Few reports of neoplastic diseases in manatees exist in the veterinary literature. This case series presents reproductive neoplasia noted in eight wild and long-term captive female Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) obtained through carcass recovery and animal rehabilitation programs between April 2009 and May 2014. All cases were evaluated histologically, and diagnoses of uterine carcinoma (n = 1), granulosa cell tumor (n = 2), ovarian adnexal tumor (n = 1), and leiomyoma (n = 5) were made. The underlying cause of tumor development and effects on reproductive success is currently unknown, but possible asymmetric reproductive aging and/or a correlation between obesity and reproductive disorder in long-term nonreproductive female manatees are of interest and warrant further investigation.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2015
REPRODUCTIVE NEOPLASMS IN WILD AND LONG-TERM CAPTIVE FEMALE FLORIDA MANATEES (TRICHECHUS MANATUS LATIROSTRIS)
Lauren N. Smith,
David S. Rotstein,
Ray L. Ball,
Trevor J. Gerlach,
Michael Kinsel,
Maya Rodriguez,
Martine de Wit
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
Florida manatee
granulosa cell tumor
leiomyoma
neoplasia
reproduction
Trichechus manatus latirostris