Ovarian teratoma in a water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The present short communication puts on record a case of ovarian teratoma in a water buffalo along with detailed description of its ovarian biometry, follicular fluid composition and functional assessment. The 2.0×2.3×2.9 cm teratoma was found in the right ovary of 2.4×2.6×4.2 cm size. The teratoma was firmly encapsulated with cartilaginous tissue and its cross section revealed tufts of hair matted in thick, dried, yellow sebaceous material. Surprisingly the largest surface follicle of about 10 mm size was on the same ovary which was bearing teratoma however the follicular fluid (buFF) collected from that follicle was little.The opposite ovary of the genitalia was normal presenting few numbers of small follicles on the surface. The histopathological investigation of the teratoma revealed a wide variety of mature tissues foreign to the ovary like scattered areas of hair follicles, thyroid gland like structures, fibrous connective tissue, apocrine and sebaceous glands. The buff was assessed for biochemical parameters like cholesterol, ascorbic acid and nitric oxide and relevant hormones for determining its functional status. The concentrations of cholesterol and ascorbic acid were lower than the range reported in previous buffalo follicular fluid; however nitric oxide concentration was found to be much higher. The follicle was functionally inactive. Thus our study puts into records of findings of ovarian teratoma in water buffalo and its detailed microscopic study along with biometry and buFF composition. The possible culling of the animal may be because of the infertility caused by ovarian teratoma by disrupting the normal ovarian function.