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Paterlini CA, Bó MS, Saggese MD, Biondi LM. HEMATOLOGY AND PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR FREE-LIVING ADULT CHIMANGO CARACARA ( MILVAGO CHIMANGO) DURING THE NONBREEDING SEASON. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:56-64. [PMID: 36971629 DOI: 10.1638/2021-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematological and blood biochemistry values are useful in assessing the physiological, nutritional, and overall health status of captive and free-living wildlife. For the chimango caracara (Milvago chimango), the most common raptor species in Argentina, reference intervals (RIs) for hematology and blood biochemistry are lacking. For this study, 86 chimango caracaras were captured and studied in Mar del Plata and neighboring areas (Buenos Aires, Argentina) during winter (April-July) in 2018 and 2019. This is the first study to present RIs for 33 blood parameters in a large number of free-living chimango caracaras during the nonbreeding season. In addition, the variability of blood parameters according to sex and calendar year was analyzed. Overall, values for the studied parameters were similar to those described for other raptor species. There were significant differences between years for absolute monocyte counts, relative eosinophils, monocyte counts, glucose, phosphorus, and alanine aminotransferase. Only the relative count of eosinophils, aspartate aminotransferase, and calcium showed significant differences between the sexes. The values of absolute monocyte counts and the relative count of eosinophils and monocytes, glucose, phosphorus, and alanine aminotransferase were higher in 2019 than in 2018, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were higher in 2018. Relative eosinophil counts were higher for males than for females, and aspartate aminotransferase activity and calcium concentration were significantly higher for females than for males. The RIs for hematology and plasma biochemistry from this large number of chimango caracaras is of clinical relevance not only for chimango caracaras under medical care in rehabilitation centers but also in ecological studies aimed to investigate the physiological responses of this species to natural and anthropogenic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla A Paterlini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP-CONICET, B7602GSD Mar del Plata, Argentina,
| | - María Susana Bó
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP-CONICET, B7602GSD Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Miguel D Saggese
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Laura M Biondi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP-CONICET, B7602GSD Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Stalder S, Marti H, Borel N, Vogler BR, Pesch T, Prähauser B, Wencel P, Laroucau K, Albini S. Falcons From the United Arab Emirates Infected With Chlamydia psittaci/ C abortus Intermediates Specified as Chlamydia buteonis by Polymerase Chain Reaction. J Avian Med Surg 2021; 35:333-340. [PMID: 34677032 DOI: 10.1647/20-00050] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae are obligate intracellular bacteria with a broad host range. Several studies have found chlamydial species that are genetically intermediate between Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus in various avian species. One of these intermediate Chlamydia species, found in a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), was recently classified as a new species Chlamydia buteonis. This newly described Chlamydia species has, so far, only been reported in hawks exhibiting clinical signs of conjunctivitis, dyspnea, and diarrhea. In the present study, fecal samples of 5 gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus), 3 gyr/peregrine falcon hybrids (Falco rusticolus × Falco peregrinus), and 15 falcons of unknown species presented to falcon clinics on the Arabian Peninsula were shipped to the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland), for examination for the presence of Chlamydiaceae. A step-wise diagnostic approach was performed to identify the chlamydial species involved. Chlamydiaceae were detected in 21/23 falcons by a family-specific real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Further identification with a 23S ribosomal RNA-based microarray assay and 16S conventional PCR and sequencing yielded inconclusive results, indicating the presence of an intermediate Chlamydia species. Because none of the falcons tested positive for Chlamydia psittaci by specific qPCR, all 23 samples were subjected to a Chlamydia buteonis-specific qPCR, which was positive in 16/23 samples. Detailed information regarding clinical history was available for 8 falcons admitted to a falcon clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Six of those birds that were presented to the clinic because of loss of performance and poor general condition, including vomiting and diarrhea, were positive for C buteonis. In 2 birds without clinical disease signs admitted for a routine health examination, 1 was positive for C buteonis, and 1 was negative. It is yet unknown whether Chlamydia buteonis causes disease in birds, but the findings in this study indicate that Chlamydia buteonis may be an infectious pathogen in falcon species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Stalder
- National Reference Center for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland,
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Renate Vogler
- National Reference Center for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wencel
- Al Aseefa Falcon Hospital, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, University Paris-Est, Anses, 94706 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Sarah Albini
- National Reference Center for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Baciadonna L, Zucca P, Samour J. Laterality preferences at rest and predatory behaviour of the Gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus): An alpha predator of the sky. Laterality 2021; 27:86-100. [PMID: 34315319 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2021.1958831] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Brain lateralization is generally considered adaptive for an individual and it can be ascertained, for example, by measuring the preferential use of limbs. Avian models have been extensively used to investigate the evolution and the advantages of brain lateralization. Birds of prey are a good model to study motor laterality, however to date they have been studied almost exclusively in the context of predatory behaviour. In this study, we tested lateralization in Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) across multiple contexts, and collected the following measures:(1) standing leg preference when sleeping, (2) wing preference to position the head while sleeping and (3) leg preference to grasp food. At the population level, we found left-leg lateralization while sleeping and no preference for placing the head under the left or the right wing. In the context of the predatory behaviour, we found a trend towards using the left leg to grasp food. Across the behaviours observed, we did not find evidence of lateralization at an individual level, as most of the subjects were ambidextrous. This study highlights the importance of the behavioural context when investigating side-bias and hemispheric laterality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Baciadonna
