Respiratory Distress Associated with Pulmonary Fat Emboli in an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Abstract

An adult osprey (Pandion haliaetus) was evaluated because it was unable to fly and was experiencing severe respiratory distress. Despite supportive care, the bird died. Significant histopathologic findings included widespread, multifocal hemorrhage in parabronchi and air capil- laries and emboli consisting of adipose connective tissue containing hematopoietic islands demon- strated in medium-sized pulmonary arteries. This is the first reported case of pulmonary fat em- bolism in a bird.