Orbital lymphosarcoma associated with reticuloendotheliosis virus in a peafowl

Lymphosarcoma associated with infection by avian reticuloendotheliosis virus was diagnosed in an Indian peafowl with exophthalmia and exposure keratitis. Exenteration of the orbit was complicated by a profound oculocardiac reflex and extensive hemorrhage during surgery. Orbital bleeding was controlled by direct pressure, electrocautery, topical administration of bovine thrombin, and application of sterile gelatin sponges and oxidized regenerated cellulose. A blood transfusion was also performed. In addition to describing methods of handling intraoperative complications of orbital exenteration in birds, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to describe an association of reticuloendotheliosis virus, which more commonly affects poultry, with lymphosarcoma in an Indian peafowl.