Abstract
Neoplastic diseases are rarely described in wild carnivores; only a few reports have been published on this topic. Here, we describe the histological and immunohistochemical features of a haemangioma in the spleen of a grey wolf (Canis lupus lupus) and we compare the results with the dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Additionally, we list the different publications found in the literature with neoplastic lesions in wolves. Our results show similar immunohistochemical features to dogs, in which neoplastic cells express Vimentin, von Willebrand factor, alpha smooth muscle actin antibody, vascular endothelial growth factor C and low vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3. Toluidine blue special stain shows moderated increased numbers of mast cells infiltrating the tumor, a feature observed in benign vascular tumors in domestic dogs, but not in the malignant counterparts. To our knowledge, this is the first article describing the gross, histological and immunohistochemical features of a splenic haemangioma in a wolf.
Highlights
In contrast to studies on dogs, a limited number of reports describing tumors in wild carnivores are found in the literature
Haemangioma and haemangiosarcoma are common in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), the dermis and subcutis being the most common primary sites for the haemangioma, and the spleen, skin, subcutis, right atrium and liver being the most common sites for haemangiosarcoma [1]
Only one case of a splenic haemangioma is reported in wolves; this case refers to a 10-year-old captive red wolf (Canis rufus) with a concomitant thyroid carcinoma and two adrenal myelolipomas and no histological information is provided [2]
Summary
In contrast to studies on dogs, a limited number of reports describing tumors in wild carnivores are found in the literature. This is noticeable in species belonging to the genus Canis, for which only a few reports usually referring to single cases or large surveys of populations without specific histopathological and immunohistochemical details are described. Only one case of a splenic haemangioma is reported in wolves; this case refers to a 10-year-old captive red wolf (Canis rufus) with a concomitant thyroid carcinoma and two adrenal myelolipomas and no histological information is provided [2].
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