What Is A Necropsy?by Theresa Jordan
The loss of a bird can be more than an emotionally devastating experience---it can be a financial blow with a loss of thousands of dollars, and the realization of dreams shattered. When a bird is lost due to death, it is of utmost importance to attempt to find out the cause. The best way to do this is to request a necropsy.
A necropsy is an avian (or animal) autopsy. This procedure, when done thoroughly and including all tests that avian science can provide, gives concrete proof of the cause of a bird's death. A necropsy should be performed anytime there is uncertainty regarding the reason a bird has died. Regardless of whether you have 10 birds or 100, a necropsy is the most valuable procedure available to protect your remaining flock.
 | Body Preparation |
Never freeze a bird's body. This destroys tissue by crystallizing the fluids within. The sooner after death the body is sent to a lab, the greater the chances of discovering the exact cause of death. As soon as you discover a bird had died, place the body in an airtight plastic bag in a refrigerator. If possible, transport to the lab in an ice chest to retain the temperature. Bring along a thorough history of the bird's life, including age, length of time owned, size of cage, exercise routine, diet, contact with other birds, records of vet visits, and any unusual symptoms that may have been exhibited.
| Visual Inspection |
To help speed the results, the pathologist first studies the bird's case history for hidden clues. Items that may seem insignificant to you may prove quite useful in assisting the pathologist in determining the cause of death. Next is the positive identification of the bird: species, band number, and other sources of unique identification. The outer appearance of the body is examined for any evidence that could point toward a deadly disease. Feathers may be plucked for closer examination of the skin, and to minimize contamination of the body cavity.
| Beginning the Necropsy |
The first incision is made parallel to the keel bone and ending below the rib cage in a lengthwise U. After a series of incisions, the sternum is lifted to expose the body cavity and all the organs. Visual inspection of the internal organs begins with the pathologist ensuring that all organs are present and found where they are supposed to be. (Congenital defects are a common cause of death in neonates.) An above average amount of fat which has accumulated in the abdomen is indicative of poor diet. Color, shape, and size of the organs is noted.
One of the first organs to be examined is the liver. Because it is a filter for the whole system, it's condition can be quite revealing in many cases. The spleen, an organ of the immune system, is also studied closely. Death due to diseases such as psittacosis can be determined by the appearance of the spleen. Polyomavirus could be identified by a heart that reveals abnormal color or red spots, or enlarged livers and kidneys. Gross and microscopic exams of the intestines can be performed on newly deceased birds to check for presence of tapeworms, roundworms, and coccidial parasites. Perforation of the gizzard could be indicative of any of these.
The next incision is made toward the vent, and proceeds in the samer manner as before. The cranial is opened and checked for signs of neurological damage. Symptoms of this could be include irrational behavior, inability to maintain balance, and seizures.
After the entire body is examined, the pathologist may be able to offer an educated guess before any further tests are performed. Based on what the pathologist finds, it may be beneficial to have additional tests run on blood samples, tissue samples, mucus, bone, and feathers.
| Why Do Captive Birds Die? |
"Mismanagement" related to nutritional deficiencies is listed as the most common cause of death in companion parrots. Leading the list of specifics is fatty liver syndroms and respiratory disease.
The second most common cause of death related to "mismanagement" stems from neglect of some form. Birds suffering from environmental-related stress are open to all kinds of infections they would otherwise not be suseptible to. Unkempt cages subject birds to deadly pathogens, and is a form of neglect. Isolation and boredom are forms of neglect that subject birds to stress-related diseases. Unenlightened bird owners are all too often guilty of neglecting to provide their companion birds interaction with other birds or humans. Birds are intelligent, social creatures--to leave one alone in a cage provides a meager existence, and is truly a form of neglect and abuse.
Other common but unnecessary causes of death include psittacosis, parasites, and not meeting special species-specific needs. Educating yourself on the basic care required of the species you have chosen to keep would go far to prevent unnecessary loss.
To allow a beloved bird to undergo a necropsy is a painful, difficult choice for some. The thought of your pet going "under the knife" is almost more than some can bear. This is understandable; however, the health of the rest of your flock or possible future birds must be taken into consideration. And ultimately, a bird's death should not be in vain. By requesting a necropsy, you are assisting the advancement of avian science. The answers and solutions that are found may, in the future, prevent the very problem that caused your bird's death.
Theresa Jordan/Jordan Enterprises, 1997
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