Abdominal Hernia in a Common Mynah (Acridotheres tristis) Associated with Hepatic Lipidosis and Concurrent with Respiratory Aspergillosis

Abstract

Background: Hepatic lipidosis and hernia, are problems in pet birds which can occur due to different causes. Aspergillosis, is also an important disease of pet birds, usually caused by inhalation of conidia or spores of Genus Aspergillus. This article is a case report of simultaneous occurrence of hepatic lipidosis, hernia, and aspergillosis in a common mynah, in Iran.Materials and Methods: A 7-year-old male common mynah was presented with severe signs of dyspnea, history of anorexia, feeding with high energy diet and traveling to northern parts of Iran. Unfortunately, before any medical interventions, the bird died. Necropsy was done to diagnose cause of death. Tissue samples of abdominal viscera, lungs and air sacs and were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Serial sections were also stained by PAS to highlight any fungal hyphae. Cultures from the liver and bone marrow were performed on Blood and MacConkey agars.Results & Conclusions: In carcass external examination, abdominal swelling, hernia and yellow discoloration under skin were obvious. At necropsy, liver was enlarged with yellowish discoloration. There was also high amount of fat around abdominal viscera. Microscopically, fatty change, hepatocellular necrosis and hemorrhages were seen in liver. There were also vegetative forms of Aspergillus on lung’s parenchyma and air sacs. No bacterial growth was observed. Pet birds are usually restricted to cage by minimal contact with other birds, thus diseases related to management are common among these birds, so keeping in suitable condition with appropriate balanced diet is important for their health.