomic distribution, and pathological diagnosis were collected for each case when available. The prevalence, risk factors, and association with other lipid-accumulation disorders were reported. A total of 450 cases of lipoma, 129 cases of myelolipoma, 35 cases of hemangiolipoma, 31 cases of liposarcoma, and 451 cases of xanthoma were identified. The prevalence of adipocytic tumors and xanthomas on necropsy was 1.3% (158/11 737, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-1.6). Adipocytic tumors were identified in 27 genera. Amazona (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.24-2.99, p = 0.004), Myiopsitta (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2, p = 0.041), Melopsittacus (OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1-5.5, p < 0.001), and Agapornis (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.0-6.1, p < 0.001) had significantly higher odds of developing adipocytic tumors compared with other genera, whereas Ara had significantly lower odds (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9, p = 0.030). Age was also a significant risk factor for many types of adipocytic tumors. There was no significant association between general adipocytic tumor formation and atherosclerosis or hepatic lipidosis. Xanthomas were associated with atherosclerosis (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.01-3.51, p = 0.048), but not hepatic lipidosis (p = 0.503). On necropsy, the trunk and air sacs were the most common sites of xanthoma formation, whereas the trunk and liver were the most common sites of lipoma and myelolipoma formation, respectively.

Copper is a trace element that plays an essential role in neurodevelopment and neurologic function. Acquired copper deficiency has a range of neurologic manifestations, with myelopathy being the most common association. We describe here the clinical, radiologic, histopathologic, and toxicologic findings of a rabbit with malnutrition, neurodegeneration, and suspected copper deficiency. A stray, adult female dwarf rabbit cross ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in poor body condition developed ataxia and pelvic limb weakness progressing to lateral recumbency and urine retention. The clinical findings suggested multifocal brainstem disease with right-sided central vestibular involvement; however, microscopic examination identified thoracic and lumbosacral spinal cord myelopathy. Differentials for the spinal cord changes included neurodegenerative disease, nutritional deficiency, neurotoxin, trauma to the lumbosacral region, and ischemia. Hepatic copper levels were suboptimal at 18 ppm dry weight (RI: 24–150 ppm dry weight). While speculative, copper-deficiency myelopathy is a treatable cause of non-compressive myelopathy that may occur in this species.

Most wild parrot species live in flocks, enriched by the environment and conspecific interactions. Captive parrots often live individually and are prone to behavioral maladaptation. If captive parrots and their behavior become intolerable, they are commonly relinquished to rescue organizations. This study aims to create parrot personality assessments for use by rescuers adding newly acquired parrots to shared environments. The study involved 20 orange-winged Amazon parrots (10 M, 10 F). Observers familiar with each bird scored its personality and analyses determined three sets of personalities: Social, Guarded, and Nervous Each parrot was paired with its 10 heterosexual counterparts and its interactions monitored remotely and captured on video. Pairing trials occurred over 72 hours in a specially designed pairing structure. Parrot personality could predict pairing success. Social-Guarded and Social-Nervous were more successfully paired, with individuals maintaining a close distance to one another and displaying increased rest-stretch behavior. Time of day influenced success with Social-Nervous pairs successful at all times of day, Social-Social pairs in the AM, and Guarded-Guarded pairs in the PM period. The study results suggest that rescues can use personality assessment and specific behaviors during cohabitation to predict OWA novel pairing outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the plasma concentrations and determine pharmacokinetic parameters of atorvastatin and its primary active metabolites (para- and ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin) after administration of a single oral dose in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica).ANIMALS:8 adult orange-winged Amazon parrots (4 male, 4 female) of varying ages.METHODS:A compounded oral suspension of atorvastatin 10 mg/mL was administered via oral gavage at 20 mg/kg to each bird. Blood samples were collected at 10 different time points from 0 to 30 hours postadministration to evaluate plasma levels of atorvastatin, para-hydroxyatorvastatin, and ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using noncompartmental analysis and commercially available software.RESULTS:Mean ± SD atorvastatin half-life, tmax, and Cmax were 5.96 ± 11.50 hours, 1.60 ± 0.80 hours, and 82.60 ± 58.30 ng/mL, respectively. For para-hydroxyatorvastatin, the half-life, tmax, and Cmax were 6.46 ± 54.20 hours, 5.00 ± 2.51 hours, and 34.10 ± 16.00 ng/mL, respectively, and 5.58 ± 9.92 hours, 3.38 ± 2.10 hours, and 7.35 ± 3.96 ng/mL for ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic profile shown support the therapeutic use of atorvastatin at the dose evaluated in this species based on human pharmacokinetic data. While 20 mg/kg PO q24 hours could be used as a starting dosage until further studies evaluating multiple dose administration and efficacy in this species become available, the high interindividual variability results warrant monitoring of the treatment response to make dosing adjustments if needed.

