SUSPECTED HYPOVITAMINOSIS A-ASSOCIATED SALT GLAND ADENITIS IN NORTHERN ROCKHOPPER PENGUINS ( EUDYPTES MOSELEYI)

Adam D Naylor, Romain Pizzi, Georgina Cole, Linda R Morrison, Simon J Girling

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

  Supraorbital salt-excreting glands are present in at least 10 avian orders and are largest in marine species, including penguins. Diseases of the avian salt gland have been described infrequently. From September 2015, five captive northern rockhopper penguins ( Eudyptes moseleyi) were presented over a 6-wk period for unilateral or bilateral supraorbital swellings. In September 2016, two cases recurred and two additional cases were identified. Histopathology demonstrated salt gland adenitis with extensive squamous metaplasia. Blood plasma testing demonstrated marked vitamin A and E deficiencies within the colony. Prolonged frozen storage of feed-fish was implicated as a cause of vitamin depletion; reducing storage times and addition of dietary supplementation prevented recurrence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)420-428
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Volume49
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2018

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Adentitis
  • Eudyptes moseleyi
  • hypovitaminosis A
  • hypovitaminosis E
  • northern rockhopper penguin
  • salt gland

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