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Zucca
- Bio-crime Centre, Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies and Disabilities, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jaime Samour
- Wrsan, Wildlife Division, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Baron HR, Phalen DN, Silvanose CD, Binoy A, Azmanis PN. Multicentric Septic Osteomyelitis and Arthritis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a Gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus). J Avian Med Surg 2020; 33:406-412. [PMID: 31833309 DOI: 10.1647/2018-408] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
An adult female gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) was presented with a right-wing droop and weight loss. Radiographic images revealed osteolysis and osseous proliferation of the right shoulder and the mobile vertebra between the notarium and synsacrum. The tentative diagnosis was vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to septic arthritis. The bird did not respond to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy and represented 10 days later, with feathers soiled with feces, an impacted, dilated cloaca, and an inability to stand due to spastic paralysis of the hind legs. The bird's condition did not improve with 24 hours of supportive care and its quality of life was considered poor; therefore, the patient was euthanatized and submitted for postmortem examination. Multicentric septic osteomyelitis and arthritis were confirmed in the mobile vertebra between the notarium and synsacrum and the right shoulder. Despite 10 days of antibiotic therapy, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from within the 2 locations in which septic osteomyelitis and arthritis were identified. This report describes the clinical features, diagnosis, and pathologic findings of septic osteomyelitis and arthritis caused by S aureus in a falcon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish R Baron
- Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital, Brownlow Hill, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Dubai Falcon Hospital, Zabeel Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - David N Phalen
- Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital, Brownlow Hill, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ambily Binoy
- Dubai Falcon Hospital, Zabeel Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Beaufrère H, Laniesse D, Stickings P, Tierney R, Sesardic T, Slavic D, Compo N, Smith DA. Generalized Tetanus in a Gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus ) with Pododermatitis. Avian Dis 2016; 60:850-855. [PMID: 27902906 DOI: 10.1637/11408-031116-case] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A 2-yr-old male gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus ) was presented for severe and generalized muscle spasticity and pododermatitis. The falcon had been treated for pododermatitis over the previous 4 mo. Muscle rigidity and spasms involved the entire bird but were more severe on the right leg. The bird was also tachypneic and hyperthermic at 45 C. While the plantar pododermatitis lesions had healed, there was still a small abscess on the lateral aspect of the right foot. Clinical signs were consistent with tetanus. Several bacteria were isolated from the abscess including Clostridium tetani . The isolate was confirmed to be toxigenic by PCR. Attempts to detect tetanus toxin in the bird's plasma were unsuccessful. The abscess was debrided. The gyrfalcon received equine tetanus antitoxin, intravenous metronidazole, methocarbamol, midazolam, a constant-rate infusion of Fentanyl, active cooling, and supportive care. Inhalant anesthesia with isoflurane was the only treatment that would lower the body temperature and reduce the clinical signs. The gyrfalcon died a few hours after admission. The characteristic clinical signs and isolation of toxigenic C. tetani from a wound were strong supportive evidence for a diagnosis of tetanus. This case constitutes the first reported natural occurrence of tetanus in an avian species. Further information is needed to determine whether gyrfalcons are more susceptible to tetanus than are other avian species and whether pododermatitis lesions may be risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Beaufrère
- A The Health Sciences Centre, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, N1G2W1, ON, Canada
| | - Delphine Laniesse
- B Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, N1G2W1, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Stickings
- C National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Tierney
- C National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, United Kingdom
| | - Thea Sesardic
- C National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, United Kingdom
| | - Durda Slavic
- D Animal Health Laboratory, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, N1G2W1, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Compo
- B Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, N1G2W1, ON, Canada
| | - Dale A Smith
- B Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, N1G2W1, ON, Canada
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Point-of-care blood gases and critical care blood chemistry and haematology reference values in captive gyr falcons (Falco rusticolus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-016-2294-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Observed variation in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio values of birds undergoing investigation of health status. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-014-2052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Capitelli R, Crosta L. Overview of psittacine blood analysis and comparative retrospective study of clinical diagnosis, hematology and blood chemistry in selected psittacine species. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2013; 16:71-120. [PMID: 23347540 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Part 1 presents a comprehensive overview of the differences between mammals on sampling methods, processing, testing, and interpretation of data, with special attention to the meaning of pathologic and normal, and the differences among species and diseases. Part 2 critically analyzes 150 different hematologic and biochemical profiles obtained over 5 years from 150 psittacine birds belonging to 29 different species, brought to our clinic and/or examined in other locations, with confirmed or strongly suspected diseases. The results are grouped according to the various pathologies observed with respect to species and the degree of variation from the reference range of each species.
