Metastasising osteosarcoma in an eastern white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)

Authors

  • Fieke Marije Molenaar Zoological Society of London
  • Taina Strike ZSL
  • Jo Dodds ZSL
  • Karla Berry ZSL
  • Trevor J. Whitbread Abbey Vet Services
  • Jamie Graham ZSL

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v3i3.77

Abstract

A 15-month old captive born Eastern white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) with an abnormal gait had a firm swelling of the right stifle that was unresponsive to conservative treatment with NSAIDs. Radiography of the leg showed disruption of the osseous detail of the distal femur and proximal tibiotarsus with a marked periosteal reaction, marked soft tissue swelling surrounding the right stifle and mottled increased radiodensity of these soft tissues. Despite medical treatment, the immobility of the leg progressed, inappetence set in and the bird was euthanased.  On post-mortem examination there was a large ossified mass at the right stifle and additional well circumscribed masses were evident in the leg and wing musculature, pectoral muscles and myocardium. Further masses were present in the liver and in one kidney. Histological examination identified the stifle mass as an osteosarcoma. The various masses found in the musculature, liver and kidney were constructed of similar cells and considered metastases. The predilection of the metastases for muscular tissue, including the myocardium, is unusual and has not previously been described in birds.

Author Biographies

Fieke Marije Molenaar, Zoological Society of London

Veterinary Officer

ZSL Veterinary Department

Whipsnade Zoo

Taina Strike, ZSL

Veterinary Officer

 

Jo Dodds, ZSL

RVN - Veterinary nurse

Karla Berry, ZSL

RVN - Veterinary nurse

Trevor J. Whitbread, Abbey Vet Services

Histopathologist

Jamie Graham, ZSL

Senior keeper - Park Birds

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Published

23-07-2015

How to Cite

Molenaar, F. M., Strike, T., Dodds, J., Berry, K., Whitbread, T. J., & Graham, J. (2015). Metastasising osteosarcoma in an eastern white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus). Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 3(3), 77–79. https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v3i3.77

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