Capillary haemangioma: Histopathological characterization of a rare gingival mass in a calf

A two months old cross bred Jersey calf was presented with an irregularly oval growth (2.5 cm × 5 mm) in the mandibular gingiva. The mass was greyish-white and ulcerated. The growth was surgically removed and submitted for histopathology. Tissue sample was processed as per standard histological techniques. Microscopically, tissue revealed extensive superficial ulceration with necrosis and bacterial colonies. Underneath, abnormal proliferation of vascular endothelial cells was evident showing plumpy cells with mild anioscytosis, anisokaryosis and low mitotic figures. Deeper tissue revealed abnormal proliferation of vascular capillary network which were separated into lobules by meagre collagenous stroma. Interlobular stroma had loose collagen. Mast cells were scattered in the stromal components of the neoplastic capillary networks. This paper reports the histopathological features of rare case of capillary haemangioma in a two months old cross bred Jersey calf exhibiting multifocal organization of thrombi with recanalization and activity of mast cells in capillary haemangioma.