Synovial cell sarcoma in a sulphur‐crested cockatoo (<i>Cacatua galerita</i>)

Abstract

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.