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 treat...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of zoo and wildlife medicine Vol. 38; no. 4; p. 588
Main Authors Wynne, Janna, Stringfield, Cynthia
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.2007
Subjects
Animal Feed
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Animals
Animals, Wild
Bird Diseases - diagnosis
Bird Diseases - therapy
California
Chelating Agents - therapeutic use
Crop, Avian - pathology
Crop, Avian - surgery
Lead Poisoning - diagnosis
Lead Poisoning - therapy
Lead Poisoning - veterinary
Male
Raptors
Treatment Outcome
California
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary: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.
ISSN:1042-7260
DOI:10.1638/2007-0040R.1