Osteochondromatosis (multiple cartilaginous exostoses) in an immature killer whale Orcinus orca.

An immature killer whale Orcinus orca found dead on the southeastern Brazilian coast had multiple bone proliferations: on the skull, vertebrae, hemal arches, and ribs. The bony formations were characterized as multiple osteochondromas, as defined by osteochondromatosis. The diagnosis was based on macroscopic and radiographic observations. These benign osseocartilaginous tumors affect young individuals and grow until skeletal maturity is achieved. Case reports of this condition, besides humans, include other mammals, with most reports for pets and domestic mammals such as cattle, and a report in a fossil canid (Hesperocyon) from the Oligocene. The etiology, diagnosis, developmental characteristics, and occurrence of osteochondromas are distinct among different species. This report describes the first case of multiple osteochondromas in a wild cetacean.