Objective:To characterize the clinical and histologic features of a novel polyostotic osteoproliferative disease in lovebirds (Agapornis spp). Animals:Records from select avian clinical and/or pathology diagnostic services in France, Australia, and Italy (2017 to 2024) and the US (1984 to 2024) were searched for clinical and pathological data from lovebirds with polyostotic osseous proliferations. Solitary lesions and suspect cases unconfirmed by imaging or postmortem examination were excluded. When available, fixed lesions were recut for independent histopathological re-examination by 5 veterinary pathologists to confirm consistency of diagnosis. Survival was assessed with a Kaplan-Meier curve. Clinical Presentation:22 cases from Australia, France, and Italy met the inclusion criteria, including 14 females, 5 males, and 3 of unknown sex. The median age at diagnosis was 3.5 years (range, 2 to 9 years). Apart from occasional palpation of osseous masses on physical examination, clinical signs were nonspecific and highly variable, corresponding with lesion location. Results:Imaging revealed several expansile lesions (with the sternum, skull, and vertebrae most often affected), while hematology and biochemistry were generally nonspecific. Lesions were confirmed to be the same disease process in all histologically examined cases and showed extensive woven bone proliferation, disrupting the normal medullary and cortical architecture of affected bones. Prognosis was guarded, with a mean survival time of 68 days. The condition was termed polyostotic osteopetrosis syndrome. The cause is unknown, although an inherited disorder is suspected. Clinical Relevance:Findings will assist clinicians in diagnosis and management of polyostotic osteopetrosis syndrome and provide foundations for further research.

A 17-year-old, 24-kg, female greater rhea (Rhea americana) presented with an acute onset of left wing droop. Clinical examination and radiographs revealed an open, simple, displaced, short-oblique diaphyseal fracture of the distal third of the left humerus. Surgical fracture repair with a locking compression plate was performed on Day 4, achieving excellent post-operative stability. Despite no excessive tissue tension during surgical closure, major complications ensued, including wing tip oedema and ischaemic necrosis, wound dehiscence and sequestration affecting 40% of the bone under the plate. On Day 96, wing amputation at the proximal third of the humerus was performed. Surgical treatment of humeral fractures has not been described in ratites, whose wing bones are heavy, dense and non-pneumatised. Although the surgical repair of the humeral fracture using a locking compression plate was technically successful in this case, major post-operative complications led to surgical amputation of the wing, which was ultimately curative.

BACKGROUND:Otitis is a major disease impacting both pet guinea pigs and laboratory guinea pigs that are used as models in human otological studies. METHODS:Medical records from two veterinary clinics were retrospectively reviewed to identify guinea pigs diagnosed with computed tomography (CT)-confirmed otitis between 2014 and 2023. The clinical signs, treatment and bacteria isolated in these cases were noted, and predisposing factors were identified. RESULTS:Thirty-six guinea pigs out of the 1477 seen at the clinics during the study period had otitis, giving a prevalence of 2.4%. The majority (61%) of guinea pigs had non-specific clinical signs, with 12 (33%) having respiratory signs and nine (25%) having dental disease. Only 14 animals (39%) had vestibular signs. Females were less likely to have otitis than males (odds ratio: 0.2). No age predilection was identified (age range 5-60 months). Animals with vestibular signs or respiratory signs had 21.8 and 9.5 times higher odds of having otitis, respectively. Treatment was divided into medical management or surgery and antibiotic therapy. No difference in survival times was observed regarding treatment received. LIMITATIONS:Limitations of the study include the small number of animals and lack of repeat CT. CONCLUSION:Veterinarians should remember that otitis is a common disease in guinea pigs of all ages, with males being slightly more predisposed than females. Affected animals can have non-specific clinical signs, such as respiratory or dental disease. Head tilt is the most common vestibular sign.

