Epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in 2 half-sibling bontebok

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Comparative Oncology
• Wildlife Health

Background:

• Epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma is a rare neoplastic condition.
• Zoo-managed ungulates can be susceptible to various diseases, including cancers.
• Bonteboks (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) are African antelopes managed in zoological collections.

Observation:

• Two aged, half-sibling bonteboks presented with chronic abdominal distension and poor body condition.
• Autopsy revealed significant forestomach abnormalities, including distension and blunted papillae/crests.
• One animal also exhibited mesenteric lymph node and cutaneous involvement with crusting.

Findings:

• Histopathology confirmed intraepithelial nests and sheets of neoplastic small lymphocytes in the forestomachs and skin.
• Immunohistochemistry revealed neoplastic lymphocytes were CD3-positive and CD20-negative.
• Diagnosis was confirmed as epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma of the forestomachs.

Implications:

• This case report describes a novel presentation of epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in bonteboks.
• Understanding this lymphoma's pathogenesis in zoo animals is crucial for potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Further investigation into forestomach neoplasia in captive wild ruminants is warranted.