Abstract
Simple SummaryNeoplasia in nondomestic felids is common, and frequently malignant. However, few studies include large sample sizes of non-Panthera felids. Jaguars are reported to potentially have genetic mutations that predispose them to cancer, but studied populations are limited to North American zoos. By including animals from USA, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, the present study was able to include animals with widely varying genetic backgrounds, diets, and management. This study found that jaguars, lions, tigers and leopards are at a much higher risk of developing cancer than small cats. It also documented that the most common site for neoplasm development is the reproductive tract, followed by the respiratory system and then blood and lymphatic systems. These data provide support for thorough investigation of suspicious lesions to enable early detection of cancer.As evidenced by numerous case reports from zoos, neoplasia in felids is common, but most reports are limited to Panthera species in North America or Europe. In order to obtain a wider epidemiologic understanding of neoplasia distribution, necropsy records at seven facilities (USA, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil) were evaluated. In contrast to others, this study population (195 cases, 16 species), included many non-Panthera felids. Overall neoplasia prevalence was 28.2% (55/195). Panthera species had a higher prevalence of neoplasia than non-Panthera species (52.5%; vs. 13.0%). Lions (66.7%), jaguars (55.0%), and tigers (31.3%) had the highest species-specific prevalence of neoplasia. Neoplasms in Panthera species were more frequently malignant than in non-Panthera (86.1% vs. 55.6%). The systems most commonly affected were the reproductive, hematolymphoid, and respiratory. The range of management conditions and more varied genetic backgrounds support a robust taxonomic pattern and suggest that the reported propensity for neoplasia in jaguars may have a genetic basis at a taxonomic level higher than species, as lions and tigers also have high prevalence. Given the high prevalence of neoplasia and high likelihood of malignancy, routine medical exams in all nondomestic felids, but Panthera species in particular, should include thorough assessments of any clinical signs of neoplasia.
Highlights
As medical care improves at zoological institutions, animals live longer and are more likely to develop neoplasia
A total of 61 unique neoplasias were identified of which 77.0% (47/61) were malignant; six patients each had two distinct neoplasms (Supplementary Table S2)
Exogenous hormone exposure included melengestrol acetate (MGA; n = 8), deslorelin and MGA (n = 1), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (n = 1), progestagen treatment, and treated
Summary
As medical care improves at zoological institutions, animals live longer and are more likely to develop neoplasia. Comparative studies are a useful tool to learn more about species-specific risk of neoplasia, thereby allowing preventive care, monitoring and treatment to be better tailored for at-risk patients. Environmental and genetic factors are known to have an impact on the potential to develop neoplasia; domestic animal studies have shown that certain breeds are more prone to developing neoplasia [1], underscoring the importance of genetic factors. These findings parallel the occurrence of familial neoplasms in humans, such as breast cancer [2]. In the North American jaguar population, multiple variations in the BRCA1 sequence were detected, these were traced to common recent ancestors [4]
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