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

This study examined spontaneous lesions in a captive colony of geriatric Julia Creek dunnarts, focusing on reproductive pathology. Among 36 dunnarts (20 females, 16 males), 10 had normal findings. The most common issue in females was cystic glandular hyperplasia (8 cases), while males frequently exhibited testicular degeneration, aspermatogenesis, or atrophy (3 cases). Cutaneous lesions compatible with epitheliotropic T cell lymphomas were observed in both sexes (5 cases), suggesting a possible viral etiology. This research is the first to document spontaneous diseases in aging Julia Creek dunnarts, providing insights into geriatric conditions within a conservation context.