A case of xanthoma in a Saanen goat

This report describes a case of a subcutaneous xanthoma of the sacral region in a 2-year-old female Saanen goat. The tan-coloured mass was 8.5 cm × 4.0 cm × 0.5 cm in size. Yellow-white areas were present across the cut surface. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of foamy macrophages, numerous giant cells, abundant lipid material and cholesterol clefts. The structure consisted of lobular areas surrounded by a stroma. Tissue sections were negative for bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria. Frozen tissue from the mass stained positively with Oil Red O, confirming lipid accumulation in both the extracellular spaces and the large foamy macrophages. Immunohistochemically, the mass was positive for vimentin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD68, but negative for smooth muscle actin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 protein antibodies. As the animal was presented dead, it was not possible to analyse blood lipid levels. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a xanthoma in a goat.