Case Study

Seminoma in a 26 year old MI Boa Constrictor snake.

A 26-year-old male Boa Constrictor snake (Images 1 and 2) was presented for anorexia and weight loss over a 4 month period. The clinical exam revealed good body condition and attitude. A caudal abdominal mass was palpable. Blood analysis revealed elevated total protein and elevated calcium levels. Mild elevation of uric acid was also present. Radiographic Interpretation (Image 3): A homogeneous soft tissue mass is evident and rules out obstipation.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Solitary mass deriving from reproductive or renal origin, likely surgically resectable.

Image Interpretation

Sonographic evaluation of the mass (Image 4) reveals a 15 cm uniformly echogenic mass that appears to derive from one of the kidneys or testicles (Image 5). Anechoic fluid dilation is noted prior to and after the mass (Image 6). This is suggestive for urinary tract impingement. The mass appears to be potentially resectable with surgery. The adrenal glands are also visible and found to be normal with slight nodular changes (Image 7). This rules out adrenal gland origin to the mass.

DX

Seminoma

Outcome

The patient responded well postoperatively and was asymptomatic 6 weeks post-op and eating normally after 4 months of anorexia.

Comments

Thank you to Todd Wolf DVM, DABVP & staff at Companion Animal Hospital, Parsippany, New Jersey, USA, for providing this patient for evaluation.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Palpable mass – caudal abdominal neoplasia (renal, reproductive, intestinal origin), abscess, granuloma, obstipation. Radiographic Differential: Caudal coelomic neoplasia/tumor, abscess, granuloma.