CALVARIAL OSTEOSARCOMA WITH CEREBRAL COMPRESSION IN A FREE-RANGING POWERFUL OWL (NINOX STRENUA)

A free-ranging powerful owl (Ninox strenua) presented in a dull state with extensive bruising of the skin overlying the skull, due to suspected trauma. Supportive care was provided, which resulted in the return to a normal state, although intermittent subtle neurologic abnormalities remained. One mo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine 2017-03, Vol.48 (1), p.208-212
Main Authors: Sladakovic, Izidora, Sangster, Cheryl R, Allan, Graeme S, Portas, Timothy J, Howlett, Cameron R, Blas-Machado, Uriel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Avian
Bird Diseases - diagnosis
Bird Diseases - pathology
Brain Diseases - etiology
Brain Diseases - pathology
Brain Diseases - veterinary
BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS
calvarium
neoplasia
Ninox strenua
osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma - diagnosis
Osteosarcoma - veterinary
powerful owl
Skull Neoplasms - complications
Skull Neoplasms - pathology
Skull Neoplasms - veterinary
Strigiformes
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Summary:A free-ranging powerful owl (Ninox strenua) presented in a dull state with extensive bruising of the skin overlying the skull, due to suspected trauma. Supportive care was provided, which resulted in the return to a normal state, although intermittent subtle neurologic abnormalities remained. One month from original presentation, intermittent episodes of head turning and a possible seizure were noted, but behavior and appetite were otherwise normal. The owl was referred to Taronga Wildlife Hospital for evaluation. On presentation, the owl exhibited severe neurologic abnormalities, prompting euthanasia. At necropsy the dorsum of the skull exhibited marked osseous proliferation, extending ventrally and compressing the cerebrum. The skull was radiographed and submitted for histopathology. A diagnosis of osteoblastic osteosarcoma was made. This is the first report of a calvarial osteosarcoma in a powerful owl.
ISSN:1042-7260
1937-2825
DOI:10.1638/2013-0285.1