Lymphosarcoma with plasmacytoid differentiation in a scarlet macaw (Ara macao)

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 1, 2026

Laparoscopic Technique for Serial Collection of Liver and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Macaques
11:06

Laparoscopic Technique for Serial Collection of Liver and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Macaques

Published on: May 2, 2017

J A Ramos-Vara1, E J Smith, G L Watson

  • 1Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.

Avian Diseases
|April 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

A rare lymphosarcoma in a scarlet macaw (Ara macao) was identified, affecting the eye area. Microscopic analysis revealed lymphoid cells with plasmacytoid features, and no avian retrovirus RAV-1 was detected.

Area of Science:

  • Avian pathology
  • Veterinary oncology
  • Comparative pathology

Background:

  • Lymphosarcoma is a significant neoplastic condition in avian species.
  • Periocular tumors can impact a bird's vision and overall health.
  • Scarlet macaws (Ara macao) are susceptible to various health issues.

Observation:

  • A case of lymphosarcoma in a scarlet macaw is presented.
  • The tumor affected the periocular region, surrounding the eye.
  • Microscopic examination revealed neoplastic lymphoid cells with plasmacytoid characteristics.

Findings:

  • Ultrastructural analysis confirmed plasmacytoid features in the lymphoid cells.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing did not detect avian retrovirus RAV-1 in the tumor.
  • The absence of RAV-1 suggests alternative etiologies for this lymphosarcoma.

Implications:

  • This case contributes to the understanding of avian lymphosarcoma, particularly in psittacine birds.
  • The findings highlight the importance of detailed histopathological and ultrastructural evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific causes of lymphosarcoma in macaws lacking common retroviral markers.

Related Concept Videos

Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer01:03

Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer

Rous Sarcoma virus or RSV was discovered by F. Peyton Rous in the year 1911 as a filterable transmissible agent that could cause tumors in chickens. He won a Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1966. His experiments clearly demonstrated that some cancers could be caused by infectious agents and led to the discovery of many more cancer-causing viruses in animals as well as humans.
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand  RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...