Obstruction by fibrous foreign object ingestion in two green-cheeked conures (Pyrrhura molinae) and a jenday conure (Aratinga jandaya)

• Published in: Journal of exotic pet medicine Vol. 31; pp. 127 - 132
• Main Author: Lamb, Stephanie K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2019
• Subjects: Conure; Foreign body; Gastrointestinal obstruction; Conure; Foreign body; Gastrointestinal obstruction
• ISSN: 1557-5063; 1931-6283
• DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2019.09.001

Background: The ingestion of foreign objects by animals is a familiar problem to veterinary practitioners and birds are no exception to this phenomenon. The clinical findings, diagnostic approach, management and outcomes are described in this case report for three pet conure birds. An 8-year-old and a 2-year-old green-cheeked conure (Pyrrhura molinae), and a 4-year-old jenday conure (Aratinga jandaya) presented independently for examination with variable, nonspecific signs; feather destructive behavior, regurgitation, lethargy, falling from the perch and excessive drinking. Diagnostic radiographs identified dilation of the proventriculus in all individuals. A foreign object in the proventriculus was diagnosed on gastroscopy in one bird and on necropsy in the other two birds. Surgical removal of the foreign material was attempted in one patient but was not successful. All three patients died secondary to obstruction with synthetic fibers from a plush, commonly available, tent-like hut sold as a sleeping area for birds. Clinical signs of gastrointestinal obstruction may be non-specific in birds but clinicians should have a higher suspicion in conures particularly if patients have had known access to this product.