Metastatic Chondrosarcoma in a Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

Abstract

An approximately two-year-old corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) presented with a swelling of the mandible. The animal was treated for two months with no response. Unfortunately, the snake's condition deteriorated and it was euthanized. Grossly, the mass in the mandible was yellow–white and replaced normal bone and soft tissue of the jaw. Additional masses were noted in the heart, kidney, lung, pancreas, and eye. The mass in the mandible was comprised of a sheet of amorphous basophilic material resembling typical cartilage matrix with slightly irregular lacunar spaces. Tumor cells had abundant cytoplasm, vesicular or hyperchromatic nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. Mitotic figures were not seen. Scattered foci of neoplastic cartilaginous cells were noted in the heart, lung, kidney, pancreas, and eye. The final diagnosis for this case was secondary chondrosarcoma. Chondrosarcomas are not considered a common form of neoplasia in reptiles. When it is diagnosed, it appears to be more commonly associated with the vertebral column. Chondrosarcomas should be considered in the differential list for snakes (or other reptiles) that present with masses associated with the bone or cartilage.