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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Monoclonal hyperglobulinemia linked to lymphosarcoma in cockatiel

By Lennox, Angela et al.·Published in Avian diseases·2014·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Monoclonal hyperglobulinemia in lymphosarcoma in a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and a blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna).

Species:
bird
LymphomaStomach & digestionBirds

Plain-English summary

A 15-year-old cockatiel was brought in because it was less active and not eating well. Tests showed signs of a serious blood condition linked to cancer, but the owner chose not to pursue further treatment, and the bird sadly passed away two years later. In another case, a 4-year-old blue and gold macaw also showed signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. Despite receiving supportive care, this bird died just a week later, with tests confirming a similar cancer diagnosis. Both birds had extensive cancerous cells found in their liver.

People also search for: cockatiel not eating · macaw lethargy treatment · bird cancer symptoms · why is my bird losing weight · cockatiel health problems

Abstract

A 15-yr-old cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) presented with decreased activity and appetite. A presumptive diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disease was made because of a monoclonal band observed on plasma protein electrophoresis. The owner declined further diagnostics or treatment, and the bird died 2 yr later. In a second case, a 4-yr-old blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) presented with lethargy and anorexia. Despite supportive treatment, the bird died 7 days later. Blood studies also demonstrated a monoclonal band on plasma protein electrophoresis. The histologic review of tissues from both birds found extensive neoplastic lymphoplasmocytic cells in the liver and supported a diagnosis of lymphosarcoma.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25055643/