A case of leukemia in the desert spiny lizard (Sceloporus magister).

Abstract

A leukemia characterized by the proliferation of undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells is described from a desert spiny lizard (Sceloporus magister). This is the first neoplasm reported from this species and the first leukemia from the family Iguanidae. A massive invasion of primitive hematopoietic cells was noted in the vascular system and heart muscle. Spleen, bone marrow, lungs, adrenal gland, pancreas, brain, skin, testes, liver, lamina propria and submucosa of intestines were extensively involved. Tissue-fixed mast cells were noted in the kidney and intestinal submucosa but were not participating in the neoplastic proliferation.