Comparative study of the photodynamic therapy / lasertherapy and the use of antibiotics in foot lesions (Bumblefoot) in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus)

Abstract

Because it is part of the migratory route of Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), Brazil has extreme importance with respect to conservation of the species which is classified as "near threatened" by the IUCN red list of threatened species (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Penguins in captivity or rehabilitation centers are liable to develop foot lesions, also known as bumblefoot, a syndrome of multiple etiologies, which in birds is a generic term used to describe any inflammation or infection in the hind limbs. Treatment of foot pad lesions in penguins is often long and frustrating, mostly involves surgery for debridement of necrotic tissue followed by the use of systemic and topical antibiotics. One alternative that has been gaining attention in the literature in recent decades is the photodynamic therapy (PDT), which can be used in microbiological control and laser therapy that can be used as a promoter of tissue repair. The aim of this study is compare the efficacy of antibiotic therapy reported in literature and the Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and laser therapy in the elimination of the infectious and resistant bacteria, tissue repair time, hematological and biochemical parameters and cost of treatment. (AU)