Effect of exercise on blood coagulation time and atherosclerosis of cholesterol-fed cockerels

A Spectral Computed Tomography Contrast Study: Demonstration of the Avian Cardiovascular Anatomy and Function

As part of the cardiovascular examination, all birds underwent clinical and echocardiographic examinations. Radiographs and blood samples were taken. Each bird was premedicated with midazolam and medetomidin and anesthetized with inhalation anesthesia using isoflurane. We performed computed tomographic angiography (CTA) after intravenous injection of 1 to 2 mL contrast agent per kg followed by a 1 mL saline solution flush. We were been able to identify the arteries that previous studies revealed to be most likely affected by atherosclerotic lesions: the aorta, both pulmonary arteries, and both brachiocephalic trunks. CTA was safe and is of potential diagnostic value in birds.

Atherosclerosis in parrots. A review

Atherosclerosis is a common disease in parrots. The disease is found in all common parrot species, but especially in African Grey parrots and Amazons. It is a disease of older birds that is seen in both males and females. The most common sign is sudden death, but clinical symptoms that can be found include dyspnea, lethargy and nervous signs, such as paresis and collapses. Because the clinical signs are seldomly seen, it is difficult to diagnose atherosclerosis and therefore it is mostly an unexpected finding at necropsy. Age and species are determinants of atherosclerosis in parrots. Suggested risk factors include an elevated plasma cholesterol level, diet composition, social stress and inactivity, but research is needed to confirm this.

Effect of exercise on aortic atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular variables among hyper- and hypotensive turkeys

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of physical training on the turkey cardiovascular system. Sexually mature (Experiment 1) and immature (Experiment 2) Large White turkeys were used. Equal numbers of genetically hypertensive and hypotensive birds were used in each experiment. In each experimental group, birds were randomly divided into exercise and control treatments. Assessments were made with regard to training effects and differences associated with genetic blood pressure strain. Exercise had no significant effect on the severity of atherosclerosis or serum lipid levels in either experiment. Significantly greater hematocrits were recorded among birds exercised in Experiment 1; however, hemoglobin concentration did not follow this trend. Exercise was also associated with increased cardiac dimensions (Experiment 1) and increased body weight (Experiment 2). Genetic hypertension was associated with accelerated atherogenesis and higher serum cholesterol levels in immature birds, and in mature birds cardiac enlargement was associated with hypertension. Differences in behavior response to exercise were observed between the two experiments. Sexually mature hypertensive turkeys showed less endurance to the walking regimen than the hypotensive turkeys, but no such differences were observed in immature hypertensive or hypotensive birds.

Swimming and cardiovascular fitness in the older age group

Coronary artery disease is an extraordinarily common and devastating disorder of middle aged and even young men in the United States and Western Europe. An increasing risk of developing the disease is associated with such factors as high blood pressure, obesity, high levels of cholesterol in the blood serum, cigarette smoking, certain behavioral patterns, decreased vital capacity and a low level of physical activity. There is much evidence to indicate that exercise may well help prevent heart attacks through such mechanisms as increasing heart efficiency, decreasing the level of serum cholesterol, decreasing obesity, decreasing high blood pressure and promoting psychic well-being. It is necessary, however, that the exercise be continued throughout life. Athletic activity in high school or college is of no help in later years. The exercise must be part of a regular scheduled year-round activity. It is suggested that swimming has many unique advantages for such an endeavor. The Amateur Athletic Union of the United States has developed competition in older age groups as a motivating force for the continuance of a regular training program of a healthful nature.