Cataract Extraction in a White-Bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster): A Case Report

A four-year-old female white-bellied caique (Pionites leucogaster) was presented with lens opacification and blindness in the right eye (OD) following a history of head trauma. The left eye (OS) was normal. The bird underwent general anesthesia. Intracameral atracurium was administered to induce pupil dilation. Following corneal incision, ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs) were injected, and an anterior capsulotomy was performed. The lens material was removed using a manual aspiration and irrigation technique with balanced salt solution. Systemic enrofloxacin and meloxicam were prescribed, along with topical tobramycin. Vision returned postoperatively by Day 1, as indicated by a positive dazzle reflex and third eyelid incursion in response to an approaching stimulus. Transient intraocular hypertension was observed immediately after surgery, but responded well to topical hypotensive medication. At the two-year follow-up, vision remained, as evidenced by accurate landing and normal interaction with her owner and mate. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the only report describing successful cataract extraction in the smallest companion bird reported to date, using a manual irrigation and aspiration technique.