Veterinary nursing of a dyspnoeic juvenile Humboldt penguin Spheniscus humboldti

Abstract

A Humboldt penguin chick presented with dyspnoea. Radiographs showed opacities on the lungs and radio-opaque material within the ventriculus. A ventriculotomy was performed to remove the opacities (which were pebbles) and nutritional, medical and supportive nursing care was provided. Despite recovering well, the chick presented dyspnoeic again a few weeks later. With diagnostic testing indicative of chronic aspergillosis, the chick was given a poor prognosis, and the decision was made to euthanise. This case study highlights the nursing steps taken and the possible mitigations that could be applied in the future to improve outcomes.