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Teratoma of the Umbilical Cord in a Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)

Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan; Toyama Family Zoological Park, Toyama, Japan

Abstract

A 12-year-old pregnant female giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) died approximately 2 months prior to her anticipated parturition date. At necropsy, a mass measuring approximately 20 x 36 x 20 cm was observed, attached to the umbilical cord, the latter being otherwise normal in appearance. Histologically, the mass contained 3 germinal tissue components with areas of squamous epithelium, respiratory epithelium, primitive neural tissues, glial tissue, peripheral nerve, adipose tissue, cartilage, and smooth muscle. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a teratoma originating from the umbilical cord. This is possibly the second reported case of umbilical cord teratoma in animals.

Key words: Giraffe; teratoma; umbilical cord.

Request reprints from T. Yanai, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193 (Japan). E-mail: yanai{at}cc.gifu-u.ac.jp.