Objective:To describe the clinical features of urinary tract infections in pet rabbits, identify the bacterial species involved and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and investigate risk factors. Methods:In this retrospective multicentric observational study, data were retrieved from the medical records of 3 veterinary centers located in the Greater Paris region, France, between 2009 and 2025. Inclusion criteria consisted of all rabbits presented for consultation in which a urine culture had been carried out. Signalment and clinical data were analyzed for statistical associations with urine culture results (positive vs negative). Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were retrieved. Results:79 rabbits underwent urine bacterial culture. Overall, 34.2% (27 of 79) of rabbits had a positive urine culture, of which 59.3% (16 of 27) were female and 84.6% (22 of 26) had urinary sludge, 9.1% (2 of 22) urolithiasis, 33.3% (8 of 24) consistent ultrasonographic signs of pyelonephritis, and 71.4% (15 of 21) bacteria on urine microscopic examination. Most urine samples were collected by cystocentesis (94.8% [73 of 77]). The presence of bacteria on urine microscopic examination was the only statistically significant parameter associated with urinary tract infection, with a sensitivity of 71% (95% CI, 60% to 82%) and specificity of 90% (95% CI, 82% to 98%) when compared to culture results. In 74.1% (20 of 27) of cases, a single species of bacteria was isolated, with a total of 36 different isolates. The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli (27.8% [10 of 36]), Enterococcus faecalis (19.4% [7 of 36]), and Staphylococcus spp (11.1% [4 of 36]). Resistance was reported for azithromycin (66.2% [15 of 20]), penicillin (57.9% [13 of 19]), sulfonamides-trimethoprim (31.4% [11 of 35]), enrofloxacin (17.9% [5 of 28]), and ceftiofur (17.1% [6 of 35]). Overall, 52.8% (19 of 36) of bacteria were multidrug resistant. Conclusions:Frequent resistance to empirically used antibiotics was observed. As no risk factors could be identified, larger-scale studies are needed. Clinical Relevance:Bacterial isolation is common, and urine culture should be encouraged to adjust therapy in accordance with antimicrobial stewardship practices.

Ear disease affecting the external and middle ears is a significant health concern in guinea pigs, which can be clinically silent and, if left untreated, can lead to severe and irreversible complications. Computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging modality used to diagnose otitis in other species, particularly otitis media (OM). This study aimed to develop a CT-based grading scale to assess the severity of CT changes in guinea pigs with otitis. As a prerequisite to this, a detailed, subjective CT-based anatomical characterization of the normal guinea pig ear was conducted to establish a foundational reference framework essential for the construction and application of the grading system. The study included head CT of 60 guinea pigs from 2 institutions. After reviewing normal CT anatomy, a novel grading system was created for otitis externa (OE) and OM, with a scale of I-II for OE and I-V for OM, and applied to the guinea pig population by five reviewers. The level of agreement among reviewers was statistically assessed, revealing an excellent intra-observer agreement and a moderate inter-observer agreement between evaluators, with higher reliability for OM (κ = 0.84) than OE (κ = 0.75). This novel CT-based grading scale provides a systematic approach for evaluating the severity of ear disease in guinea pigs. However, the complexity of guinea pig ear anatomy and the variability in the structure of the tympanic bullae among healthy individuals can make grading particularly challenging.

BACKGROUND:The aim of this study was to characterise the computed tomographic (CT) findings in domestic rabbits with clinically suspected rhinitis and compare them with CT findings in rabbits without clinical signs of rhinitis. METHODS:CT images of rabbits that underwent a CT of the head were retrospectively reviewed and any CT abnormalities were described. Statistical analysis was performed to detect any association between the CT findings and clinical signs of rhinitis, and also to assess if there was any association between rhinitis and otitis media, otitis externa or dental disease. RESULTS:Thirty-three of the 133 rabbits included in the study had soft tissue-attenuating material within their nasal cavities and were therefore classified as having CT findings compatible with rhinitis. CT evidence of rhinitis was correlated with the presence of clinical signs of rhinitis and with the presence of otitis media. There was no statistical association between CT evidence of rhinitis and the presence of otitis externa or dental disease. LIMITATIONS:The retrospective nature of the study, small sample size and lack of aetiological confirmation limit the conclusions that can be drawn from the findings. CONCLUSION:Clinical signs of rhinitis were associated with CT abnormalities consistent with rhinitis and CT evidence of otitis media. The results of this study provide useful information for CT assessment of the nasal cavities of domestic rabbits and can be used as a reference for the diagnosis of rhinitis in this species.

