Treatment of lead toxicity and crop stasis in a California condor (Gymnogyps californianus).
A free-ranging California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) presented severely dehydrated, unable to stand, very weak, and with a distended crop. Toxicologic analysis revealed an elevated blood lead level of 291.4 microg/ ml. There was no evidence of lead exposure on radiographs. The condor was treated with chelating agents and intensive supportive care. Over a period of 10 days, a majority of its clinical signs improved, and lead levels dropped to near normal. However, the condor was left with a severe, persistent crop stasis and malnutrition. An esophagostomy tube, and later an ingluviostomy tube, were placed and maintained for a period of 1 mo. The condor was managed with continuous infusion feeding. After the feeding tube was removed, the condor was managed with small amounts of soft food orally. After 10 wk of treatment, the crop returned to normal function.
Wynne
Janna
J
Health Center, Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA. skydvm@aol.com
Stringfield
Cynthia
C
D000821:Animal Feed; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002140:California; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003426:Crop, Avian / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D020304:Raptors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002614:Chelating Agents