Antemortem diagnosis of hydrocephalus in two Congo African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) by means of computed tomography

Mary I. Thurber Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

Search for other papers by Mary I. Thurber in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM
,
Christoph Mans Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

Search for other papers by Christoph Mans in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 Dr med vet
,
Constance Fazio Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

Search for other papers by Constance Fazio in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM
,
Ken Waller Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

Search for other papers by Ken Waller in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM, MS
,
Helena Rylander Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

Search for other papers by Helena Rylander in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM
, and
Marie E. Pinkerton Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

Search for other papers by Marie E. Pinkerton in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
 DVM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.246.7.770
Volume/Issue:
Volume 246: Issue 7
Online Publication Date:
01 Apr 2015
Restricted access
Sign In Reprints and Permissions Purchase Article

Abstract

Case Description—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.

Clinical Findings—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.

Treatment and Outcome—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.

Clinical Relevance—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.

Abstract

Case Description—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.

Clinical Findings—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.

Treatment and Outcome—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.

Clinical Relevance—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.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Thurber's present address is College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.

Address correspondence to Dr. Mans (cmans@vetmed.wisc.edu).
Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publication Date:
01 Apr 2015

  • 1. Samour J. Diagnostic value of hematology. In: Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL, eds. Clinical avian medicine. Palm Beach, Fla: Spix Publishing Inc, 2006;587–610.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 2. Guzman DS-M. Heavy metal toxicity. In: Mayer J, Donnelly TM, eds. Clinical veterinary advisor: birds and exotic pets. St Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2013;192–194.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 3. Dennison SE, Paul-Murphy JR, Adams WM. Radiographic determination of proventricular diameter in psittacine birds. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2008; 232:709–714.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 4. Taylor W. Endoscopic examination and biopsy techniques. In: Ritchie B, Harrison GJ, Harrison LR, eds. Avian medicine: principles and application. Lake Worth, Fla: Wingers Publishing Inc, 1994;345.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 5. Lumeij JT, Westerhof I. The use of the water deprivation test for the diagnosis of apparent psychogenic polydipsia in a socially deprived African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). Avian Pathol 1988; 17:875–878.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 6. Starkey SR, Wood C, de Matos R, et al. Central diabetes insipidus in an African grey parrot. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010; 237:415–419.

  • 7. Jarvis ED, Gunturkun O, Bruce L, et al. Avian brains and a new understanding of vertebrate brain evolution. Nat Rev Neurosci 2005; 6:151–159.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 8. Keller KA, Guzman DS-M, Muthuswamy A, et al. Hydrocephalus in a yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix). J Avian Med Surg 2011; 25:216–224.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 9. Fleming GJ, Lester NV, Stevenson R, et al. High field strength (4.7 T) magnetic resonance imaging of hydrocephalus in an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus). Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2003; 44:542–545.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 10. Orosz S. Anatomy of the central nervous system. In: Altman RB, Clubb SL, Dorrestein GM, et al, eds. Avian medicine and surgery. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co, 1997;454–459.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 11. Mestres P, Rascher K. The ventricular system of the pigeon brain: a scanning electron microscope study. J Anat 1994; 184:35–58.

  • 12. Johnston HA, Lindstrom JG, Oglesbee M. Communicating hydrocephalus in a mature Goffin's cockatoo (Cacatua goffini). J Avian Med Surg 2006; 20:180–184.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 13. Vandelvelde M, Higgins R, Oevermann A. Congenital malformations. In: Vandelvelde M, Higgins R, Oevermann A, eds. Veterinary neuropathology; essentials of theory and practice. West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2012;101–102.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 14. Wack RF, Lindstrom JG, Graham DL. Internal hydrocephalus in an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus timneh). J Assoc Avian Vet 1989; 3:94–96.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 15. Guzman DS. Neurologic disease. In: Mayer J, Donnelly TM, eds. Clinical veterinary advisor: birds and exotic pets. St Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2013;207–209.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 16. Platt SR. Evaluating and treating the nervous system. In: Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL, eds. Clinical avian medicine. Palm Beach, Fla: Spix Publishing Inc, 2006;493–518.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 17. Beaufrère H, Nevarez J, Gaschen L, et al. Diagnosis of presumed acute ischemic stroke and associated seizure management in a Congo African grey parrot. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011; 239:122–128.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 18. Melby JM, Miner LC, Reed DJ. Effect of acetazolamide and furosemide on the production and composition of cerebrospinal fluid from the cat choroid plexus. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1982; 60:405–409.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 19. Thomas WB. Hydrocephalus in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2010; 40:143–159.

  • 20. Lora-Michiels M, Isaza R, Hoskinson JJ. Clinical challenge. J Zoo Wildl Med 2001; 32:143–145.

  • 21. Krautwald-Junghanns M-E, Kostka VM, Dörsch B. Comparative studies on the diagnostic value of conventional radiography and computed tomography in evaluating the heads of psittacine and raptorial birds. J Avian Med Surg 1998; 12:149–157.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 22. Naidich TP, Schott LH, Baron RL. Computed tomography in evaluation of hydrocephalus. Radiol Clin North Am 1982; 20:143–167.

  • 23. Pindrik J, Huisman TA, Mahesh M, et al. Analysis of limited-sequence head computed tomography for children with shunted hydrocephalus: potential to reduce diagnostic radiation exposure. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2013; 12:491–500.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 24. Pomschar A, Koerte I, Peraud A, et al. Hydrocephalus in childhood: causes and imaging patterns [in German]. Radiologe 2012; 52:813–820.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 25. Kusmierczyk J, Wall CR, Hoppes S, et al. Comparison of computed tomographic images of birds obtained with sedation vs. general anesthesia. J Exot Pet Med 2013; 22:251–257.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 26. Shellock FG, Crues JV. MR procedures: biologic effects, safety, and patient care. Radiology 2004; 232:635–652.

  • 27. Hecht S, Adams WH, Narak J, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging susceptibility artifacts due to metallic foreign bodies. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2011; 52:409–414.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

Advertisement