Tracheal Resection in a Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with Granulomatous, Foreign-body Induced Tracheitis

Abstract

A 24-year-old female secretary bird ( Sagittarius serpentarius) was presented with acute, mild dyspnea occurring only during feeding times. Despite initial conservative therapy consisting of antibiotics and antifungal, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory drugs, the dyspnea worsened progressively, resulting in severe respiratory distress. Radiographs of the trachea suggested stenosis in the caudal one-third of the trachea. Tracheal endoscopy revealed an obstruction of approximately 90% of the tracheal lumen, in addition to mild suspected aspergillosis of the air sacs. Tracheal resection and anastomosis were performed, during which 1.5 cm of abnormal trachea was removed. Histopathologic examination showed severe granulomatous tracheitis, most likely induced by foreign body material. Respiratory signs resolved immediately postoperatively. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy continued for another 7 days and the bird was treated with antifungals for a total of 45 days. The bird recovered uneventfully. We encourage tracheal resection and anastomosis for severe tracheal stenosis even in aged, large birds of prey that are managed in large aviaries.

Outcomes and Complications Associated With Caudal Thoracic and Abdominal Air Sac Cannulation in 68 Birds

“…Although the placement of an ASC is discussed in several case reports, and utilization of the technique has been a feature of several studies, a review of patient morbidity and mortality associated with air sac cannulation in the clinical setting has not been reported. [8][9][10][11][12][13] The types of complications that may be encountered with air sac cannulation have been well described; however, no studies describe the rates, or implications, of ASC complication. 6,14 The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the data available to describe the outcomes, prevalence, and types of complications seen in avian patients after abdominal or caudal thoracic air sac cannulation and to identify any known variables that may affect these factors.…”