Lymphocytic Leukemia and Multicentric T-Cell Lymphoma in a Diamond Python, Morelia spilota spilota
J Herpe Med Surg 12[1]:26-29 Spring'02 Case Report 9 Refs

ABSTRACT: An adult male diamond python, Morelia spilota spilota, was presented with a history of anorexia and diarrhea for two months. Stomatitis and a caudal coelomic swelling were identified during physical examination. Gingival cytologic imprints stained with methylene blue revealed high numbers of lymphocytes. The hemogram demonstrated a leukocyte count of 235,000 cells/uL, consisting of 75% lymphocytes (176,250 cells/uL), most of which were primitive lymphoblasts. Plasma biochemical results showed hypoglycemia (8 mg/dl), hypophosphotemia (1.7 mg/dl), hyperuricemia (12.4 mg/dl) and hyperkalemia (6.8 mEq/L). The snake died 48 hr after admission to the hospital. The histopathologic diagnosis was multicentric lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry indicated the neoplastic cells were T-lymphocyte derived.