Impaction of the stomachs in farmed ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Botswana.

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Author list: Mushi EZ, Isa JF, Chabo RG, Binta MG, Modisa L, Kamau JM

Publisher: American Association of Avian Pathologists

Publication year: 0

Journal acronym: Avian Dis

Volume number: 42

Issue number: 3

Start page: 597

End page: 9

Number of pages: -587

ISSN: 0005-2086

Languages: English-Great Britain (EN-GB)

Abstract

Impaction of the proventriculus, gizzard, and sometimes intestines due to sand was confirmed at postmortem in 25 cases involving ostriches (Struthio camelus). Although there was no age predisposition, impaction was more common in juvenile over 3 mo old. Clinical signs included sternal recumbency, outstretched neck, debility, and inability to stand. Palpation of the impacted stomachs gave a gritty sensation. Depletion of coronary fat was a consistent postmortem finding. The most common material causing impaction was sand. This report highlights impaction as one of the major causes of debility and death in intensively farmed ostriches. High levels of alkaline phosphatase coupled with low levels of plasma glucose, protein, and albumin detected in impacted ostriches may be useful diagnostic antemortem indicators of the syndrome.

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