Archive Case #20: Avian Aspergillosis

Clinical Clues

1. A young parrot is evaluated for progressive dyspnoea and reduced activity.
2. The owner reports weight loss and increased respiratory effort over the past two weeks.
3. The bird occasionally open-mouth breathes and seems weaker after handling.
4. Imaging reveals increased soft tissue opacity affecting the air sacs, and endoscopy identifies fungal plaques.
5. Cytology and culture support infection with Aspergillus species.
6. A fungal respiratory disease affecting air sacs and lungs commonly occurs in stressed or immunocompromised birds.

Diagnosis

Avian Aspergillosis

This case is most consistent with Avian Aspergillosis because the bird has chronic respiratory compromise, weight loss, air sac lesions, and fungal plaque formation. The most important clues are the air sac involvement and confirmation of Aspergillus species, which make bacterial respiratory disease less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.