Osteosarcoma of the wing in a sulfur‐crested cockatoo

• Published in: Veterinary clinical pathology Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 111 - 115
• Main Authors: Hastain, Sydney A., Mumm, Lauren, Ozawa, Sarah, Petritz, Olivia, Gaudette, Chris, Troan, Brigid V., Stowe, Devorah M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Bone cancer; Sarcoma
• ISSN: 0275-6382; 1939-165X
• DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13322

A 26‐year‐old female sulfur‐crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) was evaluated for vocalizing through the night and extending her right wing. Physical examination revealed a large, firm mass extending from the humerus to the distal aspect of the elbow. Computed tomography confirmed a large aggressive mass of the right distal humerus with a large soft tissue component, severe osteolysis, and adjacent periosteal proliferation. Fine‐needle aspirates of the mass were most compatible with sarcoma, and osteosarcoma was prioritized. An unstained slide was treated with nitroblue tetrazolium chloride/5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl phosphate toluidine salt‐phosphatase (NBT/BCIP) substrate for ALP detection and was strongly positive, confirming a diagnosis of osteosarcoma. A month later, the patient underwent wing amputation and arrested during recovery from anesthesia. Post‐mortem examination and histopathology were consistent with osteosarcoma. This case report highlights a rare occurrence of osteosarcoma in a cockatoo as well as its cytologic and histologic features. Additionally, this report provides support for NBT/BCIP application in ALP‐expressing tumors, a cytochemical stain that has been minimally investigated in avian species.