Philadelphia Zoo’s eclectus parrot was in need of an endoscopic partial pericardectomy – a procedure in which, through a small incision in the body wall, we passed surgical instruments through an endoscope sheath to make a small hole (fenestration) in the membrane around the heart (the pericardium) to allow fluid to drain from this space. In this parrot, fluid had accumulated between the pericardial membrane and the heart restricting the parrot’s heart’s ability to expand and pump blood. This can occur due to several conditions such as severe heart or liver disease.
Following the procedure, Ruby began medications to help her heart and liver. She had x-rays and a follow-up exam a few weeks later to ensure the treatment was effective. X-rays reveal Ruby’s heart and liver are no longer enlarged and ultra-sounds show no fluid buildup surrounding those vital organs marking Ruby’s procedure a success.