To evaluate the plasma concentrations and determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of atorvastatin and its primary active metabolites (para- and orthohydroxyatorvastatin) after administration of a single oral dose in cockatiels 14 adult cockatiels (7 male, 7 female) around 2 years of age. A compounded oral suspension of atorvastatin 10 mg/mL made with an oral suspending agent and an oral sweetener was administered via oral gavage at 20 mg/kg to each bird. Blood samples were collected at 7 different time points from 0.5 to 24 hours postadministration in a balanced incomplete block design with 3 blood samples per bird and 6 replicates per time point. Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, parahydroxyatorvastatin, and orthohydroxyatorvastatin were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using noncompartmental analysis. The estimated time to maximum concentration (tmax) for atorvastatin, parahydroxyatorvastatin, and orthohydroxyatorvastatin was 3 hours for each. The estimated maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for atorvastatin, parahydroxyatorvastatin, and orthohydroxyatorvastatin was 152.6, 172.4, and 68.8 ng/mL, respectively. The terminal halflives were 4, 6.8, and 4.6 hours, respectively. These results support the therapeutic use of atorvastatin at the dose evaluated in this species based on human pharmacokinetic data. A starting dose of 20 mg/kg PO every 12 to 24 hours could be used to treat lipid disorders in cockatiels pending more data on multidose use and hypolipidemic efficacy.

OBJECTIVE Histologically evaluate damage to rabbit femur after the creation of bicortical 1.5-mm-diameter holes using a standard surgical drill bit, an acrylic drill bit, and a Kirschner wire (K-wire). METHODS 10 femora (5 pairs) from skeletally mature female intact New Zealand white rabbits were used. The bone diaphyses were divided into 4 locations, systematically undergoing each test (surgical drill bit, acrylic drill bit, K-wire, and intact control). Four pairs were drilled using a mechanical testing machine, and 1 pair was drilled by hand. Cross- sections of the bone were stained en bloc with basic fuchsin for undecalcified histological evaluation. Damaged bone was reported as a percentage of a standardized area and categorized by location (cis- or transcortex), drill contact (entrance or exit of the cortex), and total damage (both cortices). RESULTS The drilling method (hand vs mechanical testing machine) had no effect on histologic damage, so results were analyzed by combining all data. The K-wire demonstrated the greatest area of cracks/damage compared to both standard surgical and acrylic drill bits, whereas no difference in damage was noted between the 2 drill bits for all variables. CONCLUSIONS The K-wire and drill bits caused microdamage; K-wire drilling created more microdamage than drill bits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The rabbit bone cortex is thin and brittle relative to dogs and cats, leading to failure during and after fracture fixa- tion. The clinical failure of rabbit bone is at least partially caused by drill bits or K-wires causing microcracks.

