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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Athens, Georgia » U.S. National Poultry Research Center » Avian Disease and Oncology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #317546
Title: Bilateral uveitis and hyphema in a Catalina Macaw (Ara ararauna x Ara macao) associated with multicentric lymphoma

Author
item HAUSMANN, JENNIFER - University Of Wisconsin
item MANS, CHRISTOPH - University Of Wisconsin
item GOSLING, ALLYSON - University Of Wisconsin
item MILLER, JAIMIE - University Of Wisconsin
item CHAMBERLIN, TAMARA - University Of Wisconsin
item Dunn, John
item MILLER, PAUL - University Of Wisconsin
item SLADKY, KURT - University Of Wisconsin

Submitted to: Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2015
Publication Date: 6/1/2016
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/5801895
Citation: Hausmann, J.C., Mans, C., Gosling, A., Miller, J.L., Chamberlin, T., Dunn, J.R., Miller, P.E., Sladky, K.K. 2016. Bilateral uveitis and hyphema in a Catalina Macaw (Ara ararauna x Ara macao) associated with multicentric lymphoma. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. 30(2):172-178. doi: 10.1647/2015-105.

Interpretive Summary: A 20 year-old Catalina macaw was evaluated for unusual abnormalities in the eyes. Neoplasia was suspected and lymphoma was found following postmortem evaluation. Marek’s disease is the main cause of lymphoma in the eye of avian species, but was ruled out in this case along with other avian tumor viruses. This is the first known report of intraocular lymphoma in a macaw and indicates that lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for psittacines with anterior uveitis and hyphema.

Technical Abstract: A 20-year-old, female Catalina macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao) was presented with bilateral uveitis and hyphema. The hyphema initially improved with 0.12% prednisolone acetate ophthalmic drops (1 drop OU q4h for 7 days), but the hyphema recurred after the drops were tapered. The bird subsequently developed inappetance, weight loss, regurgitation, and lethargy and was euthanatized 24 days after initial presentation. Necropsy revealed marked splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, with significant mucosal ulcerations of the proventriculus and petechiation associated with both kidneys. Histopathologic examination revealed multicentric lymphoma, with neoplastic cells observed in ocular, splenic, hepatic, renal, proventricular, intestinal, pancreatic, and choanal tissue. Neoplastic lymphocytes effaced the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid of the eyes, and neoplastic lymphocytes were attached to the corneal endothelium and infiltrated the sclera, episclera, and conjunctivae. Immunohistochemical results indicated that the neoplastic lymphocytes were CD3 (+) and CD79a (-), which is consistent with T-cell lymphoma.