Background: RHDV2 infection carries a variable risk of mortality in pet rabbits and there is no specific antiviral treatment. Case description: An 8-month-old unvaccinated neutered male dwarf rabbit was presented for decreased appetite and reduced faecal output over 12 hours. The rabbit was lethargic and had an uncomfortable cranial abdominal palpation. Abdominal radiography revealed incipient signs of gastric stasis. Blood tests showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase activities and a total hyperbilirubinaemia, a thrombocytopenia, a regenerative anaemia and an increase in clotting times for both activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. On abdominal ultrasound, peritoneal effusion was found in small quantity between liver lobes. RHDV2 infection was confirmed by PCR on a blood sample. Intensive care was initiated, and an 18 mL/kg plasma transfusion was performed. The blood donor rabbit was a healthy and vaccinated 1-year-old New Zealand White neutered male rabbit. Following plasma transfusion, clear clinical improvement was observed. The rabbit was discharged after 6 days with improved blood parameters. The rabbit recovered uneventfully after 1 week. Six months posthospitalization, the rabbit was vaccinated with a trivalent vaccine against myxomatosis, RHDV1 and RHDV2. After 15 months, the rabbit remained healthy. Conclusions and case relevance: This case reports a detailed successful medical management of a RHDV2 infection in a pet rabbit using supportive treatments and a transfusion of convalescent plasma from a vaccinated rabbit. Convalescent plasma therapy is a relatively simple and affordable treatment that should be considered in case of RHDV2 infection.

A scoping search of the literature review found 30 clinical or clinical research articles on spontaneous mammary neoplasms in guinea pigs between 1908 and 2023. Despite the many reports, only 4 described tumor biological behavior and/or the presence of metastases. This retrospective study collected data on the tumors found in guinea pigs ' mammary/inguinal regions. Both mammary and mesenchymal (lipomatous) neoplasms were seen. Survival time after diagnosis of a neoplasm was evaluated. For mammary neoplasms, risk factors, such as age and sex, and prognostic factors, such as neoplasm malignancy and the effect of surgery on survival, were investigated. Medical records of guinea pigs with mammary/inguinal neoplasms between 2006 and 2022 from 3 Parisian veterinary referral hospitals and 1 French diagnostic pathology laboratory were reviewed. Eighty- five (77%) guinea pigs had mammary neoplasms, and 25 (23%) had lipomatous neoplasms. A logistic regression model highlighted that males have signi ficantly increased odds of malignant mammary neoplasms than females, while females (85%) are often found to have benign mammary neoplasms. Malignancy was signi ficantly associated with aging. Older animals had greater odds of having malignant neoplasms than young animals. The mean age at diagnosis for mammary/inguinal lipomas was 3.0 years, while a benign mammary neoplasm was 3.1 years, and a malignant mammary neoplasm was 4.2 years. The survival prognosis was not in fluenced by the histopathological diagnosis of malignant versus benign neoplasm or the surgical technique (mastectomy vs lumpectomy) to treat the mammary neoplasm. The median survival time after diagnosis of a mammary neoplasm was 1.2 years, and for an inguinal lipoma was 3.0 years. Twenty-three percent of neoplasms in the mammary/inguinal region are lipomatous. Male guinea pigs usually have a malignant mammary neoplasm, while females mostly have a benign one. Malignancy is typically seen in older animals. In this dataset, survival time was unaffected by malignant versus benign neoplasm diagnosis or surgical treatment. The survival analysis results should be considered with caution in light of the small sample size.

A 14-year-old, female, blue-fronted Amazon parrot was referred for episodes of regurgitation. The differential diagnosis mainly included bornavirus infection, infectious or traumatic ingluvitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastritis/enteritis, heavy metal poisoning, metabolic disease (severe hepatic or renal disease), coelomitis, digestive neoplasia, extra-digestive masses, organomegaly or foreign body. No improvement was noted with symptomatic treatment. Radiographs, avian bornavirus polymerase chain reaction and serology, biochemistry, haematology, crop cytology and ultrasonography failed to provide a definitive diagnosis. Lethargy, weight loss and crop stasis after 1 month motivated computed tomography, which revealed focal thickening of the oesophageal wall. Fine-needle aspiration under computed tomography guidance of the mass was non-diagnostic, and the bird died during recovery from anaesthesia. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by histopathology. This case illustrates the benefit of advanced diagnostic imaging to investigate chronic refractory regurgitations and describes the use of computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration in an avian patient.

