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Gastrointestinal Mast Cell Tumor in an African Dormouse (Graphiurus sp.)
Yen-Chi Chang1, Jung-Chin Chang2, Jo-Wen Chen2
1Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are well-known neoplasms derived from either mucosal or connective tissue mast cells. While well studied in several domestic species, MCTs are rarely documented in rodents. A three-year-old, male African dormouse (Graphiurus sp.) presented with a history of vomiting and anorexia for 3 months. Sonography revealed thickened gastric mucosa and hyperperistalsis. The patient died after receiving symptomatic treatment for 2 months. At necropsy, locally extensive, pale, thickened mucosal foci obscuring the first half of the stomach lumen was noted. Histological examination revealed moderately polymorphic, round, oval to spindle cells with amphophilic cytoplasmic granules infiltrating the mucosa to tunica muscularis, with moderate numbers of eosinophils. The mucosa was severely ulcerated with the proliferation of granulation tissue. The granules in most tumor cells exhibited metachromasia with the toluidine blue stain. Neoplastic cells revealed positive membranous immunoreactivity to KIT. Herein, we report the first case report of MCT in dormouse but also the first gastrointestinal MCT in a rodent species.
Insights
This study reports the first case of a mast cell tumor (MCT) in a dormouse, specifically a gastrointestinal MCT in a rodent. This finding highlights the rare occurrence of these tumors in rodents.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Rodent Medicine
Background:
- Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are common in domestic animals but rarely documented in rodents.
- Gastrointestinal involvement of MCTs is particularly infrequent across species.
Observation:
- A three-year-old African dormouse presented with chronic vomiting and anorexia.
- Sonography revealed gastric thickening and hyperperistalsis.
- Necropsy showed locally extensive, pale, thickened mucosal foci in the stomach.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed a mast cell tumor infiltrating the gastric mucosa and muscularis.
- Tumor cells contained metachromatic granules and were KIT-positive.
- Severe mucosal ulceration and granulation tissue were present.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented gastrointestinal MCT in a rodent species.
- It expands the known spectrum of neoplastic diseases in dormice.
- Highlights the importance of considering MCTs in rodents with similar clinical signs.
