T-cell Thymic Lymphoma With Proventricular Metastasis in a Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)

Abstract

An adult, wild-caught, female Florida scrub jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens) was evaluated because of an observable mass on the ventral neck. Initial physical examination and diagnostic tests were performed, which revealed a subcutaneous mass. Surgical removal of the mass was attempted, but the bird died during surgery. Results of necropsy and histopathologic evaluation identified the mass as thymic lymphoma with proventricular metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for CD3 in the thymic mass and within the predominant lymphoid population in the serosal proventricular masses, which confirmed metastasis of T-cell lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T-cell thymic lymphoma in a wild Florida scrub jay.

Hepatic T‐cell lymphoma in a blue‐fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) and subcutaneous T‐cell lymphoma in a grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

“…One case report positively identified cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma on the buccal region of a male peafowl ( Pavo cristatus ); however, the patient died 4 weeks after surgical excision of the mass 21 . A Florida Scrub Jay ( Aphelocoma coerulescens ) was diagnosed with a thymic T‐cell lymphoma; however, the patient died under anaesthesia while the mass was being surgically resected 22 . In another publication, thymic T‐cell lymphoma was diagnosed in a Java sparrow ( Padda oryzivora ) via immunohistochemistry, which responded to chemotherapy for 61 weeks, until it became acutely ill and was euthanased 23 .…”

“…21 A Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) was diagnosed with a thymic T-cell lymphoma; however, the patient died under anaesthesia while the mass was being surgically resected. 22 In another publication, thymic T-cell lymphoma was diagnosed in a Java sparrow (Padda oryzivora) via immunohistochemistry, which responded to chemotherapy for 61 weeks, until it became acutely ill and was euthanased. 23 Potential adjunct treatments such as intratumoral chemotherapy and radiation were discussed, but ultimately declined by the owner due to the concerns for potential adverse effects from these treatments.…”

“…12 Histopathology and immunohistochemistry can be helpful to differentiate between thymoma and thymic lymphoma in birds. 13 In this case, immunohistochemistry was utilised to confirm the diagnosis of a T-cell lymphoma, but the site of origin could not be determined. Based on the location of the mass, it was most suspected to be of thymic origin.…”

“…The highest differentials for the mass found in the cervical region of the grey parrot after diagnostic imaging and histopathology were cutaneous or thymic lymphoid neoplasms 12 . Histopathology and immunohistochemistry can be helpful to differentiate between thymoma and thymic lymphoma in birds 13 . In this case, immunohistochemistry was utilised to confirm the diagnosis of a T‐cell lymphoma, but the site of origin could not be determined.…”