Treatment of a Hyacinth Macaw with Zinc Toxicity

Zinc toxicity was diagnosed and treated in a hyacinth macaw. On examination, the bird was recumbent, depressed, dehydrated, anorexic, thin, enophthalmic with sluggish nictitans, and had stringy, white oral mucus and malodorous, voluminous, brilliant lime-green feces. Radiographs revealed a ventricul...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of avian medicine and surgery 1995-09, Vol.9 (3), p.185-189
Main Authors: Romagnano, April, Grindem, Carol B., Degernes, Laurel, Mautino, Michele
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Birds
Blood plasma
Calcium
Case Reports
Feces
Foreign bodies
Intoxication
Lead
Parrots
Toxicity
Zinc
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Summary:Zinc toxicity was diagnosed and treated in a hyacinth macaw. On examination, the bird was recumbent, depressed, dehydrated, anorexic, thin, enophthalmic with sluggish nictitans, and had stringy, white oral mucus and malodorous, voluminous, brilliant lime-green feces. Radiographs revealed a ventricular, metallic foreign body and small intestinal dilatation. Blood and biochemical testing revealed leukocytosis with heterophilia, low calcium, and high creatinine kinase, uric acid, and bile acids. Plasma zinc was 24 ppm. Treatment included supportive care, chelation, and administration of laxatives. Edetate calcium disodium injections were given daily for 5 days, followed by daily oral administration of 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid for 10 days. Zinc concentrations and clinical signs resolved. The foreign body was successfully passed. Potential side effects of edetate calcium disodium include polydipsia; the lesser-known dimercaptosuccinic acid appeared to be a safe and effective chelator. Padlocks and chrome-plated cage bars were the most likely source of the zinc.
ISSN:1082-6742
1938-2871