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Savarese AN, Berg KJ, Paulsen DB, Sasaki E, Stewart M, Gaschen LE, Jowett PL, Tully TN. Unusual Pathologic Brain Changes Associated with Zinc Toxicosis in a Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot (Amazona aestiva). Avian Dis 2021; 64:478-481. [PMID: 33347554 DOI: 10.1637/0005-2086-64.4.478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
An adult blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) was presented for a 6-wk history of ataxia and weight loss. Complete blood count, plasma chemistry panel, bile acids, and radiographic imaging were considered normal or unremarkable. The patient was hospitalized and supported with subcutaneous fluids, vitamin B complex, meloxicam, enrofloxacin, gavage feeding, and fenbendazole. While hospitalized, the ataxia significantly improved, and the bird began eating on its own and gaining weight. The bird was discharged from the hospital and prescribed enrofloxacin, meloxicam, and fenbendazole to be administered by the owner with recommendations for routine follow-up care. Medications were discontinued before emergent representation; at the time of reevaluation, the patient's condition had deteriorated severely. Given the poor prognosis, the owners elected for euthanasia. No gross abnormalities were noted on postmortem examination. Liver tissue zinc levels measured 125 ppm; normal limit is less than or equal to 25 ppm. Histopathologic changes to the brain were consistent with severe zinc toxicosis demonstrated by vasculopathy of the cerebral arteries and arterioles with multifocal areas of hemorrhage and astrocyte swelling. These findings have been reported in humans and other mammals but not birds. Although the source of this bird's heavy metal exposure is unknown, the high tissue zinc concentrations imply chronic exposure. This case presentation and unusual pathologic findings will be beneficial to the further understanding of avian zinc toxicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Savarese
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Kyra J Berg
- William T. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Daniel B Paulsen
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Emi Sasaki
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Mathew Stewart
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Lorrie E Gaschen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Peter L Jowett
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Thomas N Tully
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
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Pappalardo L, Silvanose CD, Beaufrère H, Binoy A, Azmanis P. Reference intervals for Cu, Mg, and Zn in captive gyrfalcons and other falcon species in the United Arab Emirates. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:797-800. [PMID: 34009071 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211015655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Falconry is a long-standing tradition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and in 2016, falconry was included by UNESCO in the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The health and wellness of falconry raptors is a priority for the local culture; plasma chemistry analysis plays an important role in monitoring, assessing, and managing diseases in avian patients. Imbalances of Cu, Mg, and Zn have been linked to several diseases in avian species; therefore, determining the reference intervals (RIs) of these minerals has important implications in the clinical management of falcons. We determined the RIs in plasma for Cu, Mg, and Zn in captive (falconry-managed) falcons according to the Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards Committee of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology, and the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Blood chemistry analyses were carried out on 252 clinically healthy falcons examined at the Dubai Falcon Hospital in the UAE: 124 gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) and 128 falcons of other species. We observed no significant variation in RIs of Cu (1.5-7.0 µmol/L), Mg (0.49-0.78 mmol/L), or Zn (11.8-34.1 µmol/L) based on different species or sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Pappalardo
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Hugues Beaufrère
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Vainio RK, Eulaers I, Laaksonen T, Vasko V, Jormalainen V. White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) nestlings as spatial sentinels of Baltic acidic sulphate soil associated metal contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:137424. [PMID: 32325615 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sulphate soils, characterised by low pH conditions, are found worldwide, and are potentially large sources of metal contamination, often exceeding industrial emissions. Metal leaching from sulphate soils has been shown to be harmful to aquatic organisms, but the cascading effect on exposure in apex avian predators has not been studied earlier. With the present study we aimed at evaluating the potential of white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) nestlings, collected from nests located either in sulphate soil or control areas, for monitoring spatial contaminant trends of metals typically associated with sulphate soils. In blood of white-tailed eagles, the concentrations of aluminium and cobalt were significantly higher in sulphate soil areas. In blood of great cormorants, the concentrations of copper and manganese were so, while the concentration of zinc was found to be lower. Also, we observed an interaction between the latitude and soil type in cobalt and lithium concentrations of great cormorants, showing that concentrations in the sulphate soil associated nestlings rose more steeply towards the north than in the control group. Latitudinal trends of higher concentrations in the south were found in cadmium, manganese, and copper of white-tailed eagle nestlings, while thallium of white-tailed eagle nestlings, and thallium and zinc of great cormorant nestlings showed a latitudinal trend of higher concentrations in the north. Concentrations of several metals correlated positively within a species indicating covariation in metal exposure. Generally, the metal concentrations in both species were similar to levels reported to be below toxicity thresholds in other species. These results indicate, that white-tailed eagle and great cormorant nestling metal burdens may indicate environmental contamination from acidic sulphate soil runoff, and that they may act as indicators of latitudinal gradient identifying different contamination sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Vainio
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.
