Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diagnosing mycobacterial infection in a budgerigar by liver biopsy
By Foldenauer, U et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2007·University of Zurich. ufoldenauer@vetclinics.unizh.ch·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ante mortem diagnosis of mycobacterial infection by liver biopsy in a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus).
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A budgerigar was brought to the vet because it was losing weight and had a swollen abdomen. The vet suspected a mycobacterial infection, which is a serious condition that can affect birds. To confirm the diagnosis, they performed a liver biopsy, which is a procedure where a small sample of liver tissue is taken for testing. This method proved effective in diagnosing the infection, helping the vet determine the best treatment for the bird.
People also search for: budgerigar weight loss · bird liver biopsy · mycobacterial infection in birds
Abstract
Avian mycobacteriosis is an important disease which affects exotic, wild and domestic birds. The disease is most commonly caused by the ubiquitous soil and water organisms Mycobacterium avium sp. avium and Mycobacterium genavense. Mycobacteriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any pet bird with chronic disease characterized by weight loss, an inflammatory leukogram and abdominal enlargement. Ante mortem diagnosis of avian mycobacteriosis in birds remains difficult. The present case report describes that even in very small species such as a budgerigar the investigating of a biopsy sample is an efficient way to rule out or confirm the disease in cases where other methods fail to be conclusive.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17645037/