SUBCUTANEOUS XANTHOMAS IN CUBAN AMAZON (AMAZONA LEUCOCEPHALA): A COMMON RELEVANT PROBLEM IN AN ENDANGERED SPECIE

Xanthomas are caused classically by a hyperlipidemia that develops due to disturbances in lipid synthesis, lipid metabolism and lipid transport. Despite the A. leucocephala is an endangered species, in Cuba is one of the most popular pets, kept in small cages and fed with a lot of foods rich in fats and carbohydrates. In previous studies we have shown that in the genus Amazona, and in particular in A. leucocephala, there is a species related predisposition to hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. The alimentary regimen, combined with high levels of lipoproteins, favors the development of tumors of adipoblastic nature and chronic infl ammatory lesion as xanthomas and atherosclerosis plaques. Starting to January 2013 to July 2014, 273 A. leucocephala were evaluated at National Veterinary Clinic of Cuban Ornithological Association in attempt to evaluate the alimentary regimen, the lipoproteins profi le and the eventual presence of lipid-related lesions. Results evidenced a prevalence of 8,42% (23/273 parrots) of proliferative lesions of adipoblastic origin. The 78,26% of these lesions (18/23 parrots) consisted in xanthomas. Although xanthomas are locally invasive tumors, they are not real neoplasia, it needs additional factors to develop. Such factors are hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hormonal disorders and genetic. In this context it is essential the development of an educational program of the Cuban population as regards proper management and feeding of this species in captivity.