Metastatic carcinoma of the cloaca in a male cockatoo

Abstract

mary malignant neoplasia of the cloaca is uncommon in psittacines. Carcinoma of the cloaca was diagnosed post mortem in a 23 year old umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) presented for a 6 month history of tenesmus and weight loss. On physical examination, the cockatoo had a red and inflamed cloaca and reduced pectoral muscle mass. Cloacoscopy revealed an ulcerated and inflamed cloaca. A biopsy of the cloaca revealed moderate chronic fibrosing cloacitis and a fecal gram stain did not show any abnormalities. Basic blood work was within normal parameters. The cockatoo was started on a treatment regimen to provide analgesia and decrease inflammation of the cloaca which included oral Lactulose, Gabapentin, Tramadol, Clonadine and a topical mixture composed of 2% Lidocaine, 2-4% Diphenhydramine, and 0.02% Misoprostol. The bird responded to initial medical therapy; however his clinical condition deteriorated after 2 months. He was hospitalized and abnormal laboratory findings included hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, elevated creatinine kinase, and leukocytosis with a left shift. The patient’s condition and blood work did not improve after 5 days of medical therapy which included intraosseous fluid therapy, Allopurinol, Enrofloxacin, Meloxicam, Tramadol, and supportive care. He was euthanized and gross necropsy revealed bilaterally enlarged kidneys. Post mortem histopathology revealed a final diagnosis of carcinoma of the cloaca with metastasis to the liver, kidney, and muscle.