A fatal case of oak poisoning in a double-wattled cassowary (Casuarius casuarius).

A double-wattled cassowary died following a clinical course of severe diarrhea, anorexia, and polydypsia. At necropsy, prolapse of the penis, severe enteritis, and swelling of the kidneys with subcapsular heavy deposits of urates were noted. Histologic lesions comprised nephrosis, interstitial edemia of the muscle, and sloughing of the intestinal villi. Leaves collected from the gizzard were identified as coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Diagnosis of oak poisoning was made based on the renal lesions and the finding of a high content of tannins in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Oak poisoning has not been reported previously in avian species.