UNILATERAL COMPLETE OBSTRUCTION OF THE PRIMARY BRONCHUS IN TWO JUVENILE MACAWS (ARA SPP.)

Two juvenile macaws presented independently with clinical signs associated with respiratory function disease that included coughing, wheezing, and increased respiratory effort and rate. Whole body radiographic images were obtained from one patient, and were considered normal. Computed tomography identified unilateral complete primary bronchial obstruction in both cases. Tracheoscopy was performed in both cases and identified a partial obstruction of the syrinx in one case. Biopsy samples collected during tracheoscopy were submitted for microbial culture. Aspergillus spp. were isolated from both birds and treatment was unsuccessful for one macaw. The second case was euthanized upon diagnosis. In both cases, a complete necropsy confirmed the primary bronchial obstruction and fungal organisms were identified, consistent with Aspergillus spp. As demonstrated by these two cases, radiography and tracheoscopy do not allow for the diagnosis of primary bronchial obstruction in birds. Therefore, a computed tomography scan is recommended to accurately diagnose this condition in avian patients.