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Published on: October 2, 2015
A peritoneal mesothelioma in a captive aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)
F I Wang1, M T Chiou, C H Chang
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, ROC.
Abstract:
A 10-year-old male aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) was presented abdominal distention and emaciation for 3 months. Physical examination revealed firm abdominal masses with effusions. Cytologic assessment of the effusion showed uniform round tumor cells with a surface brush border. Necropsy showed white velvety masses covering the peritoneal surface of the liver, gall bladder, stomach, omentum, mesentery, spleen, intestine, abdominal wall and diaphragm. Histologic examination demonstrated papillary projections, lined with cuboidal tumor cells supported by fibrous connective tissue cores, arising from the serosa of visceral organs. Cytoplasmic vacuolation and a surface brush border were evident on some cells under light microscopy. Tumor cells stained positive for both cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and vimentin. Electron microscopy showed prominent surface microvilli, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and desmosomes in tumor cells. This may be the first reported case of peritoneal mesothelioma in a captive wild aardwolf.
Insights
This study reports the first case of peritoneal mesothelioma in a captive aardwolf (Proteles cristatus). The rare cancer presented as abdominal masses and was characterized by specific tumor cell features.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Oncology
Background:
- Aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) is a rarely studied carnivore.
- Mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm arising from serosal surfaces.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old captive aardwolf presented with chronic abdominal distention and emaciation.
- Physical examination revealed abdominal masses and effusion.
- Necropsy identified widespread peritoneal masses.
Findings:
- Cytology showed round tumor cells with a surface brush border.
- Histology revealed papillary projections of cuboidal cells from the visceral serosa.
- Tumor cells expressed cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and vimentin.
- Electron microscopy confirmed features like surface microvilli and desmosomes.
Implications:
- This is the first documented case of peritoneal mesothelioma in an aardwolf.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare neoplasms in captive wildlife.
- Contributes to comparative oncology research in exotic species.
