Papillary Cystadenocarcinoma in a Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Abstract

Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) is a tiny colorful parrot and one of the most popular pets worldwide. This study was performed on a 5-year-old male budgerigar with a large and fluid-filled mass in the anterior part of the neck. Fine needle aspiration was accomplished to determine tumor origin, and the tumor content was cultured on blood and MacConkey agars (aerobic and anaerobic conditions). Besides, tumor ultrasonography and whole-body radiographs were done in the lateral and ventrodorsal positions. Finally, the tumor was removed, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). The radiology and ultrasonography results showed that the tumor (5.2×4×3.7 cm) had a homogenous structure filled with echogenic fluid content. The tumor content culture revealed no bacterial growth. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of cystic spaces with invagination of the lining epithelial cells, forming intraluminal papillae. The tumor was diagnosed as a papillary cystadenocarcinoma.