Protein electrophoresis in cranes with presumed insect bite.

BACKGROUND

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) has emerged as a potentially valuable diagnostic tool in avian medicine; yet, there is limited information regarding SPE in cranes. Since 2000, 20 cases of unilateral periocular or facial soft tissue swelling, blepharitis, feather loss, and ocular or nasal discharge attributed to insect bite hypersensitivity were observed in cranes from a captive breeding center. SPE may be useful for evaluating these lesions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize the inflammatory response in cranes with hypersensitivity reactions using SPE.

METHODS

Serum samples from 7 cranes diagnosed with hypersensitivity reactions were submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for agarose gel electrophoresis. Results were compared to those in control serum samples obtained from the same cranes during routine physical examination, when they were clinically healthy.

RESULTS

Total protein and a- and g-globulin concentrations were significantly increased and albumin/globulin ratios were significantly decreased in serum samples from cranes with hypersensitivity lesions compared with control samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Using SPE, we documented changes in protein fraction concentrations in cranes with clinical signs of hypersensitivity. The increase in alpha- and gamma-globulin concentrations suggested inflammation and antigenic stimulation, consistent with a Type I hypersensitivity reaction.