Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)

A tumour located in the pectoral region and the left front flipper was observed in a 29-year-old female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) that died following signs of respiratory disease and inappetence. Metastases were present in the lung and adrenal gland. The histological pattern of the tumour was variable. In some areas the tumour consisted of pleomorphic fibroblast-like cells arranged in a storiform pattern, while in other areas it comprised oval or polygonal cells with round to oval nuclei and some bizarre cells arranged in an alveolar pattern. Occasionally, multinucleated giant cells were observed. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells only expressed vimentin. On the basis of the microscopical and immunohistochemical features the tumour was diagnosed as an undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma. This type of neoplasm with disseminated involvement of other organs is rare in all species and has never been reported in California sea lions.