Management of an ingested lead foreign body in an Amazon parrot.
An adult male, double-yellow-head Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix) was presented with a 36-h history of seizure episodes. On presentation, the bird was slightly obtunded, seizured once for approximately 20 sec and the seizure was controlled with midazolam. Whole body radiographs revealed a 2-mm diameter, circular, dense object in the ventriculus. A presumptive diagnosis was made of lead toxicosis, and supportive care of sc fluids and gavage feedings. Calcium disodium EDTA and chelation therapy was initiated immediately. Blood analysis revealed 1.2 ppm lead wet weight. Bulk diet therapy with freQuent high fiber gavage feedings was unsuccessful at removing the foreign body and the lead object was ultimately retrieved from theventriculus using endoscopy. Sources of lead available to the pet birds include lead weights, solder, stained glass molding, jewelry and bird toys. However, this Amazon parrot was fed portions of game birds that contained lead shots within their muscles, which is a common source of secondary lead poisoning in raptors.
Riggs
Shannon M
SM
California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Toxicology Laboratory, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Puschner
Birgit
B
Tell
Lisa A
LA
D000818:Animals; D015913:Chelation Therapy; D004035:Diet Therapy; D005506:Food Contamination; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000662:veterinary*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010311:Parrots