How to translate text using browser tools
1 March 2018 Central Nervous System B-cell Lymphoma in a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Marike Visser, Heather Walz, Stephanie Shrader, Jey Koehler, Jamie Bellah
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

An adult bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) presented for nystagmus and an inability to fly. On physical examination, the eagle was open-mouth breathing and tachycardic at 200 beats per minute, had a wrinkled cere and sunken eyes, and was an estimated 10% dehydrated. Additionally, the eagle was extremely weak, with neurologic abnormalities including bilateral proprioceptive deficits, nystagmus, and no pupillary light reflex in the left eye. Despite aggressive treatment, the eagle continued to decline rapidly and subsequently died. On histologic examination, diffuse and widespread infiltration of neoplastic lymphocytes was present in the brain, optic nerves, and pecten. Immunohistochemical PAX-5 labeling confirmed B-cell lymphoma confined to the eye and nervous system. Test results for select avian retroviruses, Marek's disease, West Nile virus, avian influenza viruses, and Mycoplasma were negative. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B-cell lymphoma in a bald eagle. Although rare, this condition is a differential diagnosis in cases of neurologic or ocular diseases in birds.

© 2018 by the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Marike Visser, Heather Walz, Stephanie Shrader, Jey Koehler, and Jamie Bellah "Central Nervous System B-cell Lymphoma in a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 32(1), 40-44, (1 March 2018). https://doi.org/10.1647/2016-188
Published: 1 March 2018
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top