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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
08:56
Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
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TRAUMATIC (FOREIGN BODY) PERICARDITIS IN A TOCO TOUCAN (RAMPHASTOS TOCO)
Summary
A toco toucan died from pericarditis caused by a foreign object. Necropsy revealed a vegetal foreign body in the pericardial sac, leading to fatal inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Avian medicine
- Veterinary pathology
- Cardiology in birds
Background:
- Toco toucans (Ramphastos toco) are susceptible to various health issues in captivity.
- Acute onset of depression and apathy can indicate serious underlying conditions in birds.
- Cardiovascular abnormalities in avian species require prompt diagnostic evaluation.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old female toco toucan presented with acute depression, apathy, abnormal posture, and dehydration.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed cardiac silhouette enlargement.
- Serum biochemistry showed hyperuricemia and elevated glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT).
Findings:
- Post-mortem examination identified severe fibrinohemorrhagic pericarditis.
- A rigid, 15 mm long vegetal foreign body was discovered within the pericardial exudate.
- Histological analysis confirmed the foreign body's vegetal origin.
Implications:
- Foreign body ingestion can lead to severe cardiac complications in birds.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention may be critical for foreign body removal.
- This case highlights the importance of environmental hazard assessment in captive avian care.
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