A peritoneal mesothelioma in a captive aardwolf (Proteles cristatus)

Proc Natl Sci Counc Repub China B. 2001 Jul;25(3):193-6.

Abstract

A 10-year-old male aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) was presented abdominal distention and emaciation for 3 months. Physical examination revealed firm abdominal masses with effusions. Cytologic assessment of the effusion showed uniform round tumor cells with a surface brush border. Necropsy showed white velvety masses covering the peritoneal surface of the liver, gall bladder, stomach, omentum, mesentery, spleen, intestine, abdominal wall and diaphragm. Histologic examination demonstrated papillary projections, lined with cuboidal tumor cells supported by fibrous connective tissue cores, arising from the serosa of visceral organs. Cytoplasmic vacuolation and a surface brush border were evident on some cells under light microscopy. Tumor cells stained positive for both cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and vimentin. Electron microscopy showed prominent surface microvilli, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and desmosomes in tumor cells. This may be the first reported case of peritoneal mesothelioma in a captive wild aardwolf.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Zoo*
  • Ascites / etiology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Carnivora*
  • Keratins / analysis
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / chemistry
  • Mesothelioma / complications
  • Mesothelioma / diagnosis
  • Mesothelioma / pathology
  • Mesothelioma / veterinary*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / chemistry
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / ultrastructure
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / complications
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Vimentin / analysis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Vimentin
  • Keratins