Abstract

A one-and-a-half year old, female, African Penguin, Spheniscus demersus, presented for an acute onset of seizure activity lasting one minute. On exam the animal was noted to have decreased PLRs and mild retinal hemorrhage OS. The animal had three further seizures with initial interval of three hours and lasting one minute apiece; the last seizure had a two hour interval and lasted 2.5 minutes with increased intensity of movement reported. Bloodwork was within normal ranges. Diazepam was started at 0.5 mg/kg IM and prophylactic antibiotic therapy was initiated. Animal had no seizures for 6 days then 10 in a six day period. A multiple pulse sequence MRI was performed under isoflurane anesthesia using 0.4 mls gadodiamide as the contrast agent. Images revealed a linear cystic lesion and left occipital lobe atrophy likely due to a previous trauma or cerebrovascular event.

Based on MRI findings and course of seizure activity, the neurologist recommended anti-convulsant therapy. The animal was started on 0.5 mg/kg of phenobarbital orally BID. Initial phenobarbital levels measured 3.5 µg/ml. To the authors' knowledge there are no known levels for any penguin species and reports in other avian species are mainly anecdotal. In psittacines it is recommended to aim for 5–8 µg/ml. Follow-up levels measured at 16.6 µg/ml. Dose was lowered to 0.45 mg/kg BID. Levels have remained stable for 3 months in the 7.3–7.8 µg/ml range; all other blood parameters are WNL. At time of abstract submission the animal has had no further seizures and remains clinically normal.