Point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation monitor parameters in Amazon parrots (Amazona spp.)

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of the point-of-care viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM) in Amazon parrots (Amazona spp.) and describe the parameters with fresh whole-blood samples in healthy Amazon parrots.

Design

A total of 18 Amazon parrots were enrolled. Physical examinations, a CBC, and a biochemistry profile, including bile acids, were performed on all parrots. VCM tracings were obtained at the time of venipuncture for baseline laboratory work.

Measurements and Main Results

The median clot time was 2102 seconds (range: 38.6–3599 s), median clot formation time was 929 seconds (range: 21.4–1711 s), median alpha angle was 20 (range: 6–67), and the median maximum clot formation was 8.5 (range: 0–36). The median lysis index at 30 minutes (LI30) was 100 (range: 98–100), and the median lysis index at 45 minutes (LI45) was 100 (range: 90–100). Of 18 samples, alpha angles were not reported in 7 samples, LI30 was not reported in 10 samples, and LI45 was not reported in 12 samples. Of the qualitative curves, 6 reflected normal mammalian curves, and the remainder were consistent with a hypocoaguable state.

Conclusions

The results were markedly variable, with the majority of VCM tracings being hypocoagulable in comparison with reference intervals established for dogs and cats. Using these protocols, the VCM is not reliable in Amazon parrots. Future areas of investigation include altering the temperature during sample analysis, the use of activators, or an exchange of clotting reagents for an extrinsic pathway activator, which may contribute to the success of this device in avian species.