Horner Syndrome With Ipsilateral Wing Paresis in a Wild, Juvenile Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

J Avian Med Surg. 2020 Jul 21;34(2):186-191. doi: 10.1647/1082-6742-34.2.186.

Abstract

A juvenile yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) was presented with paresis of the right wing, ptosis, and miosis of the right eye; feather erection of the right side of the head and neck; and a penetrating injury over the right pectoral muscle. Temporary reversal of ptosis, miosis, and feather erection after administration of phenylephrine drops confirmed a diagnosis of Horner syndrome. Computed tomographic imaging revealed a fractured rib, traumatic lung lesions, and subcutaneous emphysema. The right-sided Horner syndrome and wing paresis were attributed to a sympathetic nerve trauma of the eye and feathers and to the brachial plexus, respectively. This report describes the diagnosis and resolution of ptosis and miosis within 8 weeks and recovery of feather symmetry and wing function within 11 weeks of the cockatoo's initial presentation with a conservative-management treatment plan.

Keywords: Calyptorhynchus funereus; Horner syndrome; avian; brachial plexus; cockatoo; computed tomography; sympathetic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Bird Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Bird Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Blepharoptosis / complications
  • Blepharoptosis / diagnosis
  • Blepharoptosis / veterinary
  • Cockatoos / injuries*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Horner Syndrome / complications
  • Horner Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Horner Syndrome / veterinary*
  • Paresis / complications
  • Paresis / diagnosis
  • Paresis / veterinary
  • Pectoralis Muscles / injuries
  • South Australia
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
  • Wounds, Penetrating / complications
  • Wounds, Penetrating / diagnosis
  • Wounds, Penetrating / veterinary*