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Feather-picking Psittacines: Histopathology and Species Trends

Northwest ZooPath, Monroe, WA (MMG), The Rainforest Clinic for Birds & Exotics, Loxahatchee, FL (SLC), Louisiana State University, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA (MAM), Histology Consulting Service, Everson, WA (LB)

Abstract

Histologic findings are described for 408 feather-picking or self-mutilating psittacines with the use of biopsies from clinically affected and unaffected skin. Inflammatory skin disease was diagnosed in 210 birds, and traumatic skin disease was diagnosed in 198 birds. Criteria used for the diagnosis of inflammatory skin disease included the presence of perivascular inflammation in the superficial or deep dermis of clinically affected and unaffected sites. The primary histologic criteria for the diagnosis of traumatic skin disease were superficial dermal scarring with or without inflammation in the affected sites and an absence of inflammation in the unaffected sites. The inflammatory cells associated with the lesions were typically lymphocytes and occasionally plasma cells, histiocytes, and granulocytes. A preponderance of inflammatory skin disease was seen in macaws (Ara spp.) and Amazon parrots (Amazona spp.). A preponderance of traumatic skin disease was seen in cockatoos (Cacatua spp.) and African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). The prevalence of each was approximately equal in several other species, including conures (Aratinga and Pyrrhura spp.), eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus), quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus), cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), parakeets (Cyanorhamphus and Psittacula spp.), and caiques (Pionites spp.). No geographic or gender-based trends were identified. These findings could be helpful for identifying and treating birds with feather-picking disorders.

Key words: Dermatitis; feather picking; histopathology; parrot; psittacine; self-mutilation.

Request reprints from Dr. Michael M. Garner, Northwest ZooPath, 654 West Main, Monroe, WA 98296 (USA). E-mail: zoopath{at}aol.com