The high cardiac contractility of birds poses a challenge to traditional cardiac auscultation, particularly for the accurate determination of heart rate (HR). The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the feasibility of using phonocardiograms of adequate length and quality to assess HR in different avian species with a commercially available digital stethoscope, 2) compare 5 counting methods, including 2 direct reading methods (manual counting and using a semiautomatic computerized algorithm as a reference method) and 3 listening methods (progressive mental counting, counting by 10s, and counting with a smartphone application tap counter), and 3) obtain the HR in selected birds and identify a correlation between body weight and HR in different avian species. An inverse correlation on a logarithmic scale was identified between the mean body weight and HR in 60 different bird species (n = 211; R = -0.72, P < 0.0001). Manual reading of phonocardiograms was the most reliable method and had the highest agreement with the reference method; this was followed by the counting by 10s method, the tapping method, and the progressive mental counting method, which was the least reliable. The agreement levels for the different methods were comparable for HRs <200 beats per minute (bpm) in birds weighing >1 kg. For HRs >500 bpm in birds weighing <150 g, only the reading method maintained a good agreement level. A digital stethoscope can be a useful tool for accurately determining the HR in birds, including very small species with high HRs.

OBJECTIVE:Describe lateral ear canal resection and bulla osteotomy with marsupialization (LECARBOM) in rabbits with otitis media (OM), and report outcomes, complications, bacteria cultured from middle ears, and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) results.STUDY DESIGN:Retrospective clinical case series; single referral hospital.ANIMALS:Forty-two rabbits with naturally occurring OM.METHODS:Medical records (2011-2021) of rabbits with CT-confirmed OM undergoing surgery were reviewed for outcomes, complications, bacteria cultured from middle ears, and AST.RESULTS:Surgery was performed on 48 ears, and outcomes determined 21 days postoperatively. All rabbits survived the procedure. Otitis externa resolved in all lop-eared rabbits. Of 29 ears with OM-associated head tilt, eight (28%) resolved, nine (31%) improved, seven (24%) remained unchanged and five (17%) worsened. Outcome was not associated with head tilt duration nor OM severity. Postoperative complications occurred in 12 (25%) cases, seven of which had wound margin dehiscence that healed by 21 days. The most frequent bacteria isolated were Pasteurella multocida (16%), Bordetella bronchiseptica (14%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14%). Bacteria were sensitive to azithromycin, marbofloxacin or enrofloxacin and resistant to penicillin.CONCLUSION:LECARBOM is a well-tolerated surgical procedure to treat OM. It also improved or stabilized 83% of cases with head tilt and resolved all cases with otitis externa.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:LECARBOM with administration of an AST-sensitive antibiotic, or azithromycin when no AST is performed, should be effective in rabbits with OM. Postsurgically, it resolves or alleviates most secondary conditions such as otitis externa, head tilt and facial nerve paralysis.

Backyard poultry hens are becoming very popular as pets, and thus the demand for treating the individual chicken is increasing. Few basic diagnostic techniques commonly used in small animal practice have been evaluated in this species. At the moment, there is no study in backyard hens describing radiographic measurements of internal organs contrary to psittacine birds or birds of prey. Moreover, the effect of egg laying on these measurements has not been studied in avian species even though it could affect radiographic measurements depending on the stage of egg formation. This is of particular concern in laying hens since they are able to lay on a daily basis. Thirteen adult hens and 3 juvenile Rhode Island red hybrid hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were used to evaluate which organs can be reliably measured and to provide preliminary reference values for clinically healthy chickens. Additionally, whole body radiographs were collected every 2 hours over 24 hours in 5 adult hens to study the evolution of these measurements throughout egg formation. Organs that could be clearly delimitated on radiographs were measured, and the only organs that could be reliably measured were the heart and liver silhouettes. These measurements were significantly higher in adult compared to juvenile hens (P = 0.024). Among the different organ ratios, heart width: total liver width ratio was the only significantly different measurement and was higher in juvenile hens (P = 0.024). Hepatic silhouette measurements and ratios were found to increase over time (P < 0.02) but did not follow the progress of egg mineralization. Eggshell thickness was found to be a promising parameter to evaluate the stage of egg formation, and thus should be taken into account when trying to establish reference intervals for radiographic measurements of internal organs in laying hens.

