Case Report: Oviductal adenocarcinoma in an Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae): clinical, imaging, surgical, and histopathological findings

Abstract

Neoplasia in reptiles is increasingly recognized, although reports in Salvator merianae remain scarce. This case report describes the clinical, imaging, surgical, gross pathological, and histopathological findings of an oviductal adenocarcinoma in an adult female S. merianae presented with anorexia and marked coelomic distension. Physical examination revealed a firm intra-coelomic mass. Radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography identified a large heterogeneous coelomic lesion with cystic components and displacement of adjacent organs. Cytological evaluation of coelomic and cystic fluids was non-diagnostic. The mass was surgically excised and was characterized grossly as a multicystic, friable structure with hemorrhage and necrosis. Histopathological examination confirmed an infiltrative oviductal adenocarcinoma. Postoperatively, the animal recovered its appetite, gained weight, and remained clinically stable, with no radiographically or ultrasonographically detectable evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease, 3 months after surgery. This report expands the limited literature on reproductive tract neoplasia in tegu lizards and emphasizes the importance of multimodal diagnostics and histopathological confirmation in reptiles with coelomic distension.