Avian Medicine Q&A 11

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An African grey parrot died following a subacute illness characterized by respiratory signs and elevated SGOT and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK). At necropsy, the lungs were wet, the spleen was enlarged and the liver was enlarged and mottled.

Question	Answer		Article
What infectious agents should be considered in the differential diagnosis?	Severe hepatitis should lead to a consideration of viral infections, such as Pacheco’s disease, bacterial infections, chlamydiosis and systemic protozoal infections.		Link to Article
What histological features can be used for a definitive diagnosis of each of the above, and what organs should be submitted?	In the liver, the pattern of inflammation/necrosis, occurrence of micro-organisms and inclusion body formation can be used for diagnosis. The spleen and lungs should also be examined as each of the potential causes leads to differential changes in these organs		Link to Article