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PARACLOACAL GLAND CARCINOMA IN A SUGAR GLIDER (PETAURUS BREVICEPS)

https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2017.10.019Get rights and content

Abstract

A male sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) was presented to the National Taiwan University Veterinary hospital for repeated self-mutilation of the cloacal region. After correction of husbandry deficiencies and medical management of the lesion, the condition improved but a pericloacal mass was found. Surgical removal of the mass resolved the self-mutilation, and a dorsal paracloacal gland carcinoma was diagnosed on histopathological examination. Straining to defecate and a pericloacal mass could indicate neoplasia in sugar gliders. A tumor should be differentiated from chronic inflammation, infection, paracloacal gland impaction, and hyperplasia. Surgical removal is recommended as a treatment for paracloacal gland carcinoma in sugar gliders. Further monitoring is suggested after surgical removal of the tumor.

Section snippets

Case Description

A 4-year-old male intact sugar glider was presented to the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital for repeated self-mutilation in the region of the cloaca, accompanied by an episode of penile prolapse 9 months before presentation despite treatment at a local veterinary hospital. The patient had a normal appetite, demeanor, and urination but vocalized and strained during elimination. The pericloacal region was swollen and hyperemic. The size of the swelling was 0.5 cm in diameter and 0.4 

Discussion

Many common clinical abnormalities that affect sugar gliders (e.g., penile prolapse, self-mutilation) may be multifactorial and consistent with inadequate husbandry. It has recently become clear that chronic inflammation, irritation, and infection have powerful effects on tumor development.7 In this case, chronic inflammation and irritation of the pericloacal region owing to malnutrition, improper husbandry, and self-mutilation may have been a critical factor in the development of paracloacal

Acknowledgments

We thank to Dr. Jia-Wei Jiang and Dr. Chia-Da Hsu for the assistance in histopathological examination.

References (12)

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