OBJECTIVETo determine the plasma concentration of meloxicam delivered via an osmotic pump in pigeons undergoing orthopedic surgery and if an osmotic pump is a suitable alternative to repeated oral administration of this drug.ANIMALS16 free-ranging pigeons presented for rehabilitation with a wing fracture.PROCEDURESAn osmotic pump filled with 0.2 mL of 40 mg/mL meloxicam injectable solution was implanted subcutaneously in the inguinal fold of 9 pigeons under anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. The pumps were removed 7 days postsurgery. Blood samples were collected before pump implantation (time 0) and 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours after pump implantation in 2 pigeons in a pilot study then at 12, 24, 72, and 144 hours in the 7 pigeons of the main study. The blood of 7 other pigeons receiving meloxicam at 2 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours was also sampled between 2 to 6 hours after the last meloxicam administration. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography.RESULTSThe plasma concentration of meloxicam was maintained at significant levels from 12 hours to 6 days after osmotic pump implantation. Median and minimum plasma concentrations in implanted pigeons were maintained at the same or higher level than those measured in pigeons that received meloxicam at a dose known to be analgesic in this species. No adverse effects attributable to either osmotic pump implantation and removal or meloxicam delivery were observed in this study.CLINICAL RELEVANCEPlasma concentrations levels of meloxicam in pigeons implanted with osmotic pumps were maintained at a similar concentration or higher than the suggested analgesic meloxicam plasma concentration in this species. Thus, osmotic pumps could represent a suitable alternative to the frequent capture and handling of birds for analgesic drug administration.

Background: Data regarding the normal ultrasonographic features of the spleen in pet rabbits is scarce in the existing literature. Establishing normative parameters and reference intervals are necessary for diagnosing abnormalities. The aims of this study were to determine the normal ultrasonographic features of the spleen in pet rabbits; identifity its size range in clinically healthy animals, determine the influence of different variables including probe frequency, age, sex, and body weight of the rabbits, and the effects of isoflurane anesthesia on ultrasonographic splenic measurements.Methods: Forty-nine healthy pet rabbits of various breeds and ages were evaluated in the first part of this prospective cross-sectional study. A second group of 23 rabbits with concurrent disease was evaluated before and after anesthesia.Results: The spleen was consistently visualized in all cases. The splenic parenchyma was iso-to hyperechoic to the hepatic parenchyma and iso-to hypoechoic to the renal cortex, with a homogeneous echotexture in adults, and either a homogeneous or a mottled echotexture in animals younger than one year. The reference interval for splenic thickness in healthy animals was 2.0-3.9 mm, regardless of the probe frequency. The spleen was significantly thicker in anesthetized animals than in nonanesthetized animals (+0.3 mm). No significant influence of age, sex, or body weight was detected on splenic thickness as assessed with linear regression models.Conclusions and clinical relevance: The spleen can be routinely evaluated during abdominal ultrasonographic examination in pet rabbits, with a preference for high-frequency transducers. The results of this study provide a normal range for splenic thickness in awake and anesthetized animals, and the expected ultrasonographic features of the spleen based on the evaluation of a diverse population of pet rabbits in terms of breed, body weight, age and sex.

