Dysgerminoma with Ascites in a Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti)

Abstract

　A Humboldt penguin that died of ascites was examined via pathological tests. Necropsy revealed the presence of numerous tumors around the ovary, and that these also spread to the mesentery and kidney. Based on the results of ascitic cytology, pathological examination of tissue, and immunostaining tests, a diagnosis of dysgerminoma occurring in the ovary was established. Characteristic tumor cells were observed in ascitic cytology, which suggest the possibility of antemortem diagnosis. There are very few reports on tumors in Humboldt penguins, and this is the first report of dysgerminoma in Humboldt penguins.