Squamous cell carcinoma in a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Comparative Oncology

Background:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer in various species.
• Information on SCC in exotic animals like capybaras is limited.

Observation:

• A 4-year-old male capybara presented with chronic recurrent dermatosis on its buttocks.
• A dense soft tissue mass with indistinct borders was identified via computed tomography.

Findings:

• Histological examination confirmed invasive squamous epithelial tumor cells with a severe desmoplastic reaction.
• The mass was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Implications:

• This case represents the first documented instance of squamous cell carcinoma in a capybara.
• Highlights the importance of diagnostic imaging and histopathology in exotic animal oncology.
• Contributes to the understanding of neoplastic diseases in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris).