Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Amazon parrot collapsed with muscle damage and high blood bicarbonate
By Leissinger, Mary K et al.·Published in Journal of avian medicine and surgery·2017·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Rhabdomyolysis and Artifactual Increase in Plasma Bicarbonate Concentration in an Amazon Parrot (Amazona species).
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old male Amazon parrot suddenly collapsed and showed signs of extreme tiredness and difficulty breathing. The parrot had stiff muscles and bruising around its eyes and chin. Tests revealed serious muscle damage, known as rhabdomyolysis, along with an unusual increase in bicarbonate levels in the blood. After receiving fluids, anti-inflammatory medication, and changes to its living conditions and diet, the parrot improved significantly and the lab results returned to normal.
People also search for: Amazon parrot collapse · parrot breathing problems · rhabdomyolysis treatment in birds · parrot diet changes · parrot muscle stiffness
Abstract
A 7-year-old male Amazon parrot housed outdoors presented with acute collapse, marked lethargy, and open-mouth breathing. The patient had stiffness of the pectoral muscles, and petechiation and ecchymosis noted around the eyes and beneath the mandible. Laboratory data revealed markedly increased aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase activity consistent with rhabdomyolysis, as well as markedly increased plasma bicarbonate concentration. Marked clinical improvement and resolution of laboratory abnormalities occurred with fluid therapy, administration of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and husbandry modifications, including indoor housing and dietary alteration. A spurious increase in bicarbonate measurement as documented in equine and bovine cases of rhabdomyolysis also occurred in this avian patient and must be considered for accurate interpretation of acid-base status in exotic species presenting with consistent clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28891700/