BackgroundNeoplasia has historically been regarded as an unusual occurrence in reptiles. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of neoplasms in routine diagnostic samples submitted to a specialist exotic animal laboratory.MethodsOver a 10-year period, 690 lizard samples were submitted for histopathological or cytopathological examination by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons specialists in Veterinary Pathology (Zoo and Wildlife). Records were reviewed retrospectively and non-neoplastic diagnoses excluded from further analysis.Results158 neoplasms were diagnosed in 149 lizards, with 22.9% of submissions resulting in a diagnosis of neoplasia. The skin was the most commonly affected organ, and squamous cell carcinomas were the most common neoplasms identified (17.7% of all neoplastic diagnoses).Bearded dragons and panther chameleons had a statistically significant higher proportion of neoplasia diagnosis than the lizard population as a whole, and geckos had a statistically significantly lower proportion.Several neoplasms identified in this study have not been previously reported in lizards, including a testicular Sertoli cell tumour, testicular granulosa cell tumour, splenic haemangiosarcoma, gastric adenocarcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.ConclusionThe results suggest that the prevalence of neoplasia in captive lizards may be higher than previously reported, and that there is variation in prevalence between different lizard species and families. It is unclear whether these differences relate to genetic or management factors.

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A 22-month-old female Mongolian gerbil presented with palpable cranial abdominal masses. At initial presentation, no clinical signs were associated with the masses and the owner elected to monitor the gerbils’ condition. Abdominal distention developed over the following eight months and was progressively associated with altered demeanour, reduced mobility and increased respiratory effort. An exploratory laparotomy identified left-sided ovarian masses and right-sided ovarian cysts. A bilateral ovariectomy was performed. No other changes were noted. Recovery from surgery was uneventful, but the gerbil died six weeks later. Histological findings were consistent with a unilateral ovarian interstitial cell tumour accompanied by contralateral ovarian cysts and interstitial cell hyperplasia. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of an ovarian interstitial cell tumour in a Mongolian gerbil.

The observed value appears consistent within the study population and with values for other primate species. The value determined may be of benefit in objectively evaluating cardiac size in this species.