Intestinal T-cell lymphoma in an Asian small-clawed otter: case report and literature review of lymphoma in the subfamily Lutrinae

J Vet Diagn Invest. 2023 Jan;35(1):72-75. doi: 10.1177/10406387221138293. Epub 2022 Nov 16.

Abstract

The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is an endangered species that is common in zoologic collections. A 17-y-old female Asian small-clawed otter under human care, with a clinical history of chronic renal disease, was euthanized because of deteriorating health. Histologically, the jejunal wall was infiltrated by a monomorphic population of small neoplastic lymphocytes that expanded the lamina propria of the villi and crypts, and on rare occasions invaded the submucosa. The tumor was composed of T cells (CD3+) with a proliferation index of 16%. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Hematopoietic Neoplasms in Domestic Animals, this lymphoma was classified as an enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) type 2. We also present here a review of the literature on intestinal lymphoma in the subfamily Lutrinae (otters).

Keywords: enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma; intestine; lymphoma; mustelids; otters.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Enteropathy-Associated T-Cell Lymphoma* / veterinary
  • Female
  • Otters*