Iridophoroma in Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius): Clinical Complications and Histopathology

Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) with lemon frost morphologies are predisposed to iridophoroma, attributed to a tumor suppressor gene mutation also associated with melanoma in humans. In this case series, we describe the clinical presentation, diagnostics, complications, and pathology of iridophoroma in 4 adult leopard geckos, including 2 super lemon frost females and 2 lemon frost males. All animals presented with hyporexia, intermittent lethargy, weight loss, submandibular masses, and oral plaques. In addition, females demonstrated asymmetric coelomic distension, and one male developed altered mentation. Initial differential diagnoses included metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal infectious diseases, and neoplasia. During clinical management of these cases, ultrasonography revealed hyperechoic hepatic nodules in all animals. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the subcutaneous submandibular masses found clusters of mesenchymal cells with abundant cytoplasm containing fine birefringent granules. Due to continued decline and poor prognosis, animals were euthanized and submitted for necropsy. Gross examination of all 4 geckos demonstrated skin thickening by white masses throughout the body and multifocal white hepatic plaques. Two females showed yellow, enlarged ovaries, and one of the males had hard intraluminal debris in the urinary bladder. Histopathology of the skin throughout the body showed the dermis and subcutis were infiltrated by myriad pleomorphic, ovoid to fusiform, brown-pigmented neoplastic cells characterized by abundant birefringent intra- and extracellular granules. FNA, ultrasound, necropsy, and histopathology results were consistent with diagnosis of malignant iridophoroma with metastasis to multiple visceral organs including the brain and ovary. In addition, both females developed preovulatory follicular stasis (POFS)-associated oophoritis, and one of the males demonstrated urolithiasis; all of which were considered as metabolic imbalance-related pathology due to hyporexia or tumor invasion. This report illustrates the diagnostic features of FNA, ultrasound, and histopathology of malignant iridophoroma in leopard geckos. It also discusses POFS and urolithiasis as multisystemic sequelae to malignant tumors in geckos.