Superficial Chronic Ulcerative Dermatitis (SCUD) in Psittacine Birds: Review of 11 Cases (2008-2016)

• Published in: Journal of avian medicine and surgery Vol. 32; no. 1; pp. 25 - 33
• Main Authors: Abou-Zahr, Tariq, Carrasco, Daniel Calvo, DVM, Naomi Shimizu, Forbes, Neil A, Dutton, Thomas A. G, Froehlich, Fiona, De Bellis, Filippo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States The Association of Avian Veterinarians 01.03.2018; Association of Avian Veterinarians
• Subjects: avian; behavior; dermatitis; neck-collar; parrot; psittacine birds; Retrospective Study; neck-collar; dermatitis; behavior; parrot; psittacine birds; avian
• ISSN: 1082-6742; 1938-2871
• DOI: 10.1647/2017-250

We reviewed 11 cases of superficial chronic ulcerative dermatitis (SCUD) in psittacine birds that presented to an exotic animal practice over an 8-year period. African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) were overrepresented, accounting for 55% of SCUD-affected birds. All affected birds were hand-reared pets and bonded strongly to their owners. In all cases, fungal culture results were negative. The most commonly cultured bacteria were Enterobacter cloacae (27%), followed by Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus (both 18%). An underlying cause of behavioral self-mutilation with secondary infection of dermatitis lesions by opportunistic bacteria was suspected in 10 of 11 cases. The axillae were the most common anatomic sites affected (45%). In two cases, more than one site was affected concurrently. Mean age of birds affected was 11.4 years. Two birds had suffered from SCUD previously, with 1 bird having suffered from 3 previous episodes and was euthanized as a result. All birds were treated with systemic antibiotics, topical antibacterial preparations, and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. A neck collar was applied in all cases. Median time to clinical resolution was 2 months (range, 1–21 months). Excluding the bird that was euthanized, all birds showed a positive response to treatment.