Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Water channel proteins studied in African grey parrot
By Blasco, Ester et al.·Published in Journal of avian medicine and surgery·2014·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Immunohistochemical Study of Aquaporins in an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) With Hydrocephalus.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A 5-month-old African grey parrot was brought in after showing signs of weakness, trouble walking, mental depression, and seizures for three weeks. Despite various tests, including blood work and imaging, the cause was found to be severe hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain). Unfortunately, the parrot did not improve with supportive care, and the owner ultimately chose euthanasia. A necropsy revealed significant brain changes associated with the hydrocephalus, but there was no blockage of fluid flow.
People also search for: parrot seizures · African grey parrot weakness · hydrocephalus in birds · parrot euthanasia decision
Abstract
A 5-month-old African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was examined after 3 weeks of weakness, ataxia, mental depression, and seizures. Results of a complete blood cell count and plasma biochemical analysis were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a severe bilateral hydrocephalus. The bird failed to improve with supportive care, and the owner requested euthanasia. Necropsy findings were severe bilateral hydrocephalus with no evidence of cerebrospinal fluid obstruction. Histologic examination of the brain revealed microspongiosis, edema, gliosis, and neuronal chromatolysis of surrounding periventricular tissue. Aquaporins (AQP) and astrocytes were examined to elucidate the participation of these water channel proteins and glial cells in the pathophysiology and resolution of hydrocephalus. Results showed AQP4 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were overexpressed, especially near the ventricles, but expression of AQP1 was decreased. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of AQP immunolabeling in hydrocephalus in avain species.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25843469/