Infiltrative Lipoma in a Corn Snake, Elaphe guttata guttata

Abstract

A corn snake, Elaphe guttata guttata , presented with a six week history of anorexia and a lateralized soft tissue mass in the caudal 1/3 of the snake. Due to the obstipation caused by the mass, excisional biopsy was performed and the mass submitted for microscopic evaluation. Histopathology revealed an infiltrative lipoma. The snake was later euthanized due to necrosis and dehiscence at the surgical site, a spinal fracture unrelated to the mass, and cardiac tamponade.