title: Squamous cell carcinoma with hepatic metastasis in a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
abstract: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are uncommon in reptiles and there have been few reports of neoplasia in Australian crocodiles, despite increased numbers being raised in captivity.
  
  
  
  We report a locally invasive SCC in the hindlimb of a wild-caught saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) with hepatic metastasis. The gross appearance was soft tissue swelling adjacent to the nail bed, progressing to abscessation incorporating multiple toes. Diagnosis was achieved by biopsy during amputation of the affected toes. Hepatic metastasis was identified at necropsy, with a similar gross appearance resembling an abscess.
  
  
  
  Neoplasia is an uncommon finding in crocodilians and metastatic neoplasia is rarely documented. This is the first report of SCC in a crocodilian.
authors.affiliation: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Queensland, 4223, Australia. ahill@cws.org.au.
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: QML Vetnostics, Murarrie, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Dennis
authors.affiliation: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Queensland, 4223, Australia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pyne
mesh_terms: D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D037901:Euthanasia, Animal; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006614:Hindlimb; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D011793:Queensland; D012623:Seawater; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014034:Toes
keywords: crocodiles; metastasis; neoplasia; reptiles; squamous cell carcinoma