Aspectos morfológicos das glândulas anexas do aparelho digestório de calopsitas (Nymphicus hollandicus - KERR, 1792)

Abstract

Psittacines are the most commonly kept pet birds worldwide and consequently the species of wild birds most frequently treated in veterinary hospitals. The pancreas and liver are extremely important organs due to their roles in the digestive and endocrine systems. To date, there is limited anatomic and radiographic data available in the literature regarding these organs in cockatiels. This study aims to contribute to the anatomical, histological, and radiographic knowledge to assist in diagnosis, treatment, and the development of new specialized clinical-surgical strategies. For this purpose, 8 pancreases and 9 livers from cockatiels were utilized for anatomical descriptions, radiographic correlations, and histological analyses. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used for histology. For the radiographic analysis, liver measurements were taken, and the data obtained were subjected to Shapiro-Wilk tests and Pearson correlation tests. The pancreas of cockatiels is located between the intestinal loops, near the liver, and appears pale in color. Histologically, it has a thin connective tissue capsule, predominantly composed of acinar cells with zymogen granules and pancreatic islets. The liver is located in the second third of the coelomic cavity, does not exhibit defined hepatic lobules, and hepatocytes are arranged in irregular cords with the presence of sinusoidal capillaries among them. On radiography, the liver is positioned between the cardiac silhouette and the intestinal loops, forming an hourglass configuration. Statistical analysis did not indicate significant correlations between the variables. The study revealed similarities with other birds but highlighted gaps in the literature; thus, the collected data serve as a foundation for future research on the morphology of the species.