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Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for wild osprey nestlings (Pandion haliaetus). J Zoo Wildl Med 2012; 43:459-65. [PMID: 23082508 DOI: 10.1638/2010-0195r3.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective study of blood samples from 95 osprey (Pandion haliaetus) nestlings from Scotland and England, collected opportunistically over a 10-yr period, was performed to determine hematologic and plasma biochemistry reference intervals. The age of the sampled nestlings was estimated to be between 4 and 8 wk. Ninety-five percent reference intervals were determined for all hematologic and biochemical variables using parametric and nonparametric methods as appropriate. No blood parasites were detected. This is the first published study providing baseline reference data for osprey nestlings, and it is hoped the data will be of use to wildlife veterinarians and biologists in assessing the health of this species.
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Black PA, McRuer DL, Horne LA. Hematologic parameters in raptor species in a rehabilitation setting before release. J Avian Med Surg 2012; 25:192-8. [PMID: 22216719 DOI: 10.1647/2010-024.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To be considered for release, raptors undergoing rehabilitation must have recovered from their initial injury in addition to being clinically healthy. For that purpose, a good understanding of reference hematologic values is important in determining release criteria for raptors in a rehabilitation setting. In this study, retrospective data were tabulated from clinically normal birds within 10 days of release from a rehabilitation facility. Hematologic values were compiled from 71 red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), 54 Eastern screech owls (Megascops asio), 31 Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii), 30 great-horned owls (Bubo virginianus), 28 barred owls (Strix varia), 16 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and 12 broad-winged hawks (Buteo platypterus). Parameters collected included a white blood cell count and differential, hematocrit, and total protein concentration. Comparisons were made among species and among previously published reports of reference hematologic values in free-ranging birds or permanently captive birds. This is the first published report of reference values for Eastern screech owls, barred owls, and broad-winged hawks; and the first prerelease reference values for all species undergoing rehabilitation. These data can be used as a reference when developing release criteria for rehabilitated raptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Black
- Wildlife Center of Virginia, PO Box 1557, Waynesboro, VA 22980, USA
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Lloyd C. Staged endoscopic ventricular foreign body removal in a gyr falcon (Falco rusticolus). J Avian Med Surg 2010; 23:314-9. [PMID: 20235464 DOI: 10.1647/2008-016r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A large ventricular foreign body was identified on radiographs in a captive-bred gyr falcon (Falco rusticolus) that was presented for paresis and swollen abdomen. On endoscopic examination, a large shiny mass was visible in the ventriculus. An ingluviotomy was done, and pieces of the mass, which consisted of a ball of artificial grass fibers, were removed by using a rigid endoscope and grasping forceps. Subsequently, 4 more ingluviotomies were required to gain endoscopic access to the ventriculus and to allow staged removal of the mass in a piecemeal fashion. Feeding the falcon a feathered quail and allowing it to cast naturally removed the remaining fibers of the mass. No deleterious effects were observed in the bird.
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Blood chemistry and hematologic values in free-living nestlings of Montagu's harriers (Circus pygargus) in a natural habitat. J Zoo Wildl Med 2010; 40:687-95. [PMID: 20063815 DOI: 10.1638/2009-0059.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of reference intervals for hematologic and blood chemistry values in a given species is essential for subsequent diagnosis of disease at rehabilitation facilities and in captive breeding programs. In this study, blood samples were obtained from nestlings (18 males and 22 females) of a natural-vegetation breeding population of Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) in eastern Spain in order to establish reference intervals for blood values. This is the first study documenting hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for free-living Montagu's harriers. The studied population may reflect typical blood values for the species, since it is a free-living population that seems not to be constrained by food availability, as it is the population of Montagu's harriers with the highest productivity within Europe. Differences related to sex, year, clutch size, brood size, and number of fledglings were analyzed. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin were significantly lower from nests with five chicks compared to values from nests with fewer chicks, indicating that the cost of rearing more than four chicks in this species may be excessive. Total protein, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) were significantly lower in the year with lowest mean rainfall, which correlates with the worst breeding success rate since the population has been monitored. No gender differences were found; this is likely a result of the prepubertal age of the animals sampled.
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Padrtova R, Lloyd CG. Hematologic values in healthy gyr x peregrine falcons (Falco rusticolus x Falco peregrinus). J Avian Med Surg 2009; 23:108-13. [PMID: 19673457 DOI: 10.1647/2008-026.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The gyr x peregrine (Falco rusticolus x Falco peregrinus) hybrid is the most common falcon treated at Nad Al Shiba Veterinary Hospital in Dubai. To improve the health assessment of individual birds in the population treated at this hospital, we established reference ranges of hematologic values for this hybrid falcon. The hematologic parameters of 96 gyr x peregrine falcons were assessed and compared with other published values for the same hybrid falcon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Padrtova
- Nad Al Shiba Veterinary Hospital, PO Box 116345, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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