Neoplasias em felinos selvagens em zoológico na Paraíba

Abstract

Cancer, a type of developmental disorder, is considered to be one of the most common diseases affecting both animals and humans. Currently, neoplasms are also associated with mortality in numerous wild species, compromising endangered species and consequently putting their conservation at risk. The aim of this dissertation was to evaluate necropsy records from 2013 to 2023, highlighting the importance of macroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of tumors in wild cats. This work was divided into a literature review on the most recent neoplasms affecting the Panthera sp. and Leopardus sp. genera and two chapters containing scientific articles:The first is entitled Metastatic simple tubular mammary carcinoma in an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). During the necropsy carried out at the farm, a firm mass was noticed at the level of the abdominal breast and an ulcerated mass of the same size between the caudal abdominal and inguinal breasts, both on the right side. Fragments of all the organs were collected and sent to the Laboratório de Patologia da Univerdade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB). Histopathological examination of the mammary gland revealed multiple multilobulated masses, which were diagnosed as a simple tubular mammary carcinoma with metastases, confirmed by immunohistochemical examination as the first metastatic simple tubular carcinoma in the Leopardus pardalis species. The second, entitled Neoplasms in African lions (Panthera leo) from a zoo in Paraíba, Brazil, identified two African lions with neoplastic tumors. During the necropsy of the first lion, multiple whitish, firm nodules were found in the lung parenchyma, The histological examination revealed multiple, non-encapsulated, infiltrative masses with a papillary pattern. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the first carcinoma with a papillary pattern in an African lion, in the second lion, which had affected the central nervous system, the leptomeninges of the brain were hyperemic, with nodular areas in the shape of plaques. Microscopy of the leptomeninges of the brain showed multiple well-demarcated neoplastic proliferations, multifocal to coalescent, densely cellular, in a large part of the masses of cellular verticils there was radiated central mineralization (psammomatous bodies), confirming the diagnosis of psammomatous meningioma. Both articles addressed the importance of sending samples of animals kept in breeding facilities for correct diagnosis, as some diseases are of great importance in the Single Health sector and may be zoonoses. It is essential to carry out post-mortem examinations in order to identify and characterize the pathological agents involved. Although reports of neoplasms in wild and exoticanimals are still scarce in the literature, the number is growing around the world and cancer should be considered as a differential diagnosis for other disorders. To this end, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques are essential for a definitive diagnosis.