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1 June 2016 Malignant Melanoma of the Syrinx and Liver in an African Grey Parrot ( Psittacus erithacus erithacus)
Trenton C. Shrader, James W. Carpenter, Ada Giselle Cino-Ozuna, Gordon A. Andrews
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A 20-year-old, female African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was examined because of ataxia and weakness. Radiographs were unremarkable, and results of a complete blood cell count revealed leukocytosis and heterophilia. Because of poor response to therapy with meloxicam, doxycycline, and enrofloxacin; deteriorating condition; and poor prognosis, the parrot was euthanatized. Postmortem examination revealed 2 dark red nodules in the liver. No grossly visible mass was observed in the syrinx. Histologic examination of the liver and syrinx revealed similar foci of round, oval, and polygonal cells exhibiting severe pleomorphism, with poorly demarcated cytoplasmic borders and moderate amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm containing brown to black granules (melanin). The mitotic index was 15. The presence of melanin pigment is consistent with a diagnosis of melanoma at both sites. The multifocal distribution and intravascular invasion indicate metastasis; however, the site of origin was unknown. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of melanoma in an avian syrinx.

© 2016 by the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Trenton C. Shrader, James W. Carpenter, Ada Giselle Cino-Ozuna, and Gordon A. Andrews "Malignant Melanoma of the Syrinx and Liver in an African Grey Parrot ( Psittacus erithacus erithacus)," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 30(2), 165-171, (1 June 2016). https://doi.org/10.1647/2014-071
Published: 1 June 2016
KEYWORDS
African grey parrot
Avian
melanoma
neoplasia
Psittacus erithacus erithacus
syrinx
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