Uterine leiomyoma in a cow
Keywords: leiomyoma, bovine, uterus, histology
Enlargement seen in the left uterine horn of a pluriparous cow sent to slaughter suggestive of a leiomyoma.
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A close-up view of the transected tumor:
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The histopathology of this tumor was classic for that of a leiomyoma. It was well encapsulated and for the most part, its cells resembled those of normal smooth muscle. No mitoses were seen. In most areas there were whorled fascicles of smooth muscle cells separated by a fibrous stroma:
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In some areas however, the typical muscle fascicles became extensive fields of hyalinized stroma with entrapped smooth muscle cells:
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The incidence of genital leiomyomas is low in cattle, literature suggestion about one in 200,000. By contrast leiomyomas are among the most common reproductive tumors reported in women and bitches, and are highly estrogen dependent in both. Their dependence on estrogen in cattle is unknown. In cattle, they are found throughout the tubular reproductive tract, even in the cervix.
