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13 May 2003 - PDD Symptoms
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"Clinical signs include depression, weight loss, reduced appetite, regurgitation and passage of whole seed in faeces. Neurological signs can develop independently or in association with gastrointestinal signs. Progressive debilitation, secondary infections (bacterial and fungal) and central nervous system (CNS) disturbances are commonly observed in the terminal stages." "In affected birds, long-term prognosis is poor with individuals usually succumbing within 6 months to 1 year. The infectious status of recovered birds remains unknown. Supportive treatment comprising of nutritional support, broad-spectrum antibiotics and cisapride may help to prolong the lives of affected birds (Harcourt-Brown, 2000). Birds may respond favourably to interferon, although there is little data to support this. A new NSAID, called celecoxib (Celebrex, Pfizer), has recently been described in the treatment of PDD (Dahlhausen et al., 2002). It is a potent and selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase type-2 isoenzyme, and reduces many parameters of inflammation, including leukocyte activation and infiltration. Interestingly, celecoxib has also been shown to inhibit certain CNS viruses in vitro and in vivo....Over 14 birds have been treated and most have shown marked clinical improvement (return to normal body weight). The longest survivor ceased therapy over 2 years ago."
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