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Retroperitoneal teratoma in a skunk (Mephitis mephitis).
John S Munday1, Steve E Fairchild, Cathy A Brown
1Athens Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Georgia 30602, USA.
Summary
A striped skunk experienced a retroperitoneal mass, diagnosed as a benign teratoma. Surgical removal was curative, suggesting this tumor type is a key consideration for abdominal masses in skunks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Oncology
- Wildlife Medicine
Background:
- Teratomas are germ cell tumors containing various tissue types.
- Extragonadal teratomas are rare, particularly in wild mammals.
- Retroperitoneal masses can present diagnostic challenges in exotic animals.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old striped skunk presented with a large retroperitoneal mass.
- Histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed a benign teratoma.
- A recurrent, histologically similar neoplasm was surgically removed six months later.
Findings:
- Complete surgical excision of the benign teratoma was achieved.
- The skunk survived 16 months post-surgery without evidence of recurrence.
- This case suggests complete excision may be curative for benign teratomas in skunks.
Implications:
- Benign teratomas should be included in the differential diagnosis for retroperitoneal masses in striped skunks.
- Surgical management can be effective for extragonadal teratomas in wildlife.
- This case contributes to the understanding of neoplasia in Mephitis mephitis.