How to approach the bird with respiratory signs

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 194-198
Author(s):  
Vicki Baldrey

Respiratory disease is common in avian species. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential as birds tend to hide clinical signs of illness until disease is advanced and cases can deteriorate rapidly. Risk factors are frequently related to diet and environment, and include hypovitaminosis A and inhaled irritants. Birds presenting with respiratory signs should initially be stabilised with oxygen supplementation and supportive care before further diagnostics are pursued. Work up of these cases includes blood sampling for biochemistry and haematology, imaging including radiography and rigid endoscopy, and culture and polymerase chain reaction testing of respiratory secretions. Chlamydia and aspergillosis are common diagnoses encountered in practice. Treatment includes systemic antimicrobials, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and inhaled medications administered via nebulisation. Correction of underlying risk factors is also essential for a successful outcome. This article gives an overview of avian respiratory disease and describes a systematic approach to the investigation and treatment of these cases, achievable in general practice.

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 331
Author(s):  
Andrea D'Amato ◽  
Costantino Mancusi ◽  
Maria Viviana Carlino ◽  
Veronica Lio ◽  
Federica De Pisapia ◽  
...  

We present the case of a 59-year-old patient with severe aortic stenosis, asymptomatic mild to moderate pericardial effusion and no major risk factors for poor prognosis. He underwent four-week course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen 600 mg TID) with no improvement of the effusion. After complete diagnostic work-up and examination, we discovered that he had a prostate cancer with bone metastasis. On the bone scintigraphy, there was particular involvement of ribs and sternum. We decided to treat our patient with an association of docetaxel and hormone therapy, after six months we observed a reduction in the pericardial effusion. Even in the presence of a patient without risk factor of poor prognosis, pericardial effusion can be the first sign of occult neoplasia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Amin Tahoun ◽  
Helmy K. Elnafarawy ◽  
Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy ◽  
Abdelhamed Abdelhady ◽  
Amira M. Rizk ◽  
...  

Diagnosis and treatment of ocular fungal infection in equine seems very challenging for owners and clinicians. The present study aimed to identify and characterize fungal species isolated from the eyes of clinically healthy and diseased equines (N = 100) from Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. The work also involved morphological and molecular characterization of the major fungal species. In addition, correlations between the occurrence of isolated fungi and some of the potential risk factors were also investigated. Interestingly, the prevalence rate of ocular mycosis in all examined equines in the study was 28% and there were major clinical signs associated with ocular fungal infection. Moreover, the identified fungal species included Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., and Alternari spp. with a corresponding prevalence rate of 63.9%, 27.8%, 15.3%, 18.1%, 13.9%, and 4.2%, respectively, in healthy equine eyes, while their prevalence in diseased equine eyes was 57.1%, 32.1%, 21.4%, 7.1%, 3.6%, and 0%. Furthermore, a statistical significant association (p < 0.05) was found between the frequency of isolation of A. fumigatus and Penicillium and several risk factors (breed, sex, and ground type), while the remaining risk factors and occurrence of fungi were not statistically correlated. A subset of the Aspergillus species samples positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were sequenced and their phylogenetic analysis identified three species of Aspergillus. Taken together, our study provides novel data related to the occurrence of ocular mycosis in equine in Egypt. Given the zoonotic potential of some identified fungi, our data may be helpful for implementation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for combating this sight-threatening infection in equine.


1998 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 493-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
TL Dye ◽  
HD Teague ◽  
ML Poundstone

Lung lobe torsion, although rare in cats, can be seen as a sequela to chronic respiratory disease. Clinical signs may include lethargy, coughing, hemoptysis, and respiratory distress. Lung lobe torsion may be diagnosed using radiography, ultrasonography, contrast bronchography, bronchoscopy, or thoracoscopy. Stabilization with fluids, oxygen, and supportive care followed by thoracotomy and lobectomy of the affected lobe(s) are necessary for a successful outcome. Diagnosis and treatment of lung lobe torsion is described in a 12.5-year-old cat with a history of feline asthma.


