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Iatrogenic salt poisoning in captive sandhill cranes
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 1, 1981
Summary
Salt poisoning in captive sandhill cranes occurred at 1% sea salt concentration. This led to severe clinical signs, high sodium levels, and fatal organ damage in affected birds.
Area of Science:
- Avian Medicine
- Toxicology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) are susceptible to environmental toxins.
- Maintaining appropriate hydration and electrolyte balance is crucial for captive avian species.
Observation:
- Captive sandhill cranes were administered drinking water with a 1% sea salt (sodium chloride) concentration.
- Two of 18 cranes died, and two others required euthanasia due to severe illness.
Findings:
- Affected cranes exhibited muscle weakness, paresis, dyspnea, and depression.
- Abnormalities included elevated brain and serum sodium, serum uric acid, and plasma osmolality.
- Necropsy revealed visceral gout, renal tubular necrosis, nephrosis, and skeletal muscle necrosis.
Implications:
- This study highlights the critical importance of precise water quality management for captive cranes.
- Accidental salt poisoning can cause significant morbidity and mortality in sandhill cranes.
- Veterinarians and aviculturists should be aware of the toxic effects of high sodium chloride concentrations in avian drinking water.