Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How vets diagnosed coxiellosis in a blue and gold macaw
By Flanders, Alison J et al.·Published in Journal of avian medicine and surgery·2017·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Antemortem Diagnosis of Coxiellosis in a Blue and Gold Macaw ( Ara ararauna).
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A 15-year-old female blue and gold macaw was brought to the vet after being found lying on her side, not moving much, and looking very tired. Blood tests showed some unusual changes, and imaging revealed her spleen was significantly enlarged. Although initial cultures didn’t grow any bacteria, further testing identified a type of bacteria related to Coxiella, which can cause illness in birds. This case highlights the importance of specific tests for diagnosing coxiellosis in birds and suggests that more research is needed to understand how to treat it effectively.
People also search for: macaw lethargy · enlarged spleen in birds · coxiellosis treatment in birds
Abstract
A 15-year-old female blue and gold macaw ( Ara ararauna) was presented for evaluation after being found laterally recumbent, reluctant to move, and lethargic. Results of a complete blood count showed an increased number of immature heterophils with increased cytoplasmic basophilia and degranulation and the presence of a left shift. Radiographs and a computed tomography scan were performed and revealed a markedly enlarged spleen. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate of the spleen was submitted for cytologic examination and aerobic bacterial culture. While the culture revealed no growth, cytologic examination identified mononuclear phagocytes with cytoplasmic vacuoles containing structures consistent with bacteria. Pan-bacterial 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction of the splenic sample followed by direct sequencing identified a Coxiella-like agent identical to one previously isolated in the liver of a golden-mantled rosella ( Platycercus eximius). Phylogenetic analysis shows that avian coxiellosis agents and Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, represent 2 independent events of development of vertebrate pathogenicity in this group of tick endosymbionts. This report suggests diagnostic and treatment directions for coxiellosis in avian patients and indicates where further study is needed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29327963/