A case report of Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a sheep referred to Semnan University Veterinary Hospital

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the malignant tumors of the skin that appears at any ages, but it’s more sever in older cases. Its occurrence is more common in cats and dogs, but it also can happen in other species such as sheep. In terms of the location of the lesion, it is mostly possible at the contact line between the mucous membrane and the skin, such as the eyelids. However, in sheep, it occurs more near the ears. The lesion initially appears as redness and peeling. During the progression, dryness and thickening of the skin takes place. From a microscopic point of view, these affected keratinocytes have these signs: karyomegaly, non-polarity, etc.

History: 

A native 4 years old male sheep, weighing 70 kg, was referred to Semnan University Veterinary Hospital with symptoms of anorexia, cachexia, weight loss (more than 40 kg in 1 month) and facial masses. . After clinical examination and palpation of the masses, it was decided to take samples from them.

After sampling by biopsy method, histopathological sections were prepared and SCC was diagnosed. Finally, due to intense conflict, after 3 weeks, the animal died.