Lacrimal cystadenoma in a Chinese box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata)

An adult male Chinese box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) presented to the Avian and Exotic Pet Service of the Animal Medical Center for periorbital swelling of the right eye. The swelling had failed to respond to nutritional supplementation and parenteral administration of vitamin A. What had initially presented as periorbital swelling developed into a growth ventral to the globe that impeded vision and was frequently traumatized by forelimb movements of the turtle. Twenty-six months after initial presentation, the turtle was anesthetized and the bulk of the mass was surgically removed. Histopathologic examination determined the mass to be a benign lacrimal cystadenoma.