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Subcutaneous rhabdomyosarcoma in an old rabbit
Chun-Ho Park1, Chikage Nakajima, Kazunori Kimitsuki
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 23-35-1, Higashi, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|June 7, 2016
Summary
A rabbit was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue tumor, presenting as a subcutaneous mass. This finding highlights the importance of veterinary pathology in diagnosing rare rabbit cancers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Rabbit Medicine
Background:
- Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin, typically affecting skeletal muscle.
- While common in some species, rhabdomyosarcoma is rarely reported in rabbits, making this case significant for comparative oncology.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old rabbit presented with a subcutaneous mass on its right hind limb.
- Histopathological examination revealed a tumor with both solid (storiform/interlacing spindle cells, giant cells) and myxoid (elongated fusiform cells in Alcian Blue-positive stroma) areas.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cells were positive for desmin and vimentin, markers associated with muscle differentiation.
- Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the presence of myofilaments and Z-band structures within tumor cells, supporting a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of tumors in rabbits and contributes to the understanding of rhabdomyosarcoma in this species.
- Accurate diagnosis through detailed pathological analysis is crucial for identifying and managing rare neoplastic conditions in pet rabbits.
