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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
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Gingival squamous cell carcinoma in 2 lions under managed care
Hisadora A S C Bom1, Telma S Lima1, Silvio M C Fonseca1
1Laboratory of Animal Diagnosis, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
Summary
Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in lions is rare but serious. This study details two cases, highlighting oral tumors as a critical health concern in captive big cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Zoological Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Neoplasia is a primary cause of euthanasia in aged captive nondomestic felids.
- Oral tumors are understudied in these animals.
- Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinicopathologic features of gingival SCC in two lions.
- To contribute to the understanding of oral neoplasia in captive nondomestic felids.
Main Methods:
- Clinicopathologic examination of two lion cases.
- Gross necropsy findings.
- Histologic evaluation including immunohistochemistry for pancytokeratin.
Main Results:
- Both lions presented with sialorrhea, bloody oral discharge, and anorexia.
- Necropsy revealed invasive gingival masses with mandibular bone involvement and pathologic fracture in one case.
- Histology confirmed poorly circumscribed, unencapsulated SCC with keratin pearl formation.
Conclusions:
- Gingival SCC can present aggressively in lions, involving bone invasion.
- Early detection and understanding of oral tumors are crucial for geriatric captive felids.
- Despite no observed metastases, poor prognosis led to euthanasia in both cases.
