Collection and submission of coelomic fluids and routine aspirates is as described for other species.
Crop Aspirate/Wash
- Indicated if there is vomiting, regurgitation not associated with courtship, delayed crop emptying or other suspected disorders of upper alimentary tract.
- Make multiple air-dried direct smear slides at the time of sampling.
- Submit any fluid collected in EDTA for cytology and a plain tube for culture.
Choana
- Indicated in cases of choanal ulceration/erosio
- Samples can be obtained by swabbing gently with pre-moistened swab (sterile saline) - avoid touching the feathers around the ven
- Make multiple air-dried direct smears for cytology.
Sinus Aspirate in Psittacines
- Indicated in cases of facial swelling, nasal discharge or other upper respiratory tract disease.
- Make multiple air-dried direct smear slides at the time of sampling.
- Submit any fluid collected in EDTA for cytology and a plain tube for culture.
Air Sac Samples
- Sampling is indicated in suspected chlamydial, bacterial or fungal infections of air sac
- Make multiple air-dried direct smear slides at the time of sampling.
- Submit any fluid collected in EDTA for cytology and a plain tube for culture.
Faeces
- Sampling is indicated if birds have gastrointestinal signs or are doing poorly.
- Tests available include faecal floatation with worm egg and coccidial oocyst count, Giardia ELISA, PCR (Chlamydia, Polyoma Virus, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus), and faecal culture.