Granulomatous Myocarditis in a Toco toucan (Ramphastos toco albogularis)

Abstract

An uncommon lesion was diagnosed in a 1-year-old female toco toucan (Ramphastos toco albogularis) based on microscopic examinations. Necropsy, histopathology and molecular diagnosis were carried out. At necropsy, possible granulomatous myocarditis was diagnosed in the bird and was confirmed as shown by histopathology. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed an unspecific trematode species as the causative agent. Research on parasitic granulomatous myocarditis in toco toucan has been rarely reported. Therefore, it should be considered during differential diagnosis of avian granuloma cases.