Multifocal sialoceles and sialoliths in a yellow nape Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata)

A yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata) was presented with a 1-year history of feather-destructive behavior with an incidental 14-year history of ptyalism. Palpation, radiographs, fluoroscopy, and biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of multiple sialoceles and sialoliths throughout the cervical region. Treatment for ptyalism was not necessary in this parrot; however, treatment in other species generally involves surgical resection or medical treatment with anticholinergics or botulinum toxin A injections. Clinical signs associated with both the presence of sialoceles and feather-destructive behavior improved briefly with changes in husbandry and medical treatment including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. There have been few reports of this lesion in avian species, except for occasional reports in pigeons where the underlying cause is thought to be either hypovitaminosis A or herpesviral infection. This parrot was on a nutritionally adequate diet and had a negative antibody titer for Pacheco's disease, and no underlying cause was identified.