Bronchioalveolar carcinoma in an adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma associated with gastric ulcers in alpacas

In pathological examinations, gastric ulcers are often detected in South American camelids. The aetiology cannot be clarified in every case. However, tumour-related gastric ulcers are observed repeatedly. This study reports clinical, laboratory and pathological findings in six alpacas, three each with adenocarcinoma- and squamous cell carcinoma-associated gastric ulcers. Clinically they were presented with general symptoms like emaciation, anorexia and recumbency. Laboratory findings of these animals were non-specific. All animals were at least nine years old. The adenocarcinomas as well as the squamous cell carcinomas were metastasised in various organs, especially in the lymph nodes. Two adenocarcinoma-associated gastric ulcers were perforated. In summary, squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas can lead to ulcerative lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Although neoplasms are rare overall, they should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in the case of non-specific symptoms. In particular, older animals seem to be affected more frequently.

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma misdiagnosed as pneumonia: A case report

Common imaging findings of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) include consolidation of the lung parenchyma, nodules, and ground-glass changes. However, the IMA imaging findings in the present case included diffuse, patchy and blurry density shadows through both lungs. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this image pattern has rarely been reported. The patient provided his consent and authorized the publication of photographs featuring his likeness. The present study reported a patient was diagnosed with IMA via pathologic and genetic analyses. Following antibiotic treatment, the lesions in both sides became larger. Further examinations were completed and IMA was confirmed by biopsy pathohistological examination. Pathological specimens were negative for almost all driver genes mutations, except KRAS. The patients and family refused further treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and interventional chemotherapy and the patient was discharged from The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College. The present case report emphasized that IMA should be suspected when imaging studies show diffuse lesions throughout both lungs. When a patient does not respond to treatment, clinicians should consider alternative diagnoses.

Concurrent Clostridial Enteritis and Oviductal Adenocarcinoma with Carcinomatosis in an Adult Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

An adult alpaca (Vicugna pacos) with a history of colic and anorexia was euthanized because of failure to respond to treatment. Macroscopically, pale-tan, multifocal to coalescing, firm nodules and plaques markedly expanded the omentum, mesentery and the parietal and visceral peritoneum of multiple abdominal organs, especially the right oviduct and associated mesosalpinx. Abundant dark-red watery digesta were present in the duodenum and jejunum. Histological evaluation of the right oviduct, abdominal visceral nodules and plaques and mesenteric lymph nodes revealed transmural expansion and replacement by an epithelial malignant neoplasm, comprised of tubules and acini of ciliated columnar cells supported by abundant fibrous connective tissue. Both ovaries were histologically normal. On the basis of the ciliated morphology of the neoplastic cells, the focus on the proximal reproductive tract and the unremarkable ovaries, a reproductive tubal adenocarcinoma with carcinomatosis was diagnosed, with both the endometrium and oviduct considered as the tissues of origin. The prominent ciliated morphology of the neoplastic cells and the classification of human fallopian tube (oviduct) neoplasia lead us to propose oviductal adenocarcinoma with widespread carcinomatosis as the definitive diagnosis. The lamina propria of the small intestine was infiltrated segmentally by lymphocytes, plasma cells and neutrophils, and Clostridium perfringens with beta2 toxin production was identified by polymerase chain reaction in the small intestinal contents. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these two distinct diseases in an alpaca.

Neoplasia and Proliferative Lesions of New World Camelids: A Systematic Literature Review and Retrospective Study of Cases Submitted to Colorado State University From 1995 to 2020

Camelid pathology submissions to veterinary diagnostic laboratories are on the rise given the increasing popularity and population of llamas and alpacas especially in the western United States. When compared to other animals, the field of camelid neoplasia has a relative paucity of cases reported in the literature. The Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (CSU-VDL) has had a steady increase in the numbers of camelid pathology submissions allowing for a robust review of diagnoses of neoplasia in new world camelids. Here we present a retrospective analysis of camelid neoplastic and proliferative lesions diagnosed at the CSU-VDL from 1995 to 2020, followed by an extensive literature review. Results show increasing incidence of camelid neoplasia reported in the literature, therefore becoming a common diagnosis in llamas and alpacas. Proliferative and neoplastic lesions were diagnosed in 8.8% of new world camelid submissions to CSU-VDL with the most common tumors being lymphomas, squamous cell carcinomas, fibromas, and adenocarcinomas. Risk factors are female sex and increased age except in the case of lymphoma, which tends to occur in younger camelids. Lymphomas, melanomas, and adenocarcinomas (especially of gastrointestinal tract) carry an increased risk of multiple-organ system involvement often with widespread metastases. Conditions described in camelids for the first time include osteosarcoma, cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, myxosarcoma, pilomatricoma, ovarian theca cell tumor, congenital nevus with malignant transformation, and various other neoplasia. This article will provide an operational guide for camelid neoplasia to further assist veterinary laboratory diagnosticians, researchers, and practicing veterinarians in the field of camelid medicine and pathology.