OBJECTIVE To describe CT findings and epidemiologic features of nasal and paranasal disease of rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus). METHODS An electronic search was performed for rabbits that underwent skull CT from 2004 to 2024 and had findings consis- tent with nasal/paranasal or maxillary dental disease. History, signalment, and physical examination findings were recorded and reevaluated retrospectively for evidence of changes to the nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, and nearby associated anatomy. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, ordinal mixed logistic regression, and correlation analysis. RESULTS 100 studies from 69 rabbits were reviewed. Lop-eared rabbits represented 30 of 69 cases. Upper respiratory signs (48 of 69 [69.6%]) and dental-related disorders (21 of 69 [31.9%]) were primary complaints. Rhinitis (49 of 69 [71.0%]), sinusitis (50 of 69 [72.5%]), and both (40 of 69 [60.0%]) were most diagnosed, with turbinate destruction (48 of 69 [69.6%]) and alveolar bone loss of adjacent teeth (51 of 69 [73.9%]) being common findings. Sinusitis was most common in the ventral (48 of 50 [96.0%]) and dorsal (33 of 50 [66.0%]) recesses of the maxillary sinus. Multiple CT variables were significantly correlated (P < .05); of those, maxillary alveolar bone loss of the incisor teeth and the second premolar tooth were, respectively, correlated with rhinitis grade and with sinusitis and sinusitis grade within the ventral recess of the maxillary sinus (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Computed tomographic evaluation allowed characterization of nasal and paranasal disease in rabbits and the association of rhinitis, sinusitis, and dental disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The correlation between the maxillary dentition, rhinitis, and sinusitis highlights the need for thorough evaluation in CT of the teeth in rabbits with upper respiratory signs.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study is to compare drilling variables and torsional mechanical properties of rabbit femora after bicortical drilling with a 1.5-mm standard surgical drill bit, acrylic drill bit, and K-wire.SAMPLES:24 pairs of rabbit femora.METHODS:After drilling under controlled axial displacement rate, each bone was biaxially loaded in compression followed by rapid external torsion to failure. Maximum axial thrust force, maximum drill torque, integral of force and displacement, change in temperature, maximum power spectral density of the torque signal, torque vibration, and torque and angle at the yield and failure points were collected. Pre- and postyield stiffness, yield and failure energies, and postyield energy were calculated.RESULTS:The work required to drill through the cis- and transcortices (integral of force and displacement) was greater for the K-wire, followed by the acrylic and then standard drill bits, respectively. The K-wire demonstrated higher maximum torque than the drill bits at the ciscortex, and the force of drilling was significantly greater. The vibration data was greater with the acrylic and standard drill bits than the K-wire. There was no difference in torsional strength between drilling types.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Mechanical differences exist between different drill bits and K-wire and demonstrate that the K-wire is overall more damaging than the surgical drill bit.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical features, histopathologic lesions, and outcome of cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons. ANIMALS 54 bearded dragons. METHODS Retrospective evaluation of captive bearded dragons with antemortem imaging or postmortem diagnosis of cardiovascular disease from 2007 to 2022 from 6 hospitals. RESULTS The total prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 3.3% (54/1,655). Physical examination findings were available in 46 cases with change in mentation being the most common finding (n = 28/46 [60.9%]), followed by dehydration (17/46 [37%]), palpable coelomic mass (13/46 [28.3%]), dyspnea (10/46 [21.7%]), and sunken eyes (10/46 [21.7%)]. Doppler auscultation revealed an arrhythmia in 5/34 (14.7%) animals. Diagnostic imaging was only performed on 21 animals, and 10 (47.6%) had cardiovascular abnormalities described. In total, 84 cardiovascular diagnoses were found in 54 animals. The most common diagnosis was myocarditis (n = 14) followed by aneurysms (11), pericardial effusion (9), atherosclerosis (7), epicarditis (7), and myocardial degeneration/necrosis (7). Overall, 62 causes of death were identified in 52 cases, with cardiovascular disease being the most common (n = 18/52 [34.5%]). Only 3/54 animals were diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Animals with aneurysms were more likely to die to due cardiovascular disease compared to other types of cardiovascular diagnoses (OR, 43.75; 95% CI, 4.88 to 392.65; P < .001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in bearded dragons is challenging given the inconsistent clinical presentation; however, it should remain a differential in animals with nonspecific signs of illness. Antemortem diagnostics are recommended in suspected cases, including diagnostic imaging. Of the cardiovascular diseases described, aneurysms most often contributed to clinical demise.

A 10-year-old female sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) was presented for evaluation of a non- healing wound on her left rostrum. Physical examination revealed a 5x5 mm defect dorsolateral to the left nares with compacted plant material inside. Intraoral examination revealed a 3x3 mm keratin defect at the level of the premaxilla with visible compacted plant material. A computed tomographic study was performed and revealed an oronasocutaenous fistula with compression nasomaxillary fractures and left- sided rhinitis and food impaction. PCR from a nasal flush sample for intranuclear coccidia was negative. The patient underwent general anesthesia for fistula repair. A rhinotomy and a rhinoscopy were performed to aid in the understanding of the extent of the fistula and treatment. The foreign plant material was removed and cleaned. The fistula was covered over the intraoral keratin defect and along the maxillary tomium with a dental bis-acryl composite resin and the cutaneous defect covered with a wound dressing patch. Postoperative plan included a course of tulathromycin for broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage, in addition to meloxicam and tramadol for multimodal analgesia, which was initiated via esophagostomy tube. Subsequent rechecks were conducted at 3 and 7 weeks, and 7, 8, and 19 months postoperatively, with recheck CT scans performed at the 8-month and 19-month for healing monitoring. At the 19-month recheck the rostral cutaneous lesion was completely healed, there was no keratin defect along the oral rhinothecal ridge. Recheck CT demonstrated ongoing bone healing. This case documents the diagnosis and successful treatment of an oronasocutaneous fistula in a chelonian.

