sebaceous gland adenoma in a free-ranging baird's tapir tapirus bairdii (Tapiridae: Perissodactyla)

Abstract

An external mass was observed on the ear of a free-ranging Baird's Tapir Tapirus bairdii. The mass was surgically removed under general anesthesia and was histopathologically identified as sebaceous gland adenoma. Hematological and biochemical analyses were also performed. The animal showed a mild anemia and the other values were unremarkable. Only few cases of tumors have been reported in tapirs and this is the first report of a tumor in a free ranging Baird's Tapir. The presence of any disease in free-ranging wildlife should call our attention in order to develop a better understanding of disease ecology, especially in threatened species.