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

Abstract

Hepatic lipidosis and hernia are problems that can occur in pet birds due to different causes. Aspergillosis is also an important disease of pet birds. This article reports an interesting case which, to our knowledge, is the first one in Iran. A 7-year-old male common mynah was presented to the clinic of avian diseases at the University of Tehran, Tehran City, Iran, with a history of severe dyspnea, anorexia, feeding with a high-energy diet, and recently been in the northern parts of Iran. Unfortunately, the bird died. Necropsy was done to diagnose the cause of death. Tissue samples from abdominal viscera, lungs, and air sacs were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Bacterial cultures from the liver and bone marrow were performed on blood and MacConkey agars. In the external carcass examination, the abdominal swelling, hernia, and yellow discoloration under the skin were obvious. At necropsy, the liver was enlarged with yellowish discoloration. There was also a high amount of fat around the abdominal viscera. Microscopically, fatty change, hepatocellular necrosis, and hemorrhages were seen in the liver. There were also vegetative forms of Aspergillus on the lung’s parenchyma and air sacs. No bacterial growth was observed. Pet birds are usually restricted to a cage by minimal contact with other birds; thus, diseases related to management are common among these birds. So keeping in suitable conditions with an appropriate, balanced diet is important for their health.