Avian Proventricular Dilation Disease An Investigation of PDD Research and Etiology

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Clore, Amy

Keywords

Avian, Psittacine, Wasting, Parrot, PDD, Disease, Inflammatory

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) is a fatal avian disease that was recently distinguished from similar avian diseases. Diagnosis of PDD can be complex because its symptoms can involve the central nervous system and/or the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms characteristic of PDD are similar to those due to other neurological or digestive diseases, so PDD symptoms were previously diagnosed as being resultant of other diseases. Distinguishing PDD as a disease separate from other conditions has opened the door to finding a treatment and/or preventative measures in order to reduce the occurrence the disease. This has important implications to owners of pet birds and ecologists alike, as the growing knowledge of PDD transmission and diagnosis can save both wild and pet birds from a potentially devastating spread of the disease. The controversial etiology of avian Proventricular Dilatation Disease has been a subject of veterinary and scientific research since the disease was first reported in the late 1970's. PDD is characterized by an infiltration of lymphocytes into nerve ganglia of various digestive organs. The disorder's cause and mode of transmission are still under investigation, and many studies have been conducted to gain an understanding of how the disease can be diagnosed, treated, and/or prevented. Therapy and quarantine subsequent to a positive or suspect diagnosis has been shown to be successful at times, but there still is much information to uncover before veterinarians can define or follow a definitive treatment for this puzzling disease. In this thesis, the known progression of the disease and the research performed thus far on etiology, transmission, and treatment will be reviewed. In addition, possible experiments and treatment methodologies will be suggested, which are essential steps to a cure, or at least an improved diagnosis and/or treatment plan.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS