Pericardial aspergillosis - endoscope and biopsy (video)

[flyzipper]

If you've read about Aspergillosis, but couldn't really picture what's going on (like me), you might be interested in this video...

https: //www.facebook.com/watch/?v=569417227283710​

I found it fascinating to so clearly see the colony, and the sample extraction from the air sacs in this African Grey patient.

Here's a screenshot if you can't watch the video...


(In the link, I had to add a space after http: for the message formatting here not to mess it up, simply removing that space will allow the link to work once it's copy/pasted into your browser)

 

[Sparkles99]

Thanks for the screen shot - I don't have FaceBook.

Is it the white specks that are the colony or the maroon blob? This is interesting, if disturbing.

 

[flyzipper]

Is it the white specks

You got it.

This is a closer view of a single colony just before it's removed...

 

[MR. Mango]

Oh wow very disturbing

 

[Sparkles99]

Wow, indeed. I looked into aspergillosis & it seems it's in soil & other innocuous places. Not sure how we're supposed to avoid exposing birds/ us to it.

 

[Hankmacaw]

I am very experienced with Aspergillosis. Both of my first two birds had Aspergillosis and my Girl Bird Jasper died of it. Hank my male had the worst case, but we "cured" him and it came back twice.
Read this;

Aspergillosis in Birds | VCA Animal Hospitals

Aspergillosis is a common cause of respiratory disease in pet birds. It can cause upper and lower respiratory problems or a more broadly distributed infections.

vcahospitals.com

And many pictures of the horrible things Asper does to a bird.

pictures of aspergillosis granulomas in birds - Google Search

www.google.com

 

[redindiaink]

Wow, indeed. I looked into aspergillosis & it seems it's in soil & other innocuous places. Not sure how we're supposed to avoid exposing birds/ us to it.

Good animal husbandry and a diet rich in beta carotene is the best defense. Food meant for human consumption has more rigid standards for aflatoxins, avoiding pet/animal grade food will help. Birds that are prone to getting it have hypovitaminosis A. One of my birds has had it.

 

[saroj12]

finally got to view the video (rarely at a personal laptop). Thanks for posting it.