Severe leukemoid response associated with mycobacterium genavense infection in a pet budgerigar (melopsittacus undulates)

A 2-year-old pet budgerigar was presented after a period of general malaise that was unresponsive to supportive therapy. Radiographic images revealed a marked hepatomegaly. Hematology results indicated the bird had a severe leukocytosis with marked discrepancy between hemocytometer white blood cell (WBC) count and WBC estimated from the smear. The leukocytosis was characterised by an extreme heterophilia with marked left shift including the presence of metamyelocytes and promyelocytes with marked toxic change, and a marked monocytosis, consistent with a leukemoid response.
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research