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

This study investigates the spontaneous pathology in 36 captive-born, mostly geriatric Julia Creek dunnarts, focusing on reproductive issues. The dunnarts, aged 9-42 months for females and 12-42 months for males, were examined postmortem. Common findings in females included cystic endometrial hyperplasia (n=7) and cystic ovaries (n=2), linked to hormonal dysregulation. Males exhibited testicular degeneration, necrosis, and aspermatogenesis (n=3), with some showing cutaneous round cell infiltrates suggestive of lymphomas (n=3). The study highlights the prevalence of reproductive hormonal dysregulation and potential viral etiologies in aged dunnarts, providing crucial insights for conservation efforts.