Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma with dissemination to the liver in an eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus).

Abstract

Cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma with liver metastasis was diagnosed in a 10-year-old eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus). Physical findings included intracutaneous swellings, ulcerated plaques and nodules, hypotrichosis and erythema of the skin. Fine needle aspiration from the skin lesions showed a population of large lymphocytes and lymphoblasts, and was helpful in establishing the diagnosis antemortem. The post-mortem examination revealed epitheliotropic lymphoma with liver metastasis. Immunohistochemistry proved the T-cell origin both in the liver and skin tumours. Electron microscopy did not reveal any viral particles within the tumour. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of lymphoma described in this species.