Abstract
An adult male African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) presented with anorexia and cloacal swelling. Radiographs showed a cloacolith that was manually removed under anesthesia. Initial supportive care (subcutaneous fluids, meloxicam) improved the condition, but the event reccurred.1,2 Blood work and imaging showed mild changes and the cloacolith was again manually removed under anesthesia. Following the second occurrence, broad spectrum antibiotics were initiated. After the third occurrence, biopsies of the cloacal tissue were collected, but only evidence of inflammation was reported.3 Additional supportive care treatments were added (famotidine, topical gentamicin, topical Preparation H), but resolution was not achieved. Reproduction was affected; no fertile eggs were produced during breeding season. Culture of the cloaca revealed bacteria sensitive to metronidazole.4 Treatment was begun and the inflammation gradually improved. Treatment was continued for a total of three months before complete resolution was achieved. Permanent effects on fertility are still unknown. This case illustrates the difficulties in managing a condition of unknown cause and impact in an endangered species.
* Presenting author
Literature Cited
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