title: Incomplete ovariosalpingectomy and subsequent malignant granulosa cell tumor in a female green iguana (Iguana iguana).
abstract: METHODS
  A 9-year-old spayed female green iguana (Iguana iguana) was evaluated because of a distended coelom and weight loss. History included a single episode of egg binding and subsequent bilateral ovariosalpingectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physical examination revealed a mass within the coelomic cavity. Ultrasonography revealed a large, irregular mass with hypoechoic regions and coelomic effusion. Clinicopathologic derangements included heterophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia, basophilia, hypocholesterolemia, hypoproteinemia, and hypercalcemia. Results of cytologic evaluation of the mass were suggestive of malignant epithelial neoplasia, but neoplastic cells were not found in the effusion. An ovarian tumor was suspected on the basis of clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, and results of cytologic evaluation of the mass.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Surgical exploration revealed a large left ovary, a normal-appearing contralateral ovary, and a mass in the fat body, all of which were removed and submitted for histologic examination. The histologic diagnosis was granulosa cell tumor with metastasis to the fat body. The patient died 11 months after evaluation, and disseminated granulosa cell tumor was confirmed at necropsy; histologic examination at that time also identified systemic mastocytosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Granulosa cell tumors are uncommon in reptiles, and this was the first granulosa cell tumor described antemortem cytologically, histologically, and ultrastructurally in an iguana. Findings in this iguana underscored concerns associated with incomplete oophorectomy of iguanas; cytologic and histopathologic findings were similar to those observed in other domestic animals. Oophorectomy should be considered as an alternative to standard ovariosalpingectomy to avoid potential complications in pet reptiles, and use of microsurgical instruments and vascular clips is advised.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA. Janice-CruzCardona@idexx.com
authors.forename: Janice A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Cruz Cardona
authors.forename: Kenneth J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Conley
authors.forename: James F X
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wellehan
authors.forename: Lisa L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Farina
authors.forename: Francesco C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Origgi
authors.forename: Heather L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Wamsley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006106:Granulosa Cell Tumor / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008116:Lizards; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*