title: Radiographic evidence of atherosclerosis of the descending aorta in a grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhopterus).
abstract: A 16-year-old male grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhopterus) was presented for dyspnea and decreased activity. The bird's diet was primarily table food, with a large proportion of animal products. Radiographs revealed a linear mineralized structure in the plane of the aorta and an enlarged hepatocardiac silhouette. Left atrial and left ventricular enlargement and a left ventricular systolic dysfunction were diagnosed by echocardiography. The bird's condition progressively declined, and it died 5 days after presentation. A postmortem examination revealed marked atherosclerosis of the aorta, great vessels of the heart, and coronary arteries with myocardial degeneration, pulmonary congestion, and ascites. Little is known about the risk factors of atherosclerosis in psittacine birds, and dietary influence, if any, is not understood.
authors: Avian and Exotic Pet Service, The Animal Medical Center, NY, NY 10021, USA.
authors: Christoph
authors: C
authors: Mans
authors: Cynthia J
authors: CJ
authors: Brown
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010240:Parakeets; D011859:Radiography