Name
Treatment of Hepatic Cholangiocarcinoma in a Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
Speakers
Description
Cholangiocarcinomas are the most common hepatic neoplasm in captive reptiles and can metastasize to other organs. An 8-year-old, female, ovariectomized bearded dragon presented for lethargy and anorexia. A semi-firm mass was palpated in the left, cranial coelom. Coelomic ultrasonography identified a cystic mass that appeared to be associated with the left liver lobe, but regeneration of the left ovary could not be ruled out. Results of a complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panel were within normal limits. Surgery was pursued and a cystic mass associated with the left liver lobe was resected. No evidence of ovarian regeneration or other gross abnormalities were noted. Histopathology confirmed hepatic cholangiocarcinoma with neoplastic cells extending to margins. The patient improved following surgery, resuming normal activity and appetite. The owner elected to pursue chemotherapy for remaining neoplastic disease. A baseline CBC was obtained. Toceranib phosphate (Palladia) was administered orally on a bi-weekly basis for the remainder of the patients’ life. Follow-up visits included repeat CBC panels and coelomic ultrasonography. Adverse effects associated with toceranib phosphate were not noted and the patient continued to do well for seven months before acutely declining and being euthanized. On post-mortem examination, neoplastic cells were not found in the remaining hepatic tissue. Instead, chronic hepatopathy and severe lipidosis was noted. No significant histopathologic changes were observed in other tissues. This case documents the first report of surgical and chemotherapeutic management of cholangiocarcinoma in a reptile. The agent used, toceranib phosphate, was well-tolerated and seemingly cured residual neoplastic disease.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)