| | - I Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Fredriksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - T Laaksonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - V Vasko
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - V Jormalainen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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Martel AK, Doss GA, Mans C. Suspected peripheral neuropathy secondary to lead intoxication in three psittacine birds. J Exot Pet Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Dolan KJ, Ciesielski TM, Lierhagen S, Eulaers I, Nygård T, Johnsen TV, Gómez-Ramírez P, García-Fernández AJ, Bustnes JO, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Jaspers VLB. Trace element concentrations in feathers and blood of Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings from Norway and Spain. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 144:564-571. [PMID: 28688358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Information on trace element pollution in the terrestrial environment and its biota is limited compared to the marine environment. In the present study, we collected body feathers and blood of 37 Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) nestlings from Tromsø (northern Norway), Trondheim (central Norway), and Murcia (southeastern Spain) to study regional exposure, hypothesizing the potential health risks of metals and other trace elements. Blood and body feathers were analyzed by a high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS) for aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb). The influence of regional differences, urbanization and agricultural land usage in proximity to the nesting Northern goshawks was investigated using particular spatial analysis techniques. Most trace elements were detected below literature blood toxicity thresholds, except for elevated concentrations (mean ± SD µgml-1 ww) found for Zn (5.4 ± 1.5), Cd (0.00023 ± 0.0002), and Hg (0.021 ± 0.01). Corresponding mean concentrations in feathers (mean ± SD µgg-1 dw) were 82.0 ± 12.4, 0.0018 ± 0.002, and 0.26 ± 0.2 for Zn, Cd and Hg respectively. Multiple linear regressions indicated region was a significant factor influencing Al, Zn, Se and Hg feather concentrations. Blood Cd and Hg concentrations were significantly influenced by agricultural land cover. Urbanization did not have a significant impact on trace element concentrations in either blood or feathers. Overall metal and trace element levels do not indicate a high risk for toxic effects in the nestlings. Levels of Cd in Tromsø and Hg in Trondheim were however above sub-lethal toxic threshold levels. For holistic risk assessment purposes it is important that the concentrations found in the nestlings of this study indicate that terrestrial raptors are exposed to various trace elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Dolan
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Syverin Lierhagen
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trond V Johnsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Tromsø, Norway; High North Research Center for Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jan O Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Tromsø, Norway; High North Research Center for Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany; Spanish Institute of Game and Wildlife Research (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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Fenstad AA, Bustnes JO, Lierhagen S, Gabrielsen KM, Öst M, Jaatinen K, Hanssen SA, Moe B, Jenssen BM, Krøkje Å. Blood and feather concentrations of toxic elements in a Baltic and an Arctic seabird population. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 114:1152-1158. [PMID: 27784535 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We report blood and feather concentrations of elements in the Baltic Sea and Arctic population of common eiders (Somateria mollissima). The endangered Baltic Sea population of eiders was demonstrably affected by element pollution in the 1990s. While blood concentrations of Hg were higher in Baltic breeding eiders, blood Se, As and Cd concentrations were higher in Arctic eiders. Blood concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn and Cu did not differ between the two populations. While blood Pb concentrations had declined in Baltic eiders since the 1990s, Hg concentrations had not declined, and were above concentrations associated with adverse oxidative effects in other bird species. Inconsistent with blood concentrations, feather concentrations suggested that Pb, Zn, and Cd exposure was higher in Baltic eiders, and that Hg exposure was higher in Arctic eiders. Our study thus emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation of toxic element status, covering the annual cycle of a species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette A Fenstad
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Realfagbygget, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan O Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Framsenteret, Hjalmar, Johansens gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Syverin Lierhagen
- NTNU, Department of Chemistry, Realfagbygget, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kristin M Gabrielsen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Realfagbygget, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Markus Öst
- Environmental and Marine Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Novia University of Applied Sciences (NOVIA), Coastal Zone Research Team, Raseborgsvägen 9, FI-10600, Ekenäs, Finland
| | - Kim Jaatinen
- Novia University of Applied Sciences (NOVIA), Coastal Zone Research Team, Raseborgsvägen 9, FI-10600, Ekenäs, Finland
| | - Sveinn A Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Framsenteret, Hjalmar, Johansens gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Børge Moe
- NINA, Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Realfagbygget, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Åse Krøkje
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Realfagbygget, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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CARDIOTHORACIC RATIO AND VERTEBRAL HEART SCALE IN CLINICALLY NORMAL BLACK-RUMPED AGOUTIS (DASYPROCTA PRYMNOLOPHA, WAGLER 1831). J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:314-9. [DOI: 10.1638/2014-0038r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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9
