Psittacid herpesvirus DNA in a pancreatic duct carcinoma in a macaw

Herpetic Pneumonia in Indian Ringneck Parrots (Psittacula krameri): First Report of Novel Psittacid Alphaherpesvirus-5 Infection in Europe

The first two European outbreaks of herpetic pneumonia caused by Psittacid alphaherpesvirus-5 were diagnosed based on gross pathology findings, histological examination, transmission electron microscopy visualization and genome sequencing. The outbreaks, characterized by high morbidity and high mortality rates, involved two parrot species, namely the Indian ringneck parrot (Psittacula krameri) and the Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria). Clinical signs observed were ruffled feathers, dyspnea, tail bobbing, open wings while breathing, depression and anorexia. Necropsy was performed on Indian ringneck parrots only, and the most evident and serious gross lesion found in all the birds was a diffuse marked consolidation of the lungs associated with parenchyma congestion and oedema. Histological examination confirmed the existence of bronchopneumonia characterized by the presence of syncytial cells with intranuclear inclusion bodies. In one bird, fibrinous airsacculitis was observed as well. Lung tissue inspection through electron microscopy revealed the presence of virus particles resembling herpesviruses. Viral DNA was extracted, amplified using primers for Alloherpesviridae DNA polymerase gene detection, and then sequenced. BLAST analysis showed a 100% identity with the only previously reported sequence of PsHV-5 (MK955929.1).

Disseminated pancreatic adenocarcinoma in an eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus)

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 15-year-old 0.412-kg (0.906-lb) sexually intact male eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) was evaluated because its owners found it lethargic and dyspneic at the bottom of its cage.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

The parrot was thin and had generalized muscle wasting, diffuse feather loss, pale mucous membranes, and melena. The coelomic cavity was distended and soft on palpation, with coelomic effusion suspected. Results of a CBC indicated leukocytosis with left shift heterophilia, including toxic heterophils, lymphopenia, and anemia. Plasma biochemical analyses revealed severe hyperamylasemia.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

Radiography revealed no evidence of a metallic foreign body but severe loss of coelomic detail, suggestive of a coelomic mass, coelomic effusion with coelomitis, or both. Ultrasonography and CT revealed severe accumulation of coelomic fluid; a large, heterogeneous, irregularly marginated, and moderately vascularized mass in the caudal aspect of the coelomic cavity; and multiple hepatic, coelomic, and pulmonary nodules. On the basis of a poor prognosis, the parrot was euthanized. Necropsy results confirmed exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with disseminated metastases in the liver, gastrointestinal tract, coelomic cavity, and lungs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In birds, pancreatic adenocarcinoma is rarely reported but should be considered a differential diagnosis for hyperamylasemia, coelomic mass, coelomic effusion, or abnormal gastrointestinal signs, alone or in combination. Ultrasonography and CT can be useful in further evaluating such patients and should be considered in the diagnostic plan.

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas in a cockatiel ( Nymphicus hollandicus ): case report

ABSTRACT Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas is a malignant neoplasm that is uncommon among domestic species, especially cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), one of the most popular birds kept as a pet throughout the world. The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence of an undifferentiated carcinoma in the pancreas of a cockatiel. A bird, an adult male that died naturally with swelling in the abdominal region, was referred to necropsy. Macroscopic examination showed poor body condition, the coelomic cavity filled with liquid and a white mass attached to the pancreas and other smaller masses attached to the duodenum. Tissue samples and organs were harvested and fixed in 10% buffered formalin, then routinely processed for histopathology and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Microscopic analysis demonstrated an epithelial neoplasia with a predominantly solid pattern, lymphatic invasion and involvement of the intestinal serous membrane. These findings indicate the occurrence of an undifferentiated pancreatic carcinoma in a cockatiel that was diagnosed by histopathology.

Lesions of the avian pancreas

Although not well described, occasional reports of avian exocrine and endocrine pancreatic disease are available. This article describes the lesions associated with common diseases of the avian pancreas reported in the literature and/or seen by the authors.

A review of DNA viral infections in psittacine birds

To date, several DNA viral infections have been reported in psittacine birds. Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is characterized by symmetric feather dystrophy and loss and development of beak deformities. PBFD is caused by beak and feather virus, which belongs to the Circoviridae, and is the most important infection in psittacine birds worldwide. Avian polyomavirus infection causes acute death, abdominal distention, and feather abnormalities. Pacheco's disease (PD), which is caused by psittacid herpesvirus type 1, is an acute lethal disease without a prodrome. Psittacine adenovirus infections are described as having a clinical progression similar to PD. The clinical changes in psittacine poxvirus-infected birds include serious ocular discharge, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis, followed by the appearance of ulcerations on the medial canthi of the eyes. Internal papillomatosis of parrots (IPP) is a tumor disease characterized by progressive development of papillomas in the oral and cloacal mucosa. IPP has been suggested to caused by papillomavirus or herpesvirus. However, information about these diseases is limited. Here we review the etiology, clinical features, pathology, epidemiology, and diagnosis of these DNA viruses.