Melanoma and malignant melanoma in sheep and goats

Abstract EN

In the present investigation, a total number of 22 sheep and 29 goats were surveyed for abnormal masses showed frequently on the skin areas (ears, lips, trunk and perineal region) and eyes (either unilateral or bilateral) of both animals.

A characteristic clinical signs represented as cachexia, emaciation, anemia and exophthalmic eye or both eyes.

The excised masses appeared grossly as nodular and papillary maculae of dome-shaped.

Different colors varied from dark brown, pink to black bluish especially the malignant melanoma.

Melanoma and malignant melanoma were subjected to the routine technique of histopathology as available method of tumor diagnosis.

Malignant melanoma of skin and eyes represented as Cutaneous malignant melanoma (mixed epithelium, spindle and round cell types), while intraocular malignant melanoma (originated mainly from third eyelid) was of whorled or fibro-sarcoma like and the mixed cells type.

Surgical excision aimed to treat the case and to decrease the economic losses for the owners owing to the culling of the animals from the herd.