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Lester MB, van Riper C. The distribution and extent of heavy metal accumulation in song sparrows along Arizona's upper Santa Cruz River. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:4779-4791. [PMID: 24729180 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are persistent environmental contaminants, and transport of metals into the environment poses a threat to ecosystems, as plants and wildlife are susceptible to long-term exposure, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. We investigated the distribution and cascading extent of heavy metal accumulation in southwestern song sparrows (Melospiza melodia fallax), a resident riparian bird species that occurs along the US/Mexico border in Arizona's upper Santa Cruz River watershed. This study had three goals: (1) quantify the degree of heavy metal accumulation in sparrows and determine the distributional patterns among study sites, (2) compare concentrations of metals found in this study to those found in studies performed prior to a 2009 international wastewater facility upgrade, and (3) assess the condition of song sparrows among sites with differing potential levels of exposure. We examined five study sites along with a reference site that reflect different potential sources of contamination. Body mass residuals and leukocyte counts were used to assess sparrow condition. Birds at our study sites typically had higher metal concentrations than birds at the reference site. Copper, mercury, nickel, and selenium in song sparrows did exceed background levels, although most metals were below background concentrations determined from previous studies. Song sparrows generally showed lower heavy metal concentrations compared to studies conducted prior to the 2009 wastewater facility upgrade. We found no cascading effects as a result of metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Lester
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, 1110 E. South Campus Dr., Room 123, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA,
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Wyss F, Wolf P, Wenker C, Hoby S, Schumacher V, Béchet A, Robert N, Liesegang A. Comparison of plasma vitamin A and E, copper and zinc levels in free-ranging and captive greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus
) and their relation to pododermatitis. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2014; 98:1102-9. [DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Wyss
- Institute of Animal Pathology; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - P. Wolf
- Institute of Animal Nutrition; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover; Hannover Germany
| | | | - S. Hoby
- Zoo Basel; Basel Switzerland
| | - V. Schumacher
- Institute of Animal Pathology; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - A. Béchet
- La Tour du Valat; Centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes; le Sambuc France
| | | | - A. Liesegang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
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Hoefer H, Levitan D. Perforating foreign body in the ventriculus of an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba). J Avian Med Surg 2013; 27:128-35. [PMID: 23971221 DOI: 10.1647/2012-008r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 4-year-old male umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) with a history of ingestion of foreign material from chewing on a household appliance presented for lethargy, inappetance, and regurgitation of 2 days duration. Foreign bodies identified on radiograph included a wire 2 cm in length in the proventriculus, a wire 3 cm in length in the ventriculus, and several pieces of rubber and plastic throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis of a perforating ventricular foreign body was made through plain and contrast radiography. The proventricular wire was removed endoscopically but endoscopic retrieval was not successful in locating the ventricular wire. A ventriculotomy was done to remove the wire, which had perforated the ventriculus cranially and imbedded into the parenchyma of the liver. The wire was extracted from the center of a large nonresectable granuloma that incorporated the left liver lobe. The bird recovered from surgery but died from complications 3 months later. Postmortem examination revealed localized coelomitis and hepatic necrosis associated with the perforation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Hoefer
- Island Exotic Veterinary Care, 591 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, NY 11746, USA
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Kirchgessner MS, Tully TN, Nevarez J, Sanchez-Migallon Guzman D, Acierno MJ. Magnesium therapy in a hypocalcemic African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus). J Avian Med Surg 2012; 26:17-21. [PMID: 22645835 DOI: 10.1647/2009-021.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypocalcemic-induced seizure activity is a clinical entity that is commonly diagnosed in neurologic African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). Plasma calcium levels are typically less than 6.0 mg/dL at the time of seizure activity, and although the underlying cause of the hypocalcemia has not yet been determined, many theories have been proposed. An African grey parrot that had been fed a seed diet for 8 years was presented with hypocalcemia and seizures and exhibited precipitously declining plasma calcium levels, despite aggressive calcium and vitamin A, D, and E supplementation for 4 days. Baseline magnesium levels in this parrot were determined to be 1.9 mg/dL; therefore, magnesium sulfate was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg IM once. Twenty-four hours after supplementation, the plasma magnesium level was 3.3 mg/dL, and no further seizure activity was observed. We believe that a primary dietary magnesium deficiency may have been present in this African grey parrot, similar to a syndrome in leghorn chicks, which is frequently characterized by progressive hypocalcemia that is unable to be corrected by calcium supplementation alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Kirchgessner
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4010 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230, USA
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Schmutz JA, Trust KA, Matz AC. Red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) breeding in Alaska, USA, are exposed to PCBs while on their Asian wintering grounds. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2009; 157:2386-2393. [PMID: 19371988 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Red-throated loons (Gavia stellata) breeding in Alaska declined 53% during 1977-1993. We compare concentrations of environmental contaminants in red-throated loons among four nesting areas in Alaska and discuss potential ramifications of exposure on reproductive success and population trends. Eggs from the four areas had similar total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations, but eggs from the Arctic coastal plain had different congener profiles and greater toxic equivalents (TEQs) than eggs from elsewhere. Satellite telemetry data indicate that red-throated loons from the Arctic coastal plain in northern Alaska winter in southeast Asia, while those breeding elsewhere in Alaska winter in North America. Different wintering areas may lead to differential PCB accumulation among red-throated loon populations. For eggs from the Arctic coastal plain, TEQs were great enough to postulate PCB-associated reproductive effects in piscivores. The correlation between migration patterns and PCB profiles suggests that red-throated loons breeding in northern Alaska are exposed to PCBs while on their Asian wintering grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel A Schmutz
- U.S. Geological Survey, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA.
