Vertebral osteoma in a dromedary camel

Bilateral osteoma cutis in a Peach-Faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)

An osteoma is an infrequent tumor documented in avian species. An adult female Peach-Faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) with a history of previous trauma was examined due to the presence of bilateral hard and yellowish-white masses in the radio-cubital humerus junction. Histopathological dermal examination revealed a non-neoplastic process of mesenchymal origin, characterized by the formation of well-differentiated trabecular bone, multiple areas of medullary bone and loose connective tissue and coagulation of the necrosis foci. Based on the histological findings and the medical history, the masses were diagnosed as bilateral secondary osteoma cutis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathology with an acute course in this exotic pet bird. The previous trauma could be the initiating cause.

Osteoma in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva)

Osteoma is an uncommon bone formation documented in avian species and other animals. A blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) with clinical respiratory symptoms was examined because of a hard mass present on the left nostril. Radiographs suggested a bone tumor, and the mass was surgically excised. Histopathologic examination revealed features of an osteoma. To our knowledge, this is the first description of an osteoma in a blue-fronted Amazon parrot. Osteoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in birds with respiratory distress and swelling of the nostril.

Suspected osteoma in an eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus roratus)

A 7-month-old, male eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus roratus) was presented with a slow-growing mass over the chest and localized self-trauma to the area. Repeated sternal trauma secondary to an improper wing trim was observed in this case before development of the lesion. Surgical excision of the mass was performed for diagnostic and treatment purposes. On histopathologic examination, the mass was characterized by well-differentiated trabecular bone surrounded by a thin layer of periosteum. These findings were consistent with, but not exclusive to, a diagnosis of osteoma. This benign bone lesion is rare in human and veterinary medicine, with even fewer reports of this condition in avian patients. Trauma to the sternum from falling because of wing clipping was the most likely inciting cause in this parrot.

Multicentric fibromyxoid peripheral nerve sheath tumor (multicentric schwannoma) in a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): morphopathological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies

During postslaughter inspection of a 4-year-old male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), numerous small nodules to large masses up to 4 cm in diameter were found on the serosal surfaces of forestomachs, large intestines, mesentery, liver, and spleen. Grossly, the masses were discrete, round, smooth, and white to gray that bulged from the serosal layer. Cut surfaces of the masses were discrete, round, white, and relatively homogeneous without any necrotic foci. Histopathologically, the masses were encapsulated and composed of a mixture of round and spindle-shaped cells in loose whorls of neoplastic cells with small elongated hyperchromatic wavy nuclei and a small amount of pale eosinophilic, poorly defined cytoplasm. Masson's trichrome staining showed mild amounts of collagen fibers forming an irregular, loose stroma. In immunohistochemistry, immunoreactivity for the Schwann cell marker (S100) was diffusely positive in the neoplastic cells. The immunoreactivity for CK, c-kit, and CD34 were negative. Ultrastructural examination confirmed the tumor was entirely formed of neoplastic Schwann cells. On the basis of the histopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings, the tumors were diagnosed as multicentric fibromyxoid peripheral nerve sheath tumor (multicentric schwannoma). This tumor has not been previously recorded in camel worldwide.