Squamous cell carcinoma of wing in an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommonly reported neoplasm in avian species, often locally invasive, and rarely metastasizes to distant organs. Superficial chronic ulcerative dermatitis (SCUD) is a commonly observed dermatologic condition in companion psittacine birds. Methods: A ۹-year-old African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) was referred to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, with an ulcerated wing, accompanied by a firm, bony-dense mass on the left wing. These findings were attributed to the malignant transformation of an initial superficial chronic ulcerative dermatitis lesion that had developed over a two-year period. The left wing skin had previously been excised to remove a skin lesion; however, it recurred and caused impaired mobility and aggressive behavior due to the pain. Because of the lesion’s extensive nature, wing amputation was performed, and tissue samples were taken for histopathological evaluations. Results: Radiographic findings revealed calcified soft tissue masses, and no metastatic lesions were detected in other organs. Histologically, the left limb exhibited multifocal to coalescent cords and nests of moderately differentiated neoplastic squamous cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and numerous keratin pearl structures, composed of compact and concentric laminated keratin, consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Considering the malignancy of the tumor, poor prognosis, and high likelihood of recurrence, wing amputation represents the only effective approach to ensure long-term survival.

کلیدواژه ها:

African grey parrot ، Squamous cell carcinoma ، Wing amputation ، Histopathology ، Radiology