Hemochromatosis and capillariosis in green-bicked toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus)

Abstract

The objective of this work is to report the occurrence of hemochromatosis and capillariasis in a specimen of the Green-billed Toucan (Ramphastos dicolorus) attended by the Nucleus for the Study of Pathologies in Wild Animals (NEPAS) at UFSM. The toucan in a weakened state was sent to the laboratory for the diagnosis of illness. Blood samples were collected for biochemical tests and stool samples for coproparasitological examination. After the death of the animal, necropsy and tissue samples were collected for histopathological and parasitological examinations. With the results of the tests performed, the condition was defined as hepatic hemochromatosis, a result of the high iron content in the diet, and associated with parasitism by Capillaria, recurrent in wild animals kept in captivity. Therefore, the case demonstrates the need to obtain the necessary knowledge about the physiological characteristics of each species when keeping them in captivity, in order to avoid damage to the health and well-being of the animals.