Meibomian Gland Adenocarcinoma in a Captive Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)

Isolated and comparative studies describing the incidence of neoplasia in free-ranging or captive leopards have been reported infrequently, amongst which ocular or extraocular tumour cases are extremely rare. A 21-year-old captive, female Indian leopard ( Panthera pardus fusca ) at Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre was evaluated for the development of multiple proliferative irregular growths on lateral and medial canthus of the left eye along with purulent discharge and corneal irritation. Radical excision of the growth was performed. It was found that masses originating from the eyelid, nictitating membrane, and conjunctival areas had histopathological features consistent with rare and malignant meibomian gland adenocarcinoma; characterized by irregular neoplastic cellular islands from meibomian glands (modified sebaceous gland) subdivided into lobules by fibrovascular connective tissue with presence of basaloid cells, intracytoplasmic lipid vacuoles, nuclear hyperchromasia, pleomorphism, necrosis with inflammatory cellular infiltration. The present case is a foremost report of meibomian gland adenocarcinoma in leopards with comprehensive documentation of its prevalence diagnostic characteristics, limitations, and available options for treatment.