Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Proventricular dilatation disease associated with Avian bornavirus in a scarlet macaw (Ara macao).
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2010
- Authors:
- Keller, Dominique L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A scarlet macaw was diagnosed with proventricular dilatation disease, which is a serious condition often linked to a virus called Avian bornavirus. The bird showed signs of being very tired and began pressing its head against objects over a few days. Blood tests showed some abnormalities, but tests for lead, zinc, and certain viruses came back negative. Despite treatment with medications, vitamins, and extra care, the macaw did not improve and was eventually euthanized. Further examination revealed the presence of the Avian bornavirus and signs of a lung infection.
Abstract
A case of proventricular dilatation disease is described in a scarlet macaw (Ara macao) from clinical presentation to diagnosis with molecular methods. The initial clinical signs were depression progressing to head pressing over several days. A leukocytosis with toxic heterophil changes, hypoalbuminemia, and increased serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase were present. Lead and zinc assays were within reference ranges, and results from Chlamydophila and polyomavirus testing were negative. Contrast-enhanced fluoroscopy revealed normal gastrointestinal transit times and motility as well as the presence of 2 small metallic foreign bodies in the ventriculus. The macaw was treated with antimicrobials, analgesics, vitamins E and B complex, force-feeding, and fluid administration with little improvement. Euthanasia was elected, and histologic examination of brain tissue revealed a perivascular lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, while the lungs had evidence of a fungal pneumonia. Tissue samples from the brain and proventriculus tested positive for the presence of Avian bornavirus genotype 2, while serology confirmed Avian bornavirus infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21088184/