Urothelial carcinoma in a Russian tortoise (Testudohorsfieldii). (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hetterich, Johannes; Schmidt, Volker; Herth, Melanie; Merhof, Kristina; Pees, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of comparative pathology. Volume 200(2023)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: computed tomography -- kidney -- magnetic resonance imaging -- reptiles -- transitional cell carcinoma; Veterinary pathology -- Periodicals; Veterinary therapeutics -- Periodicals; Pathology, Comparative -- Periodicals; Therapeutics -- Periodicals; Pathology, Veterinary -- Periodicals; 636.089607
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2022.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9975

Abstract

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.