SYNOVIAL CELL-SARCOMA IN A SULFUR-CRESTED COCKATOO (CACATUA-GALERITA)

A 13-year-old sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) was presente d with a mass surrounding the right elbow joint. Radiographs showed a soft tissue mass. The right wing was amputated. Histological examinati on of the mass revealed an incompletely lobulated tumour composed of s trands of spindle-shaped cells and of epithelial cells resembling acin i. On morphological grounds the tumour was classified to be a synovial cell sarcoma. After 6 months the bird was returned for examination be cause of lameness in the right leg. Radiographs showed osteolysis in t he right tibiotarsal bone. Cytological investigation of a bone marrow biopsy revealed neoplasia. The bird was euthanized. Necropsy revealed metastases in many organs. This is believed to be the first reported c ase of synovial cell sarcoma in a bird.