Urothelial carcinoma in a Russian tortoise (Testudohorsfieldii)

J Comp Pathol. 2023 Jan:200:18-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2022.11.001. Epub 2023 Jan 5.

Abstract

An adult female Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) was admitted to a veterinary clinic with a 1-week history of anorexia and lethargy. Physical examination revealed significant dehydration and generalized dysecdysis. Blood parameters were all within species-reported limits. Radiography revealed an increased amount of soft tissue opacity within the coelomic cavity and a distinct loss of serosal detail. A large cavitated mass was detected ultrasonographically in the right coelom and a tentative diagnosis of kidney pathology was made. Using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a partly mineralized heterogeneous mass was seen in the right coelom. After stabilization, a transplastron coeliotomy was performed. A 7 × 5 cm mass, including associated cysts, was removed. The tortoise died 8 h postoperatively and post-mortem examination revealed a urothelial carcinoma arising from the renal pelvis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in a tortoise of urothelial carcinoma, which has rarely been reported in reptiles.

Keywords: computed tomography; kidney; magnetic resonance imaging; reptiles; transitional cell carcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Transitional Cell* / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Transitional Cell* / veterinary
  • Female
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / veterinary
  • Kidney Pelvis / pathology
  • Turtles*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / veterinary