Giant cell tumor of the bone in a scarlet macaw (Ara macao).
A 6-mo-old female scarlet macaw (Ara macao) was presented after a 2-mo period of anorexia and weakness. The bird was reluctant to fly 1 wk before referral due to a painful left wing. Physical examination revealed a firm swelling around the left shoulder. On radiographs, the diaphysis and proximal metaphysis of the left scapula were radiolucent. Computer tomography revealed an osteolytic process, suggestive of a bone tumor, affecting the left scapula. Cytology of a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass showed erythrocytes, a proliferation of spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells, and multinucleated giant cells (osteoclasts) suggestive of a giant cell tumor. The left wing, including the scapula, was amputated. The bird showed a fast recovery but died 1 hr later. Findings during the pathological examination were compatible with shock due to blood loss. The shoulder process was characterized as a giant cell tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first complete report of a giant cell tumor of the bone in a bird.
Amann
Olga
O
Division of Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CM, the Netherlands.
Meij
B P
BP
Westerhof
Ineke
I
Kik
Marja
M
Lumeij
J T
JT
Schoemaker
Nico J
NJ
D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D018212:Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010311:Parrots