Abstract A 3‐year‐old female Java sparrow ( Lonchura oryzivora ) presented with progressive respiratory distress, anorexia and coelomic distension. Imaging revealed hepatomegaly, coelomic effusion and biliary duct proliferation. Due to poor condition, only palliative therapy was provided. The bird died 2 weeks later. Postmortem examination showed an enlarged friable liver with necrosis and suspicion of biliary proliferation. Histopathology confirmed cholangiocarcinoma with severe hepatic necrosis. Cholangiocarcinoma, though rare in birds, has been reported in several avian species and is associated with chronic inflammation, hepatotoxins and nutritional imbalances. Diagnosis is challenging due to the limited specificity of routine tests, with ultrasound‐guided biopsy being the most effective diagnostic tool. Treatment options remain limited; surgical excision is rarely feasible, while chemotherapy and radiation lack established protocols in birds. The prognosis is poor, underscoring the importance of early detection and supportive care. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of avian hepatic neoplasms.
Weng et al. (2026) studied this question.