Quill mite (Dermoglyphus passerinus) infestation of canaries (Serinus canaria): diagnosis and treatment. Quill mites are described in many species of birds. Most reports state that the infestation is difficult or impossible to treat. In this case report the diagnosis, identification and successful treatment of the quill mite in canaries is described.

A 13-year-old sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) was presented with a mass surrounding the right elbow joint. Radiographs showed a soft tissue mass. The right wing was amputated. Histological examination of the mass revealed an incompletely lobulated tumour composed of strands of spindle-shaped cells and of epithelial cells resembling acini. On morphological grounds the tumour was classified to be a synovial cell sarcoma. After 6 months the bird was returned for examination because of lameness in the right leg. Radiographs showed osteolysis in the 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 case of synovial cell sarcoma in a bird.

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