How to translate text using browser tools
21 April 2021 Brain Ependymoma in an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)
Anaïs Sailler, Maïa Vanel, Sylvain Larrat, Emmanuel Risi
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A 14-year-old unsexed African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was presented with a 12-hour history of neurological signs and vomiting. The external physical examination of the patient revealed lethargy, moderate hypothermia, a head tilt, and horizontal nystagmus. Whole-body radiographic imaging and blood biochemistry parameters were unremarkable, and a serological test to detect bornavirus was negative. A computed tomography scan of the bird revealed a large cystic lesion located on the fourth ventricle of the brain. In spite of treatment (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotic and antiparasitic therapy), the parrot's health continued to decline, and it was euthanatized 12 days after presentation. A complete postmortem examination was performed on the patient's brain. Histopathological interpretation of tissues submitted described a large neoformation composed of cells arranged in perivascular pseudorosettes. Hyperchromatic nuclei and marked anisokaryosis were suggestive of a malignant tumor. The tissue mass was associated with significant dilation of the fourth ventricle and a severe peripheral gliosis. The histopathological diagnosis of the neoformation was an ependymoma. Ependymomas are glial tumors of the ependymal cells that line the central canal and the ventricles of the brain and are rarely described in mammals. In birds, ependymomas were only described in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). In human medicine, the recommended treatment is surgical removal of the tumor when possible, followed by radiotherapy.

© 2021 by the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Anaïs Sailler, Maïa Vanel, Sylvain Larrat, and Emmanuel Risi "Brain Ependymoma in an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 35(1), 75-79, (21 April 2021). https://doi.org/10.1647/1082-6742-35.1.75
Published: 21 April 2021
KEYWORDS
African grey parrot
Avian
Central nervous system
computed tomography
ependymoma
neoplasia
Psittacus erithacus erithacus
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top