Spontaneous Lesions of Endangered Geriatric Julia Creek Dunnarts (Sminthopsis Douglasi, Archer 1979) with Emphasis on Reproductive Pathology

This study investigates the spontaneous lesions in geriatric Julia Creek dunnarts, an endangered species, focusing on reproductive pathology. It examines 1 wild and 35 captive-born dunnarts, aged 9-42 months for females and 12-42 months for males. The most common condition in females was cystic glandular hyperplasia (n=8), linked to hormonal dysregulation, while males showed testicular degeneration and aspermatogenesis (n=3). Cutaneous round cell infiltrates, possibly lymphomas, were observed in both sexes. The study highlights the importance of understanding senescence and geriatric diseases in conservation efforts.