Chordoma of the Tail in a Degu (Octodon degus)

A 6-year-old, female degu (Octodon degus) in good body condition was presented with a mass at the base of the tail. Following presentation and the owners ’ approval the tail of the degu was surgically amputated. The mass was submitted for pathological evaluation following the surgical procedure. Histologically, the mass was comprised of lobules and sheets of polygonal cells displaying moderate amounts of basophilic foamy cytoplasm (physaliferous ce lls). The pathological results of the tail mass were consistent with chordoma.
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research