Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
African grey parrot with smelly stool linked to Anaerosporobacter
By Vecere, Gina et al.·Published in Veterinary Record Case Reports·2023·Long Island Bird and Exotics Veterinary Clinic Great Neck New York USA, United States·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Identification of Anaerosporobacter sp. using next‐generation DNA sequencing as a presumptive cause of chronic cloacitis in a Congo African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus )
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A 29-year-old female Congo African grey parrot was brought in because she had been having soft, smelly stools for two months. Tests revealed a bacteria called Anaerosporobacter sp. in her stool, and she was treated with a 14-day course of metronidazole, which cleared the bacteria and resolved her symptoms. However, the malodorous stools returned, and further testing showed the bacteria had come back. The parrot also had issues with her digestive system and tested positive for bornavirus, which may have weakened her immune system and allowed the bacteria to thrive.
People also search for: parrot soft stools treatment · Congo African grey parrot diarrhea · metronidazole for birds · bornavirus in parrots
Abstract
Abstract A 29‐year‐old, female Congo African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus ) was presented for a 2‐month history of soft malodorous stool. Next‐generation DNA sequencing of the faecal matter identified Anaerosporobacter sp. in the stool sample. The bird was treated with a 14‐day course of metronidazole, after which next‐generation DNA sequencing no longer detected Anaerosporobacter sp. The bird's clinical signs resolved concurrently. Clinical signs of malodorous stool recurred, and repeated next‐generation DNA sequencing showed recurrence of Anaerosporobacter sp. Duodenal dysmotility/hypermotility syndrome was noted on fluoroscopy. The bird also tested positive for bornavirus and anti‐ganglioside antibodies. We suspect that dysmotility and hypermotility of the duodenum were associated with active bornavirus infection, which caused immunosuppression and predisposed the bird to intestinal colonisation by a novel organism. This report demonstrates the presumptive diagnosis and treatment challenges of Anaerosporobacter sp. from the faeces of a psittaciform species using next‐generation DNA sequencing as opposed to traditional culture techniques.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.749