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Primary diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis).
Su-Min Kim1, Yeonsu Oh, Suk-Hun Oh
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 24341, Republic of Korea.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|November 17, 2015
Summary
This report details the first diagnosed case of malignant mesothelioma in a 10-year-old striped skunk. The skunk presented with abdominal distension, and masses were found throughout its peritoneum.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Oncology
- Mesothelioma Research
Background:
- Mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm arising from mesothelial cells.
- While documented in various species, its occurrence in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) is previously unreported.
- Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for understanding and managing this condition in diverse animal populations.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old female striped skunk exhibited severe abdominal distension and lethargy.
- Cytological analysis of peritoneal fluid showed activated mesothelial cells.
- Necropsy revealed numerous projecting masses (2-20 mm) on the peritoneum, mesentery, omentum, and intestinal serosa.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination identified papillo-tubular structures.
- Immunohistochemistry demonstrated spindle to polygonal tumor cells with nuclear polymorphism.
- Tumor cells were strongly reactive for calretinin, confirming a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of malignant mesothelioma in a striped skunk.
- It expands the known species affected by this neoplasm.
- Further research may elucidate the specific risk factors and biological behavior of mesothelioma in this species.
