UTERINE ADENOMYOSIS AND AN ENDOMETRIAL POLYP IN A ROCK HYRAX (PROCAVIA CAPENSIS).

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Adenomyosis, the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium, is a recognized condition in various mammalian species.
• Uterine polyps are benign growths that can occur in the uterus, potentially causing abnormal bleeding.
• Reproductive health in rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) is not extensively documented, particularly concerning uterine pathologies.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old, nulliparous female rock hyrax presented with intermittent mucoid to bloody vaginal discharge over two consecutive years.
• The animal passed necrotic tissue fragments, suspected to be of vaginal or rectal origin, on two occasions.
• Initial diagnostic imaging, including physical examination, radiographs, and ultrasound, failed to identify the source of the discharge or tissue fragments.

Findings:

• Exploratory laparotomy and ovariohysterectomy were performed to investigate the persistent clinical signs.
• Histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis of adenomyosis with an accompanying uterine polyp.
• This case represents the first documented instance of uterine adenomyosis and an endometrial polyp in a rock hyrax.

Implications:

• This report expands the understanding of reproductive pathologies in rock hyraxes.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering uterine abnormalities in the differential diagnosis of vaginal discharge in this species.
• Successful surgical management suggests that ovariohysterectomy can be an effective treatment for these conditions in rock hyraxes.