Atypical Candidiasis of the Gnathotheca in a Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor)

Rayment, KM; Garner, MM; Drees, R; Francis, MM; Rose, JB; Sim, RR

Abstract

An approximately 38-year-old captive male lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) was presented with a mass involving the right ventral gnathotheca. The mass was surgically excised after which the flamingo was treated with parenteral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs. Histological analysis identified an abscess with intralesional fungal organisms. Culture and polymerase chain reaction sequencing identified the fungal organisms within the lesion as Candida albicans. Treatment with oral itraconazole was initiated 23 days after initial surgical excision; however, the flamingo continued to lose weight while being treated, and died after 10 days of antifungal therapy. Necropsy, histologic examination, and culture confirmed the persistence of a mycotic abscess that infiltrated the mandibular bone and was associated with C albicans.

Citation

Rayment, K., Garner, M., Drees, R., Francis, M., Rose, J., & Sim, R. (2022). Atypical Candidiasis of the Gnathotheca in a Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor). Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 35(4), 457-463. https://doi.org/10.1647/20-00043

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 14, 2022
• Publication Date: Jan 28, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jul 25, 2023
• Print ISSN: 1938-2871
• Publisher: Association of Avian Veterinarians
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 457-463
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1647/20-00043
• Keywords: PHARMACOKINETICS; MELOXICAM; OSTEOMYELITIS