Successful Management of Acetamiprid Intoxication in a Captive Eurasian Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

A captive, 1-year-old, male Eurasian goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) weighing 0.85 kg and owned by a falconer was presented with a history of acute onset of weakness, dyspnea, diarrhea, and regurgitation of a fresh-thawed pigeon contaminated with acetamiprid, an insecticide used in the raptor enclosure. The raptor had eaten the contaminated pigeon approximately 10-12 hours earlier. Two-view (lateral and ventrodorsal) full-body survey radiographs were taken, and no abnormalities were noted. A complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel showed increased concentrations of hematocrit, uric acid concentrations, and creatine kinase activity. Intravenous isotonic crystalloid fluids, oxygen supplementation, active warming, and assist feeding by oral syringe were provided. The bird rapidly improved approximately 12 hours after initiating supportive care. Complete resolution of clinical signs and return of normal appetite occurred within 2 days of hospitalization. No recurrence of clinical signs was reported in the raptor presented on 2 months' follow-up. The outcome of this case suggests that supportive treatment of acetamiprid toxicity in captive goshawks can be successful with early intervention.