case_images: PMC10682079_01
case_images: Timeline summarizing the chronology of the episode of care.
case_images: fvets-10-1265034-g001.jpg
case_images: PMC10682079_01_fvets-10-1265034-g001.jpg
case_images: fig1
case_images: Because of the absence of a reference range for blood biochemistry in the spur-thighed tortoise, those established for the closely related Hermann's tortoise were used (Figure 1).
case_images: Steps of the plastrotomy: (A) creation of the bone flap; (B,C) removal of the mass using stay sutures; (D) mass connected to the coelomic cavity by a single fibrous ligament, suspected to be the mesorchium; (E) closing the bone flap using fiberglass and epoxy; (F) patient and mass post-surgery.
case_images: fvets-10-1265034-g002.jpg
case_images: PMC10682079_01_fvets-10-1265034-g002.jpg
case_images: fig2
case_images: Due to the size and location of the mass, its removal could not be attempted through the prefemoral fossa; plastrotomy was elected instead (Figure 2).
case_images: Histological and immunohistochemical features of the neoplastic mass (A-C): hematoxylin and eosin. (A) Multiple, highly cellular nodular aggregates of neoplastic cells separated by connective tissue septa (arrows) and partially surrounded by a thick, fibrous capsule (Cp: capsule) (5x). (B) Loosely arranged packets of neoplastic cells (right) separated by thick connective septa (left). Local infiltration of neoplastic cells into these septa is observed (arrows) (50x). (C) Packets of round to oval neoplastic cells with ill-distinct borders and vacuolated cytoplasm encased by thin fibrovascular stroma (arrows). Two mitotic figures (arrowheads) are observed (400x). (D,E) Positive cytoplasmic immunohistochemical staining of neoplastic cells for S100 (D) and NSE (E) from the first immunohistochemistry round (400x).
case_images: fvets-10-1265034-g003.jpg
case_images: PMC10682079_01_fvets-10-1265034-g003.jpg
case_images: fig3
case_images: Histopathological examination revealed an expansile, multinodular, highly cellular, and partially encapsulated neoplastic mass (Figure 3A). Neoplastic cells were organized in loosely arranged packets intermixed with scant fibrovascular stroma (Figures 3B,C). Neoplastic cells were multifocally embedded into these septa (Figure 3B). Nuclei were round to oval, moderately eccentric, with coarsely stippled chromatin and contained up to two recognizable nucleoli (Figure 3C). The neoplasm was partially enclosed by a thick, fibrous capsule (Figure 3A) containing numerous vessels lined by endothelium, which were only occasionally filled by erythrocytes. NSE (neuron specific enolase, Figure 3E). Neoplastic cells were negative for pan-cytokeratin, vimentin (mesenchymal cell marker), CD3 (T-cell marker), CD79a (B-cell marker), and markers for neuroendocrine tumors (chromogranin A and synaptophysin).