Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neurological disease with tremors and seizures in Alexandrine parrot
By Stent, Andrew et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc·2015·Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Giant axonal neuropathy-like disease in an Alexandrine parrot (Psittacula eupatria).
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
An Alexandrine parrot was brought to the vet due to tremors, trouble coordinating movements, and seizures. Tests showed unusual changes in the parrot's brain, suggesting a condition similar to giant axonal neuropathy, which is known to affect humans and dogs. The vet suspects this may be due to an inherited defect, but something else might have influenced how the disease showed up in this bird. Unfortunately, the specific treatment for this condition wasn't detailed, but it's important for pet owners to be aware of these symptoms and seek veterinary help if they notice them.
People also search for: parrot seizures treatment · why is my parrot shaking · Alexandrine parrot neurological problems
Abstract
A chronic progressive neurological condition in an Alexandrine parrot (Psittacula eupatria) was manifest as intention tremors, incoordination, and seizure activity. Histology revealed large eosinophilic bodies throughout the central nervous system, and electron microscopy demonstrated that these bodies were greatly expanded axons distended by short filamentous structures that aggregated to form long strands. The presence of periodic acid-Schiff-positive material within the neuronal bodies of Purkinje cells and ganglionic neurons is another distinctive feature of this disease. The histological features of this case display some features consistent with giant axonal neuropathy as reported in humans and dogs. Based on investigation of the lineage in this case, an underlying inherited defect is suspected, but some additional factor appears to have altered the specific disease presentation in this bird.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26330398/