A Transitional Cell Carcinoma with Squamous Differentiation in a Pericloacal Mass in a Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps)

Abstract

This article describes the case of a 10-year-old male sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) with a pericloacal mass. Clinical signs before presentation included straining to defecate, decreased appetite, and self-mutilation of the perineal skin. Physical examination revealed a palpable right-sided, moderately ulcerated pericloacal mass and abdominal distention. Survey and contrast radiography revealed severe cloacal narrowing with moderate small bowel and colon distention. The animal was euthanized because of its debilitated condition and poor prognosis for recovery. Postmortem examination revealed a lobulated, partially circumferential pericloacal mass, which was characterized on histopathology as a transitional cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation. Although neoplasms are not uncommon in sugar gliders, this appears to be the first report of a transitional cell carcinoma in this species.

Key words: Petaurus breviceps, squamous cell carcinoma, sugar glider, transitional cell carcinoma