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Tonsillar carcinoma with metastases in a captive wolf
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|April 1, 1979
Summary
A rare case of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in a 13-year-old captive wolf. The cancer had spread to the lymph nodes and lungs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Oncology
- Wildlife Disease
Background:
- Squamous cell carcinoma is a common malignancy in domestic animals.
- Tonsillar tumors are rare in wild canids.
- Neoplasia in captive wildlife requires thorough investigation.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old male captive wolf presented with clinical signs suggestive of a pharyngeal mass.
- Gross examination revealed a primary tumor in the tonsil.
- Metastatic lesions were identified in cervical, thoracic lymph nodes, and the lung.
Findings:
- Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of primary tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.
- Metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes and distant organs (lung) was evident.
- The tumor exhibited features consistent with squamous differentiation.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma in captive wolves.
- Understanding metastatic patterns is crucial for wildlife cancer research.
- This finding contributes to the comparative oncology database for wild species.