A 1-year-old major Mitchell's cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) was presented for evaluation of weakness, diarrhea with undigested seeds in the droppings, and weight loss. Leukocytosis with severe heterophilia, monocytosis, and lymphocytosis was noted on the complete blood count. Altered plasma biochemical parameters included a slight increase in creatine kinase and mild hypoproteinemia. Two blood smears before and after 2 days of treatment revealed mild polychromasia and anisocytosis but no blood parasites. Radiographic and computed tomographic imaging of the cockatoo were helpful in identifying airsacculitis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. The patient died 5 days after treatment for the presenting clinical problems. On the gross postmortem examination, dark red foci in the ventricular muscle layers and 1-3-mm white foci in the myocardium, opaque air sacs, and dark lungs were identified. Histopathologic examination of submitted tissue samples found severe granulomatous ventriculitis and myocarditis with intralesional Haemoproteus species megalomeronts. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction testing for the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene performed on pooled heart, liver, kidney, and intestinal tissues identified 99.5% homology to Haemoproteus minutus. This case report demonstrates the expansion of the geographic range of H minutus to France and potentially to Belgium, which may compromise breeding and conservation of Australian parrots living outdoors. Challenging diagnosis, rapid disease progression, and the absence of validated treatment protocols for psittacine patients suggest that the use of preventive measures to reduce the presence of insect vectors such as hippoboscid flies and biting midges (Culicoides) should be considered. Haemoproteus minutus should be considered and potentially screened by polymerase chain reaction testing on blood samples, especially in the case of highly susceptible avian species (eg, Australian parrots in Europe) that present with sudden weakness, heterophilic leukocytosis, and monocytosis associated with mild anemia.

Manual handling of chickens is required for many veterinary, research, and breeding procedures. This study aimed to assess the changes in physiological parameters over time during manual restraint of chickens, as well as the effect of hooding on these parameters. Heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured every 3 minutes for 15 minutes during manual restraint in 13 adult laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Heart rate variability was significantly higher in hooded hens than in nonhooded hens (P= 0.003) but was not significant over time. Hooded hens were also found to have significantly lower heart rate (P = 0.043) and respiratory rate (P = 0.042) compared to nonhooded hens. Heart rate and respiratory rate significantly decreased over time, independent of the use of the hood (P = 0.008; P = 0.01, respectively). Temperature was found to increase significantly (P = 0.001) over time for both groups. Overall, hooding increased heart rate variability, a factor associated with a lower stress level, and decreased heart rate and respiratory rate. In conclusion, these data suggest that the use of the hood reduces stress levels in birds during manual restraint. Therefore, the use of the hood is encouraged for short (less than 15 minutes) painless procedures, such as physical examination or radiographic acquisition.

The objectives of this retrospective study were 1) to characterize humeral fractures in raptors at a rehabilitation program, 2) to determine risk factors for closed and compound humeral fractures in the raptors, and 3) to investigate prognostic factors for humeral fractures in raptors. Of the 6017 birds of prey admitted over 15 years to the Université de Montréal raptor rehabilitation program, 461 birds presented with a humeral fracture. The highest occurrences of humeral fractures were documented in short-eared owls (33%; Asio flammeus), Northern hawk-owls (24%; Surnia ulula), long-eared owls (20%; Asio otus), and Northern harriers (19%; Circus hudsonius). Humeral fractures were more common in males, and species from the intermediate weight group (300 g to 1 kg) were more likely to have compound humeral fractures than birds from the lower and higher weight groups. Humeral fractures of the middle and distal third of the bone were diagnosed as compound more often than fractures of the proximal third. A correlation between the occurrences of humeral fractures and the relative average width of the humerus for each species was observed and suggests that species with slender humeri have an increased likelihood of compound humeral fractures. Following the triage criteria used at this rehabilitation program, surgical (119 birds) or nonsurgical (77 birds) treatments were attempted. Release rate for birds without concomitant conditions in which a treatment was attempted was 39.3% (59/150) and did not significantly differ between closed and compound fractures, which suggests that the triage criteria used for compound fractures in this program were adequate. Our findings emphasize that raptors should not be systematically euthanatized when presented with compound humeral fractures to a rehabilitation facility.

