Vaginal fibrosarcoma in a cow

Fibropapillomas are the most commonly encountered type of tumours in the vagina and vulva of the cow. They are usually pedunculated and can be removed surgically. Although they do not cause infertility, they may be associated with dystocia (Noakes, 1996). Besides fibropapillomas, cases of squamous cell carcinoma, leiomyoma, fibroma, haemangioma, leiomyosarcoma and melanoma have also been reported in the vagina and vulva of cows (Yeruham et al., 1999). Fibrosarcomas can be found in any location of the body. However, they are unusual mesenchymal tumours of the bovine vagina (Kokuuslu et al., 1980; Deveci et al., 1988; Moulton, 1990). Fibromas, fibro-papillomas and fibrosarcomas have been reported as mushroom-shaped growths, and can be attached either by a broad base or by a long pedicle that allows part of the tumour to protrude from the vulva (Yeruham et al., 1999). An eight-year-old Holstein Freisian cow was admitted for the evaluation of a pedunculated vaginal mass that was attached to the right lateral vaginal wall and partially protruded from the vagina (Figure 1). The mass had a wet surface with a mucoid, sanguinous discharge. Appetite was normal and the general physical examination revealed no other abnormalities. Haematological examination prior to surgery revealed a leucocytosis. The total WBC count was elevated to 16.1 cells/μL (range 4-12), with a high neutrophil count of 8090 cells/μL (range 600-4000) and a lymphocyte count at the high end of physiological normal (7490 cells/ μL; range 2500-7500). Other parameters, such as RBC, HGB and HCT were slightly below physiological range, which may be an indicator of mild anaemia due to the continuous haemorrhagic discharge from the mass. Serum biochemistry showed minor increases in ALT and creatinine but AST, total protein, triglycerides, phosphorus and AST were all within the normal range.