2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 267-274
Author(s):  
Judith A. Schneider Spence ◽  
Andreas J. Bircher ◽  
Kathrin Scherer Hofmeier

Während eine allergologische Abklärung im Work-Up eines Asthma bronchiale inbegriffen sein sollte, wird die chronisch obstruktive Pneumopathie nicht spontan mit einer atopischen Diathese in Zusammenhang gebracht. Anamnese, Klinik, das Vorhandensein weiterer atopischer Krankheiten sowie Prickteste und die serologische Messung von spezifischen IgE-Antikörpern geben Hinweise auf eine allergische Genese einer akuten oder chronischen Lungenkrankheit. Der Stickoxidwert in der Ausatemluft (FeNO-Messung) kann durch die Infiltration von Eosinophilen in die Bronchialwand beim allergischen Phänotyp des Asthma bronchiale erhöht sein (TH2-gewichteter Phänotyp). Eine Abhängigkeit der Beschwerden vom Arbeitsplatz muss evaluiert werden. Neben dem allergischen Typ des Asthma bronchiale soll auch an eine Aspirin-exacerbated-respiratory disease (AERD) gedacht werden. Aufgrund der überlappenden pathophysiologischen Grundlagen und der Symptomatik zwischen Asthma bronchiale und der chronisch obstruktiven Pneumopathie ist die Zuweisung zum Allergologen allenfalls auch bei einem COPD-Patienten indiziert.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 962
Author(s):  
Razika Beniklef ◽  
Karim Aoun ◽  
Karim Boudrissa ◽  
Meriem Ben Abid ◽  
Kamel Cherif ◽  
...  

Algeria ranks second after Afghanistan for the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) worldwide. Here, we report a 34-years retrospective analysis of CL in Algeria and focused on the most affected region, the M’Sila province. All 66 cutaneous isolates corresponded to Leishmania (L.) major. Our study of the sandfly and rodent fauna further highlighted the high density of Phlebotomus papatasi and additional phlebotomine species of medical importance, not previously identified in M’Sila. Wild rodents belonging to nine species were trapped in M’Sila, and Psammomys obesus and Meriones shawi were found infected by L. major. In addition, Leishmania infantum was isolated from two visceral leishmaniasis cases, one dog and its proven vectors (P. perniciosus, P. longicuspis, and P. perfiliewi) inventoried during the survey. The high incidence of CL in the M’Sila province is likely a consequence of the increase in minimum temperatures recorded that constitutes suitable conditions for establishing a high endemicity and leads to an explosive rise in leishmaniases cases in this region. A thorough investigation of the underlying risk factors is urgently needed to detect new cases earlier. All these would improve the preparedness to fight the disease.


Author(s):  
Sara Keränen ◽  
Santeri Suutarinen ◽  
Rahul Mallick ◽  
Johanna P. Laakkonen ◽  
Diana Guo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) may rupture causing disability or death. BAVM vessels are characterized by abnormally high flow that in general triggers expansive vessel remodeling mediated by cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX2), the target of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We investigated whether COX2 is expressed in bAVMs and whether it associates with inflammation and haemorrhage in these lesions. Methods Tissue was obtained from surgery of 139 bAVMs and 21 normal Circle of Willis samples. The samples were studied with immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Clinical data was collected from patient records. Results COX2 expression was found in 78% (109/139) of the bAVMs and localized to the vessels’ lumen or medial layer in 70% (95/135) of the bAVMs. Receptors for prostaglandin E2, a COX2-derived mediator of vascular remodeling, were found in the endothelial and smooth muscle cells and perivascular inflammatory cells of bAVMs. COX2 was expressed by infiltrating inflammatory cells and correlated with the extent of inflammation (r = .231, p = .007, Spearman rank correlation). COX2 expression did not associate with haemorrhage. Conclusion COX2 is induced in bAVMs, and possibly participates in the regulation of vessel wall remodelling and ongoing inflammation. Role of COX2 signalling in the pathobiology and clinical course of bAVMs merits further studies.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 866
Author(s):  
Masatoki Kaneko ◽  
Junsuke Muraoka ◽  
Kazumi Kusumoto ◽  
Toshio Minematsu

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of neurological sequelae in infants. Understanding the risk factors of primary CMV infection is crucial in establishing preventive strategies. Thus, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to identify risk factors of vertical transmission among pregnant women with immunoglobulin (Ig) M positivity. The study included 456 pregnant women with IgM positivity. Information on age, parity, occupation, clinical signs, IgM levels, and IgG avidity index (AI) was collected. The women were divided into infected and non-infected groups. The two groups showed significant differences in IgM level, IgG AI, number of women with low IgG AI, clinical signs, and number of pregnant women with single parity. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, pregnant women with single parity and low IgG AI were independent predictors. Among 40 women who tested negative for IgG antibody in their previous pregnancy, 20 showed low IgG AI in their current pregnancy. Among the 20 women, 4 had vertical transmission. These results provide better understanding of the risk factors of vertical transmission in pregnant women with IgM positivity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 233-238
Author(s):  
Seyed Mohammad Mousavi Mirzaei ◽  
Zahra Ahmadi

Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) is a rare complication of certain drugs, most commonly reported with ibuprofen use. The present study reports on a male adolescent with intracranial hypertension and visual impairment accompanied by DIAM. We present a 16-year-old male patient who after ibuprofen consumption displayed headache, fever, photophobia, and blurred vision following heavy exercises. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid showed a mononuclear pleocytosis and an increase in protein concentration. Other examinations had normal results. The development of common clinical signs following ibuprofen use reflected DIAM. The patient’s vision was found to improve with supportive care and stopping of the drug during follow-up. Given the widespread use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the fact that these drugs are the most common cause of DIAM, the probability of occurrence of this event should be always kept in mind, and screening for autoimmune diseases in these patients is of great importance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Cuevas-Gómez ◽  
Mark McGee ◽  
José María Sánchez ◽  
Edward O’Riordan ◽  
Nicky Byrne ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the main cause of mortality among 1-to-5 month old calves in Ireland, accounting for approximately one-third of deaths. Despite widespread use of clinical respiratory signs for diagnosing BRD, lung lesions are detected, using thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) or following post-mortem, in calves showing no clinical signs. This highlights the limitation of clinical respiratory signs as a method of detecting sub-clinical BRD. Using 53 purchased artificially-reared male dairy calves, the objectives of this study were to: (i) characterise the BRD incidence detected by clinical respiratory signs and/or TUS, (ii) investigate the association between clinical respiratory signs and lung lesions detected by TUS, and (iii) assess the effect of BRD on pre-weaning growth. Results Clinical BRD (based on Wisconsin clinical respiratory score and/or rectal temperature > 39.6 ºC) was detected in 43 % and sonographic changes (lung lesions) were detected in 64 % of calves from purchase (23 (SD; 6.2) days of age) until weaning, 53 days post-arrival. Calves with clinical BRD were treated. Sixty-one per cent calves affected with clinical BRD had lung lesions 10.5 days (median) before detection of clinical signs. Moderate correlations (rsp 0.70; P < 0.05) were found between cough and severe lung lesions on arrival day, and between rectal temperature > 39.6 ºC and lung lesions ≥ 2 cm2 on day 7 (rsp 0.40; P < 0.05) post-arrival. Mean average daily live weight gain (ADG) of calves from purchase to weaning was 0.75 (SD; 0.10) kg; calves with or without clinical BRD did not differ in ADG (P > 0.05), whereas ADG of those with severe lung lesions (lung lobe completely consolidated or pulmonary emphysema) was 0.12 kg/d less (P < 0.05) than calves without lung lesions. Conclusions Thoracic ultrasonography detected lung consolidation in calves that did not show signs of respiratory disease. The presence of severe lung lesions was associated with reduced pre-weaning growth. These findings emphasise the importance of using TUS in addition to clinical respiratory scoring of calves for an early and accurate detection of clinical and sub-clinical BRD.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Sharif S. Aly ◽  
Betsy M. Karle ◽  
Deniece R. Williams ◽  
Gabriele U. Maier ◽  
Sasha Dubrovsky

Abstract Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading natural cause of death in US beef and dairy cattle, causing the annual loss of more than 1 million animals and financial losses in excess of $700 million. The multiple etiologies of BRD and its complex web of risk factors necessitate a herd-specific intervention plan for its prevention and control on dairies. Hence, a risk assessment is an important tool that producers and veterinarians can utilize for a comprehensive assessment of the management and host factors that predispose calves to BRD. The current study identifies the steps taken to develop the first BRD risk assessment tool and its components, namely the BRD risk factor questionnaire, the BRD scoring system, and a herd-specific BRD control and prevention plan. The risk factor questionnaire was designed to inquire on aspects of calf-rearing including management practices that affect calf health generally, and BRD specifically. The risk scores associated with each risk factor investigated in the questionnaire were estimated based on data from two observational studies. Producers can also estimate the prevalence of BRD in their calf herds using a smart phone or tablet application that facilitates selection of a true random sample of calves for scoring using the California BRD scoring system. Based on the risk factors identified, producers and herd veterinarians can then decide the management changes needed to mitigate the calf herd's risk for BRD. A follow-up risk assessment after a duration of time sufficient for exposure of a new cohort of calves to the management changes introduced in response to the risk assessment is recommended to monitor the prevalence of BRD.


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