title: Antemortem diagnosis of hydrocephalus in two Congo African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) by means of computed tomography.
abstract: METHODS
  A 7-year-old and a 10-year-old Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus; parrots 1 and 2, respectively) were evaluated because of neurologic deficits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Parrot 1 had an 8- to 9-month history of lethargy and anorexia, with a recent history of a suspected seizure. Parrot 2 had a 6-month history of decreased activity and vocalizing, with an extended history of excessive water intake; a water deprivation test ruled out diabetes insipidus, and psychogenic polydipsia was suspected. Both birds had ophthalmologic asymmetry, with anisocoria detected in parrot 1 and unilateral blindness in parrot 2. Metal gastrointestinal foreign bodies were observed on whole-body radiographs of both birds, but blood lead concentrations were below the range indicated for lead toxicosis. Findings on CT of the head were consistent with hydrocephalus in both cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Parrot 1 received supportive care and died 3 months after the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Parrot 2 was treated with omeprazole and prednisolone for 10 days without any improvement in neurologic deficits; euthanasia was elected, and hydrocephalus was confirmed on necropsy. No underlying or concurrent disease was identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hydrocephalus should be considered a differential diagnosis for parrots evaluated because of CNS signs. Computed tomography was an excellent screening tool to diagnose hydrocephalus in these patients. Compared with MRI, CT is more frequently available and offers reduced scanning times, reduced cost, and less concern for interference from metallic foreign bodies.
authors: Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.
authors: Mary I
authors: MI
authors: Thurber
authors: Christoph
authors: C
authors: Mans
authors: Constance
authors: C
authors: Fazio
authors: Ken
authors: K
authors: Waller
authors: Helena
authors: H
authors: Rylander
authors: Marie E
authors: ME
authors: Pinkerton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010311:Parrots; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary*