Hyperandrogenism from an ovarian interstitial-cell tumor in an alpaca

• Published in: Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation 2006-11, Vol.18 (6), p.605-607
• Main Authors: Gilbert, R, Kutzler, M, Valentine, B.A, Semevolos, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alpacas; androgens; animal behavior; Animals; Behavior, Animal - physiology; blood chemistry; Camelids, New World; Female; females; hormone secretion; hyperandrogenism; Hyperandrogenism - etiology; Hyperandrogenism - therapy; Hyperandrogenism - veterinary; Leydig Cell Tumor - complications; Leydig Cell Tumor - surgery; Leydig Cell Tumor - veterinary; Leydig cells; neoplasms; Ovarian Neoplasms - complications; Ovarian Neoplasms - surgery; Ovarian Neoplasms - veterinary; ovaries; Ovary - metabolism; Ovary - pathology; ovulation; testosterone; Testosterone - blood; Theca Cells - metabolism; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1040-6387; 1943-4936
• DOI: 10.1177/104063870601800616

Correspondence: 1 Corresponding Author: Dr. Michelle Kutzler, 105 Magruder Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 An 8-year-old intact female Huacaya alpaca ( Lama pacos ) was presented for recent development of male behavior. Serum testosterone concentration was determined to be 969.1 pg/ml by using radioimmunoassay, while the range in 33 healthy female adult intact alpacas was 11.7–62.1 pg/ml. An ovarian mass was suspected, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed. A tan mass was present on the left ovary. Histologically, the mass was composed of closely packed, plump, polygonal cells with central round nuclei with granular chromatin and abundant eosinophilic finely granular to vesiculate cytoplasm. An ovarian benign interstitial (Leydig) cell tumor was diagnosed. Key Words: Alpaca • hyperandrogenism • ovary • testosterone • tumor