Proventricular dilatation syndrome in large psittacine birds

Abstract

Proventricular dilatation was diagnosed in 16 psittacine birds. Signs included anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and intermittent vomiting. The proventriculus in all birds was thin-walled and impacted with ingesta and occupied most of the body cavity. Microscopic changes in the proventriculus varied from none to an infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages, and heterophils. There was no evidence of viral or bacterial infection or lead toxicity.