Can chronic crack-cocaine exposure cause parrot foot necrosis? a possible hypothesis

Abbaszadeh Hasiri, MohammadNili Ahmadabadi, HassanShojaee Tabrizi, Aidin

Background: Parrot foot necrosis is a poorly understood dermatitis with diffi cult diagnosis and treatment that has been reported in all species of Amazon parrots. Diagnosis is usually achieved by detailed history and ruling out other causes through evaluation of CBC and biochemical profi le. Prolonged crack-cocaine misuse could cause digit or nail lesions in humans. In this report similar clinical manifestations in two African gray parrots owned by crack-cocaine addicted users have been reported.Cases: Two African gray parrots were referred with pruritic foot, discoloration of digits, black and brown patching of the scales on the feet and legs associated with soft tissue swelling. Gross necrosis and self mutilation were also observed. According to the history, both birds had been suffering from the lesions for the past few weeks. A detailed history was obtained for each patient, including environmental condition and their main diet was nuts and fruits. Common causes were ruled out through evaluation of CBC and biochemical profi le. Based on gross characteristics and distribution of lesions, foot necrosis was diagnosed. Husbandry recommendations were given and antibiotics were prescribed to prevent possible infections. However, no improvements were seen, following the prescribed medication. Also deterioration of the clinical signs and feet lesions were observed. Typical fi nger

1. digit necrosis
2. avian pathology
3. crack use
4. cocaine use
5. African gray parrot
6. parrot foot necrosis