Spontaneous neoplasms in captive red-bellied lemurs (Eulemur rubriventer)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Primate Oncology
• Conservation Medicine

Background:

• Red-bellied lemurs (Eulemur rubriventer) are vulnerable non-human primates endemic to Madagascar.
• Neoplasia descriptions in this species are rare, with only one prior report of hepatocellular adenoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and characterize neoplasia in red-bellied lemurs.
• To contribute to the understanding of cancer in Strepsirrhini primates.

Main Methods:

• Retrieved prosimian cases from North Carolina State University's Anatomic Pathology Service (2010-2021).
• Identified and analyzed cases specifically involving the genus Eulemur and red-bellied lemurs.
• Histopathologically reviewed neoplastic lesions.

Main Results:

• Two of seven red-bellied lemur cases (28.57%) exhibited neoplasia.
• Identified hepatocellular carcinoma in a 25-year-old female and osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the clavicle in a 33-year-old female.
• Hepatocellular carcinoma is more common than adenoma in prosimians; osteosarcoma is rare in lemuriformes.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first documented cases of osteosarcoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in red-bellied lemurs.
• Findings emphasize the need for further research into neoplasia prevalence and types in this vulnerable species.
• Contributes valuable data for conservation efforts and comparative oncology.