engleski

Ovarian carcinoma in a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) is a small ruminant species and autochthonous game animal in Croatia. During the execution of the health surveillance program at the Nature Park Medvednica (Zagreb City), a female roe deer was presented to the Veterinary Faculty for autopsy. A doe was shot as clinically healthy animal. At necropsy enlarged left ovary was found (approx. 15 cm in diameter), while the right one appeared to be normal. Histopathology revealed non-capsulated, infiltrative and dense neoplasm in the ovary, with partial infiltration of the ovarian capsule. The polygonal cells formed small nests and trabeculae supported by fibrovascular stroma. The nucleus of the cells contains 1-2 nucleoli. Cytoplasm is eosinophilic and granulated. Total of 90% of neoplastic cells was positive on cytokeratin. According to the gross and microscopic appearance the tumour was declared as ovarian carcinoma. So far described tumours of roe deer include mainly papilloma’s (fibropapillomas, warts) and less frequently adenomas, brain tumours, bile duct carcinoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. The ovarian tumours in deer are rarely described. Cases of ovarian teratomas in Pere David’s deer and Iberian red deer are described. The carcinogenesis of the ovary is still poorly understood in animals, especially in wildlife, though it is considered that certain role is played by estrogen.

roe deer, ovary, ovarian carcinoma, carcinogenesis

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