ABSTRACT This prospective study evaluated oral transmucosal pentobarbital sodium at three doses in 110 wild-caught wild birds requiring euthanasia. Birds received transmucosal pentobarbital at five (430 mg/kg), six (516 mg/kg), and seven times (602 mg/kg) the intravenous dose for mammals. Time to first effects and loss of consciousness, presence of pupillary light and corneal reflexes, apnea, and asystole were recorded each minute. When asystole was not achieved at 5 minutes, IV pentobarbital was administered. Combining data for all doses, loss of consciousness occurred at a median (range) of 2 minutes (0–4.75 min), apnea at 3 minutes (0–6 min), and asystole at 4 minutes (0.5–5 min). Loss of consciousness and apnea occurred significantly faster in the 602 mg/kg dose group than in the 430 mg/kg group (p = 0.009, difference of 0.6 ± 0.2 min; p = 0.024, difference of 0.7 ± 0.3 min), respectively. Apnea and asystole were achieved in 80/110 birds within 5 minutes. Oral transmucosal pentobarbital results in rapid loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest and provides a reliable alternative euthanasia method compared to intravenous administration.

A 2-year-old male African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) was presented to a veterinary teaching hospital for evaluation of a previously diagnosed subclinical, marked regenerative anemia. Physical examination at the zoological institution demonstrated biliverdinuria and pale oral mucous membranes. Diagnostic tests performed on the penguin since the diagnosis and prior to presentation to the veterinary teaching hospital included serial complete blood counts, plasma biochemistry panels, radiographic imaging, blood and plasma heavy metal testing, and infectious disease testing. The abnormal diagnostic test results were consistent with marked regenerative anemia and splenomegaly. At the veterinary teaching hospital, further diagnostic testing was ordered in an attempt to determine the cause of the biliverdinuria and pale oral mucous membranes. The diagnostic tests performed included a full-body contrast computed tomographic scan, upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure, bone marrow aspiration and evaluation, saline agglutination testing, blood Plasmodium species polymerase chain reaction screening, a vitamin profile panel, and repeat blood heavy metal testing. The complete blood count demonstrated a marked, regenerative anemia with the presence of dysplastic erythrocytes, and splenomegaly was found on the computed tomographic images without identifying a definitive cause. Primary disease differentials for the diagnosed regenerative anemia included a myelodysplastic syndrome and primary or secondary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. The penguin was treated with oral prednisolone as an immunomodulatory agent; however, it did not result in a positive treatment response. The patient developed hyporexia, weight loss, and lethargy 2 months post presentation to the veterinary teaching hospital. Additional therapy with cyclophosphamide was initiated, and the penguin improved clinically, but then declined. The patient was euthanized due to a poor quality of life and prognosis 4 months after initial presentation and 1.5 years after the first complete blood count revealed the penguin to be anemic. Microscopic review of submitted postmortem tissue samples demonstrated a monomorphic population of neoplastic small lymphocytes infiltrating the spleen, consistent with splenic small cell lymphoma. The neoplastic cells did not label with the T-cell marker CD3 or B-cell markers CD20, CD79a, and Pax-5.

Pancreatic cancer is a common gastrointestinal malignancy, and is often associated with a poor prognosis. Although liver is generally seen as a distant metastasis point, it has been shown that it can metastasize to any organ, especially the gastrointestinal tract, and approximately 0.3% of metastases are observed in spinal cord.We report a 36-year-old woman with a prior history of pancreatic adenocarcinoma who presented to us with a thoracic intramedullary lesion and recent onset of neurological deficits. She underwent surgery with histological confirmation of a diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma.To our knowledge there is no prior report of pure intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from a pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the literature. We report the present patient in view of the rarity of intramedullary spinal cord metastasis and its clinical significance. Although intramedullary metastases are rare, they should be investigated in every patient with malignancy and progressive neurological deficit. While its general prognosis is poor regardless of the type of treatment, early diagnosis and treatment is important in terms of quality of life and survival.El cáncer de páncreas es una neoplasia maligna gastrointestinal común y, a menudo, se asocia con un mal pronóstico. Aunque el hígado generalmente se ve como un punto de metástasis distante, se ha demostrado que puede hacer metástasis a cualquier órgano, especialmente al tracto gastrointestinal, y aproximadamente el 0,3% de las metástasis se observan en la médula espinal.Presentamos una mujer de 36 años con antecedentes de adenocarcinoma de páncreas que se presentó con una lesión intramedular torácica y de reciente aparición de déficits neurológicos. Fue intervenida quirúrgicamente con confirmación histológica de diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma metastásico.Hasta donde sabemos, no existe en la literatura ningún informe previo de metástasis intramedular pura de la médula espinal de un adenocarcinoma pancreático. Presentamos el presente paciente en vista de la rareza de la metástasis intramedular de la médula espinal y su importancia clínica. Aunque las metástasis intramedulares son raras, deben investigarse en todo paciente con neoplasia maligna y déficit neurológico progresivo. Si bien su pronóstico general es malo independientemente del tipo de tratamiento, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoces son importantes en términos de calidad de vida y supervivencia.