Mesenchymal Neoplasia in a 14-year-old F Columbian Red-Tailed Boa : Our Case of the Month January 2017

There are very few things as impressionable from an exotic practice standpoint as a vomiting and dehydrated boa constrictor. This was heartfelt sonogram with a solid answer but unfortunately not a good one. Even in a reptile the sonogram is all about following the path of obstruction til’ you find the cause. In this case, a non-resectable invasive mass causing progressive vomiting and weight loss in this snake. Many thanks to the wonderful team at Animal Clinic of Morris Plains in Morris Plains, NJ in managing this case.

History

A female Columbian red-tailed boa was presented for vomiting and 10 months of anorexia and weight loss.

DX

Mesenchymal neoplasia.

Sampling

22-guage US-guided fna.

Image Interpretation

A 5.0 cm wide, irregular, mixed, echogenic, mineralizing mass was noted at the distal aspect of the small intestine at the junction with the cecum. A fluid obstruction pattern was noted prior to the mass that continued throughout the coelom. Ultrasound guided FNA was performed upon the mass to assess the suspected neoplasia prior to potential exploratory surgery.

Outcome

An exploratory surgery was performed to further investigate and for possible removal, but the mass was too invasive for resection. Owners opted for humane euthanasia.