Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Esophageal cancer causing regurgitation in a blue-fronted Amazon
By Vieu, Sabrina et al.·Published in Veterinary Record Case Reports·2024·Service des Nouveaux Animaux de Compagnie, Oniris, CHUV Nantes France, France·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a blue‐fronted Amazon parrot ( Amazona aestiva )
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A 14-year-old female blue-fronted Amazon parrot was brought in for regurgitation episodes that didn't improve with treatment. Despite various tests, including blood work and imaging, the cause remained unclear until a CT scan showed thickening of the esophagus. Unfortunately, the bird became lethargic and lost weight, and she died during recovery from anesthesia. A post-mortem examination confirmed that she had esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer. This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing serious conditions in birds.
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Abstract
Abstract A 14‐year‐old, female, blue‐fronted Amazon parrot was referred for episodes of regurgitation. The differential diagnosis mainly included bornavirus infection, infectious or traumatic ingluvitis, gastro‐oesophageal reflux, gastritis/enteritis, heavy metal poisoning, metabolic disease (severe hepatic or renal disease), coelomitis, digestive neoplasia, extra‐digestive masses, organomegaly or foreign body. No improvement was noted with symptomatic treatment. Radiographs, avian bornavirus polymerase chain reaction and serology, biochemistry, haematology, crop cytology and ultrasonography failed to provide a definitive diagnosis. Lethargy, weight loss and crop stasis after 1 month motivated computed tomography, which revealed focal thickening of the oesophageal wall. Fine‐needle aspiration under computed tomography guidance of the mass was non‐diagnostic, and the bird died during recovery from anaesthesia. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by histopathology. This case illustrates the benefit of advanced diagnostic imaging to investigate chronic refractory regurgitations and describes the use of computed tomography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration in an avian patient.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.943