Humeral air sac cystadenocarcinoma in a rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)

A 17-year-old female rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) was presented for a swelling over the right proximal humerus and an inability to fly.

Radiographs revealed a markedly osteoproductive and moderately osteolytic lesion of the proximal left humerus with marked associated soft tissue swelling. Biopsy of the proximal humerus was consistent with an air sac cystadenocarcioma. The bird's condition deteriorated over 25 days after initial presentation and it developed a respiratory wheeze, tail bob, tachypnea and died. On postmortem examination, the bird was found to have an air sac cystadenocarcinoma associated with the proximal humerus, extending into the thoracic cavity through a network of fibrous sheets and displaying infiltration into the lung tissue bilaterally.

This is the first report of a humeral air sac cystadenocarcinoma in a lorikeet and it builds on our understanding of the species affected by avian neoplasia.