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Graham JE, Tell LA. Solving Problems in Avian Practice. J Exot Pet Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2009.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Lightfoot TL, Yeager JM. Pet bird toxicity and related environmental concerns. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2008; 11:229-59, vi. [PMID: 18406386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2008.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Birds may be exposed to toxins through various sources in their everyday environment. Toxicity may occur through inhalation or oral or dermal exposures. Clinicians diagnose and treat these toxicities in an effort to correct the disease of the individual patient. Recognition of toxicity in the avian patient has further significance as it relates to the patient's environment, including the health of other animals, humans, and the ecosystem. While some toxicities, such as lead and zinc toxicosis, are well-documented in avian species, others are limited to anecdotal reports and extrapolation from other species. Continued research is needed in this area of avian medicine to expand our knowledge and improve our ability to diagnose and treat toxic conditions in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa L Lightfoot
- Department of Avian and Exotic Medicine, Florida Veterinary Specialists, Tampa, FL 33614, USA.
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Rosenthal KL, Johnston MS, Shofer FS, Poppenga RH. Psittacine plasma concentrations of elements: daily fluctuations and clinical implications. J Vet Diagn Invest 2005; 17:239-44. [PMID: 15945379 DOI: 10.1177/104063870501700304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past 2 decades, the potential for excessive exposure of pet birds to zinc has become a concern for many pet bird owners. Ideally, avian zinc toxicosis is diagnosed on the basis of history of exposure to zinc, radiographic evidence of ingested metal, occurrence of melena, detection of an elevated plasma zinc concentration, and response to treatment. However, most pet birds suspected of having zinc toxicosis present with vague signs and lack of radiographic evidence; therefore, the diagnosis relies on the presence of an elevated plasma zinc concentration. A question was, is there a significant diurnal variation in the zinc concentration in psittacine birds and could this be clinically relevant? Because studies in other species have shown that zinc is not the only element that shows a diurnal variation, the authors examined 13 other plasma elements including arsenic, cadmium, calcium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, selenium, and total phosphorus. Fifteen adult psittacine birds housed in the same aviary were used in this study. Three blood samples, separated by 4 hours, were taken from the right jugular vein in each bird. All elements were measured in plasma. Zinc, copper, and molybdenum revealed diurnal fluctuations. The results of this study suggest that interpretation of clinical samples may be more complicated than previously believed. Furthermore, on the basis of the results of this study, it is possible that some avian reference ranges may need to be reexamined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Rosenthal
- Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Seibert LM, Crowell-Davis SL, Wilson GH, Ritchie BW. Placebo-Controlled Clomipramine Trial for the Treatment of Feather Picking Disorder in Cockatoos. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2004; 40:261-9. [PMID: 15238556 DOI: 10.5326/0400261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of clomipramine for the treatment of feather picking disorder in otherwise healthy cockatoos. Twenty cockatoos with chronic feather picking disorder were screened for medical conditions and then randomly assigned to either a clomipramine or placebo group. Based on caregiver assessments and physical examination findings, treatment with clomipramine significantly improved feather picking when compared to a placebo at 3 weeks (P=0.028) and at 6 weeks (P=0.021). Clomipramine had no significant effect, however, on videotaped preening behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne M Seibert
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
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18
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What Is Your Diagnosis? J Avian Med Surg 2003. [DOI: 10.1647/1082-6742(2003)017[0044:wiyd]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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