Salivary Gland Adenoma in a North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli)

J Avian Med Surg. 2022 Jan;35(4):440-444. doi: 10.1647/20-00019.

Abstract

A 7-month-old male North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) was transferred from a European zoological park to a North American private aviary. The bird appeared clinically normal upon arrival, but within 30 days, it developed clinical disease signs of sneezing, stridor, and increased respiratory effort. Upon examination a 1-mm yellow plaque was identified on the glottis. After 14 days of empiric treatment with enrofloxacin, meloxicam, and itraconazole, on repeat examination, the glottal plaque had increased in size to a 7-mm-diameter friable mass attached to the right laryngeal cartilage and was partially obstructing the airway. Initially, 80% of the mass was manually dislodged, but within 4 days the tissue mass had again enlarged to approximately 3 mm × 4 mm × 4 mm, prompting surgical excision. On histopathologic examination, the mass was identified as a benign salivary gland adenoma without clear margins. Approximately 3 years postexcision, there is no evidence of tumor regrowth. The successful excision of a benign salivary tumor described in this report will serve as a valuable guide for future cases of similar neoplasms diagnosed in the oral cavity of kiwis and other avian species.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma* / surgery
  • Adenoma* / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Bird Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Bird Diseases* / surgery
  • Male
  • Salivary Glands
  • Struthioniformes*