Bilateral Uveitis and Hyphema in a Catalina Macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao ) With Multicentric Lymphoma

J Avian Med Surg. 2016 Jun;30(2):172-8. doi: 10.1647/2015-105.

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.

Keywords: Ara ararauna × Ara macao; Catalina macaw; avian; corticosteroid; multicentric T-cell lymphoma; uveitis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bird Diseases / pathology*
  • Female
  • Hyphema / pathology
  • Hyphema / veterinary*
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Lymphoma / veterinary*
  • Psittaciformes*
  • Uveitis / pathology
  • Uveitis / veterinary*