Backyard chickens are gaining popularity, and so is individual veterinary care for their health and management. Ultrasonography represents an important part of the imaging diagnostic arsenal in veterinary medicine; however, published data on its use in chickens are scarce and mostly focus on the reproductive tract. The objectives of this prospective, reference interval study were to describe a standard protocol for a full coelomic evaluation and the normal ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the coelomic organs in awake and anesthetized healthy hens. The liver, gallbladder, gonad, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and spleen were clearly visualized in 21 Rhode Island Red hybrid hens (8 immatures, 13 adults) included in this study. In all animals, there was a scant amount of coelomic fluid, which was more visible at the cardiac apex. The cysticoenteric duct and hepatoenteric duct were visualized in 57% (12/21) of the hens. Seven hens were anesthetized and placed in dorsal decubitus, as the kidneys were not visualized in the hens while standing. Reference intervals were calculated for the splenic short and long axes, proventricular wall thickness, ventricular wall thickness, and duodenal wall thickness. Reference values were measured for the thickness of the pancreas, gallbladder wall, and kidneys, as well as the diameters of the biliary ducts. Moreover, five hens of different breeds were examined, and the results obtained were comparable to those of previous studies. The results of this study support the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Rhode Island Red hybrid hens and provide reference ranges for use in hens with clinical diseases involving coelomic organs.

1.5-year-old yellow-collared macaw (Primolius auricollis) was presented as a referral case for chronic breathing difficulties and coelomic distension. The bird was in poor body condition, and coelomic distension and green-colored urates were noted during the physical examination. Radiographic images revealed a large coelomic space-occupying soft-tissue lesion that was ultrasonographically confirmed to be hepatomegaly; the liver had a heterogeneous echogenic pattern. An ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate of the liver was performed. The cytological results revealed immature hematopoietic cells with signs of dyserythropoiesis and were consistent with extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). The plasma biochemistry panel revealed a marked increase in aspartate aminotransferase and bile acids, consistent with severe hepatic disease. Following the results of the diagnostic tests, chemotherapy was initiated using hydroxyurea. Two weeks after the initial presentation and treatment, the bird died and a full postmortem examination was performed. Macroscopic examination confirmed severe hepatomegaly and severe splenomegaly. Histopathological examination of tissue samples confirmed severe EMH in the liver and spleen, splenic and renal hemosiderosis, and acute pulmonary congestion. The bone marrow was normal. The final diagnosis was pathogenic idiopathic EMH, and this case was unusual in both its presentation and severity. Extramedullary hematopoiesis is usually related to myeloid proliferative disorder, chronic blood loss, hemolytic disease, or chronic inflammatory disease. Mycobacteriosis and parasitic infection have been reported to be associated with EMH in birds; however, the inflammatory patterns seen in those cases were lacking in this case. Myeloproliferative neoplasia also appears an unlikely disease condition in this case considering that histopathology found normal architecture in the studied bone marrow; however, bone marrow abnormalities in locations other than the one sampled could not be excluded. A short review of homeostatic and pathogenic hematopoiesis in birds is provided to support the likely diagnosis of idiopathic EMH.

Ophthalmic examination is essential in the avian triage process in order to apply prompt therapeutic plans and evaluate rehabilitation potential. Fundoscopy is traditionally performed by direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy. Recent technological developments have enabled the design of a small-sized and affordable retinal imaging system to examine the fundus. We investigate the use of a smartphone-based device to realize fundus examination through a prospective cross-sectional observational study. Seventy-seven eyes of 39 birds of 15 different species were evaluated using the smartphone-based device in a rescue wildlife center. Pupil dilation was achieved prior to examination via rocuronium topical application. Assessment of fundus by the smartphone was classified as satisfactory, moderately satisfactory, and unsatisfactory. Fundus examination was also performed with a 20D, 30D, or 78D lens for comparison. Pupillary dilation was satisfactory, moderately satisfactory, or absent in 17, 32, and 28 eyes, respectively. Fundus examination with the smartphone-based device was satisfactory, moderately satisfactory, or unsatisfactory in 44, 15, and 18 eyes, respectively. The feasibility of the fundus examination was affected by the form of the globe; by the quality of pupil dilation; by the color of the iris (images could not be obtained from species with an orange, bright iris); and by the species, with owls (Strigiformes) being the easiest to observe. Based on these findings, fundus examination was feasible in most bird species examined in this study.