CUTANEOUS ROUND CELL NEOPLASM SUGGESTIVE OF NON-EPITHELIOTROPIC LYMPHOMA IN A PET RABBIT (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS): CASE REPORT

Abstract

This case report describes the clinical course and pathological findings of a cutaneous round-cell neoplasm suggestive of non-epitheliotropic lymphoma in a geriatric domestic rabbit. Records, laboratory tests, clinical photographs and histopathology were reviewed. An approximately eight-year-old intact male rabbit presented three rapidly growing cutaneous nodules with alopecia, ulceration and bleeding. Following surgical excision, histopathology revealed a dense, nonencapsulated proliferation of round cells infiltrating adjacent tissues. The findings supported suspicion of non-epitheliotropic lymphoma; however, immunophenotypic confirmation was unavailable because recommended immunohistochemistry was not performed. Laboratory abnormalities were nonspecific, and an abdominal ultrasonographic finding remained indeterminate. Pre-existing locomotor and urinary disorders complicated clinical assessment. The rabbit underwent euthanasia following multifactorial deterioration. Cutaneous lymphoma should be considered among the differential diagnoses of rapidly developing skin nodules in older rabbits, while histological suspicion must be clearly distinguished from a definitive immunophenotypic diagnosis.