Harderian gland adenocarcinoma in a Florida Red-bellied Turtle ( Pseudemys Nelsoni ) — Case report

Abstract

The authors describe a case of unilateral adenocarcinoma emerging from the Harderian gland, filling the right orbital cavity of a Florida Red-bellied Turtle (Pseudemys nelsoni). The tumour did not produce any metastasis but presented an expansive growth and led to the dislocation and protrusion of the right eyeball. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of numerous mitotic figures in the cellular population that made up the tumour. The tumour cells completely filled the alveoli of the gland and had a nest-like structure. The authors also emphasise the importance of the differential diagnosis of this rare pathological change in turtles. Epithelial hyperplasia of the Harderian gland's duct, observed in animals suffering from vitamin A deficiency, can also lead to an enlargement of the eyelid, but in these cases the change usually involves both eyelids symmetrically. This is the first description of a Harderian gland adenocarcinoma in a Florida Red-bellied Turtle.Key words: Harderian gland, adenocarcinoma, Florida Red-bellied Turtle, Pseudemys nelsoniThe Florida Red-bellied Turtle (Pseudemys nelsoni) is a mainly herbivorous species of the Pseudemys genus. Its natural habitat is in Florida and southern Georgia. It can be distinguished from other turtle species by its distinctive red-tinged plastron and two cusps on its upper beak. The species is commonly exported for consumption and the pet trade, with approximately 50% wild-caught

Skin and skeletal system lesions of european pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from natural habitats

“…Furthermore, reptiles including turtles are being diagnosed with tumours at an increasing rate (Gál et al, 2006;Gál et al, 2009;Gál et al, 2010). Neoplastic changes of reptiles represent a new field of interest for many scientists.…”

“…Reptiles, among them turtles, are diagnosed with different skin and bone lesions (Mader, 2006) as well as with tumours at an increasing rate (Gál et al, 2006;Gál et al, 2009;Gál et al, 2010). According to Garner et al (2004), fibropapilloma (34.4%) and squamous cell carcinoma (10.30%) are the most common types of skin tumours.…”

Mucinous Melanophoroma in a Northern Red-Bellied Cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris)

“…[2][3][4] Although in previous retrospective works chelonians showed a low prevalence of neoplastic disease, 5,6 in recent years there has been an increasing number of neoplasia reports in this reptile order. 1,3,[7][8][9][10][11][12] Moreover, melanophoromas in reptiles were considered rare in the early literature 4,13 but today appears to occur in a number of reptile orders, especially squamata. 5,14-20 A subtype of melanophoroma, the mucinous form, has only been described in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).…”