More Information
Death by chocolate : A fatal problem for an inquisitive wild parrot
Authors: Gartrell BD, Reid CPublication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 55, Issue 3, pp 149-151, Jun 2007
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Animal type: Avian, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Behaviour, Mortality/morbidity, Pathology, Toxicology
Article class: Clinical Communication
Abstract: CASE HISTORY: An adult male kea (Nestor notabilis) in good body condition was found dead at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village, in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The bird had previously been involved in behavioural tests of problem-solving ability.
CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The bird had substantial subcutaneous and abdominal reserves of fat. The crop contained 20 g of what appeared to be dark chocolate; a conservative estimate of the dose of methylxanthines ingested by the bird was 250 mg/kg theobromine, 20 mg/kg caffeine and 3 mg/kg theophylline. Histopathological examination revealed acute degenerative changes to hepatocytes, renal tubules, and cerebrocortical neurons.
DIAGNOSIS: Acute combination methylxanthine toxicity after opportunistic ingestion of chocolate.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first report of the pathological findings of methylxanthine toxicity in a wild parrot, and illustrates the need to ensure that kea are protected from the toxic by-products of human habitation, and the difficulties in ensuring this against a neophilic, inquisitive and innovative parrot.
KEY WORDS: Chocolate toxicity, caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, parrot, innovation, kea