Liver cancer found in a 7-year-old central bearded dragon

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma is an uncommon malignant epithelial tumour of the biliary tract in reptiles and is rarely reported in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). This case report describes a 7-year-old male central bearded dragon in which a nonspecific coelomic opacity was incidentally detected during a routine clinical examination. Diagnostic imaging, including radiography and ultrasonography, identified a cystic lesion arising from the liver. Blood biochemistry revealed a mild elevation in alanine transaminase and borderline blood urea nitrogen, with no other significant abnormalities. Surgical excision of the mass was performed via a right lateral paracostal coeliotomy. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, supported by immunohistochemical positivity for pankeratin and absence of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin expression. No evidence of metastatic disease was observed at surgery or during follow-up. The animal recovered uneventfully and remained clinically well with no evidence of recurrence 10 months postoperatively. This case highlights the importance of diagnostic imaging and histopathology in the evaluation of hepatic masses in reptiles and demonstrates that early surgical intervention can result in a favourable long-term outcome.