CT helps diagnose metastatic uterine cancer in pet pot-bellied sow

A case report in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation describes an antemortem diagnosis of metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma in a 13-year-old Vietnamese Pot-bellied sow, using computed tomography to identify diffuse multilobulated cystic and mineralized uterine masses, numerous pulmonary nodules, and abdominal lymphadenopathy before necropsy confirmation. The sow presented with 5 days of blood-tinged mucoid vulvar discharge, plus a 4-month history of intermittent coughing and weight loss, and pathology later confirmed diffuse cystic endometrial hyperplasia with endometrial adenocarcinoma and metastasis. The report adds to a sparse literature on swine uterine adenocarcinoma, especially in pet pigs, and highlights CT as a useful tool when reproductive disease and distant spread are both on the differential. (deepdyve.com)

Why it matters: For veterinarians seeing aging intact pet pigs, the case is a reminder that vulvar discharge, chronic cough, and weight loss may point to advanced reproductive neoplasia rather than isolated respiratory or uterine disease. Broader retrospective data suggest neoplasia is common in older pot-bellied pigs, with reproductive tissues among the most frequently affected sites, and other reviews have noted that uterine lesions, including endometrial carcinoma, are part of the disease burden in older miniature pigs. That makes cross-sectional imaging potentially valuable for staging, prognosis, and client discussions with the pet parent, particularly when thoracic metastasis is a concern. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What to watch: This case will likely reinforce interest in earlier reproductive screening and elective spay discussions in female pet pigs before age-related uterine disease becomes advanced. (dvm360.com)