Fallbericht: Erstbeschreibung eines Seminoms bei einem Alpensteinbock (Capra ibex ibex)

This case report describes a left testicular seminoma and degenerative osseous alterations of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) in a free-ranging, eleven-year-old Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex). The animal had shown an abnormal body posture for several weeks and was culled in July 2023 because of noticeable head tilt, severe gait impairment and progressive emaciation. Both testes, an altered skin area at the tail base and the complete cervical spine were collected for diagnostic evaluation. Histopathology revealed a benign seminoma within the enlarged left testis, presenting as a whitish, soft-elastic neoplasm of approximately 6 cm in diameter. The altered skin region at the tail base exhibited a non-purulent dermatitis with hyperkeratosis of unclear aetiology. Examination of the first two cervical vertebrae showed pronounced deformities and proliferative changes consistent with advanced degenerative bone alterations. No abnormalities were found in other internal organs. Neoplasms of the reproductive tract are exceedingly rare in small ruminants and wild caprines. No comparable cases have been documented in Alpine ibex.

Gesellschaft für Wildtier & Lebensraum
Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit GmbH