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A Mouse Model of Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Testing Neoadjuvant Therapies
Published on: July 28, 2020
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Soft tissue sarcomas in 2 zoo-housed Alaskan moose
Bridget Walker1, Ronan Eustace2, Randall E Junge3
1Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA.
Summary
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare in moose but can cause lameness and swelling. Histopathology confirmed STS in two moose, highlighting its importance as a differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Oncology
- Comparative Medicine
Background:
- Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are common cutaneous neoplasms in domestic animals.
- Cutaneous neoplasms are infrequently reported in cervids, with papilloma virus-induced benign cutaneous fibromas (BCFs) being the most common.
- Two Alaskan moose (Alces alces) presented with lameness and masses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence and diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas in two moose.
- To describe the clinical and histopathological findings of STSs in cervids.
- To emphasize the importance of considering STS in moose with cutaneous or subcutaneous masses.
Main Methods:
- Gross examination of masses in two Alaskan moose.
- Histopathological evaluation of the masses.
- Comparison of findings with STSs in other species.
Main Results:
- Grossly, the masses varied: one was exophytic and ulcerated, the other a pronounced swelling.
- Histopathology confirmed both masses as soft tissue sarcomas.
- Histological features included spindle-shaped cells with ovoid nuclei in streaming sheets, typical of STS.
Conclusions:
- Soft tissue sarcomas can occur in moose and present with varied gross appearances.
- Rapid growth and lameness were clinical signs associated with STS in these cases.
- STS should be a differential diagnosis for moose exhibiting cutaneous or subcutaneous masses or swelling.
