Metastatic granulosa cell tumor in a mare.

A 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare was referred for evaluation of an acute non-weightbearing lameness of the left hind limb in which musculoskeletal abnormalities had not been detected. After admission, the mare had signs of colic. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the left ovary to be large, masses in the left sublumbar space, and diffuse infiltration of the mesentery, omentum, liver, and spleen with variably-sized masses. The mare was euthanatized, and granulosa cell tumor was identified on histologic examination of the left ovary, left sublumbar and cranial thoracic lymph nodes, omentum, mesentery, liver, spleen, and lung.     

Two Methods for the Treatment of Ureterolithiasis in a Mare

Ureteroliths were removed on two occasions from a mare by different techniques. A 3 cm calculus was removed by right ureterolithectomy during a ventral midline celiotomy. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine were measured monthly and remained within normal limits for 5 months. During the fifth postoperative month, after 9 days of lumbar pain, the mare was represented with an increased BUN and creatinine and a ureterolith in the left ureter. Using a Dormia basket stone dislodger, the second ureterolith was removed through a vestibulourethral approach. Fourteen days after surgery, the BUN and creatinine had returned to normal limits and the mare remained asymptomatic for 3 months. The mare then developed severe laminitis after 2 days of strenuous exercise and was euthanized. At necropsy, both kidneys contained multiple calculi.     

Pleural effusion secondary to thoracic metastatic mammary adenocarcinoma in a mare

A 17-year-old Quarter Horse mare was examined nearly 3 years after excision and cryotherapy of a papillary mammary gland adenocarcinoma. The mare had been used for pleasure riding since surgery, but had recently developed progressive dyspnea. The mare had clinical evidence of pleural effusion, but died before further clinical examination and treatment were instituted. Necropsy revealed deep mammary masses with similar nodules in the deep inguinal, renal, and mediastinal lymph nodes and in the lungs, pericardium, visceral and parietal pleurae, and left ovary. The masses were identified as papillary mammary gland adenocarcinoma. Large volumes of free pleural and peritoneal fluid were detected. The pleural fluid contained similar neoplastic cells that could have been readily detected by exfoliative cytologic examination had the mare survived.     

Pleural effusion secondary to metastasis of an ovarian adenocarcinoma in a horse

An 11-year-old Quarter Horse mare was presented with ventral edema and pleural effusion, secondary to a disseminated ovarian adenocarcinoma. Bilateral thoracocentesis yielded 30 L of thin, blood-tinged fluid, which was a modified transudate. Cytologic examination of the fluid revealed large atypical cells, suggestive of carcinomatous neoplasia. Similar cells were found in the peritoneal fluid. The mare was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed a 35-cm diameter mass in the cranial mediastinum, ventral to the trachea. The left ovary was 25 cm in diameter and most of the parenchyma was replaced by red or brown friable tissue, containing numerous 1-to 3-mm cysts. Papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary was diagnosed, based on the appearance and arrangement of tumor cells in the ovary, sublumbar and tracheobronchial lymph nodes, and mediastinal mass. Ovarian neoplasia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusion in the horse.     

Clinical,histological and immunophenotypic findings in a mare with a mammary lymphoma associated with anaemia and pruritus

An 18‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare presented with an 18 week history of dermatological lesions characterised by recurrent urticaria and recent signs of enlarged mammary glands, pyrexia, alopecia and intense pruritus. Haematological and serum biochemical analyses revealed anaemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia and hyperfibrinogenaemia. Mammary discharge was evaluated and revealed neutrophilia. Cytological examinations of fine needle aspirates from the parotid lymph nodes were normal. Common causes of anaemia were ruled out by specific tests. The initial diagnosis was mastitis and 2 weeks later the animal returned to the hospital with worsening of clinical signs, intermittent fever, intense pruritus and generalised alopecia. Blood samples were collected for haematological and serum biochemical analyses, and the mammary gland and parotid lymph nodes were biopsied. Rectal palpation revealed a large irregular mass near the left kidney with adhesions of surrounding structures. The animal died before the laboratory results were ready. This report details the clinical, histological and immunophenotypic findings of a case of large lymphoma in a mare.     

Progression of mycosis of the auditory tube diverticulum (guttural pouch) after arterial occlusion in a horse with contralateral temporohyoid osteoarthropathy

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old Appaloosa mare was examined because of inappetance, difficulty eating, and swelling and mucopurulent discharge in the right eye. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Results of a CBC and serum bio-chemical analysis revealed no important findings. Ophthalmologic examination revealed scarring and ulceration of the superficial layers of the cornea. Endoscopic examination of the upper portion of the respiratory tract and auditory tube diverticula (guttural pouches) revealed abnormal thickness of the right stylohyoid bone and a plaque suggestive of mycotic growth on the left internal carotid artery. Radiographic examination revealed right-sided otitis media. Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy in the right guttural pouch and mycosis in the left guttural pouch were diagnosed. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Ceratohyoidectomy of the right stylohyoid bone was performed, and the left internal carotid artery was occluded via placement of stainless steel spring embolization coils. The mare regained the ability to eat without difficulty and improved clinically for approximately 4 weeks. However, the mare returned to the medical center 53 days after surgery with left-sided Horner syndrome, atrophy of the right side of the tongue, and a 3-week history of dysphagia and weight loss. Endoscopic evaluation revealed progression of mycotic growth in the left guttural pouch. The mare was euthanatized. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the mycotic lesion in the left guttural pouch was an incidental finding at the time of initial examination, the lesion progressed to cause dysphagia and Horner syndrome after occlusion of the left internal carotid artery, a treatment that is typically associated with resolution of guttural pouch mycosis. Arterial occlusion is not necessarily a reliable method of resolving guttural pouch mycosis.     

Hepatic lobe torsion in a horse

A 4-year-old Belgian mare was presented with a 1-week history of fever, suspected of being caused by peritonitis. The mare died before the diagnostic procedures had been completed; postmortem examination revealed torsion of the left medial lobe of the liver, resulting in diffuse necrosis of liver tissue and severe peritoneal effusion.     

Surgical resection of a dysgerminoma in a mare

A mare was referred for further evaluation of a mass found in the left caudal abdomen during a routine postpartum reproductive palpation. The mare was clinically normal with no history of health problems. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass confirmed its presence, but the origin of the mass could not be accurately determined. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits. The mare was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, but the mass continued to increase in size, so it was surgically excised. The mass involved the left ovary. The mare showed transient abdominal pain after surgery, but developed no other complications and was in foal 7 months later. On histology, the mass was diagnosed as a dysgerminoma, a rare ovarian tumour of germ cell origin.     

Chronic sialolithiasis in a Trakehner mare

An 11-year-old Trakehner mare was presented with a firm moveable mass over the left maxilla. Radiography revealed a discrete opaque ovoid mass. Sialolithiasis of left parotid duct was diagnosed. The sialolith was excised by using a transoral approach and found to contain an organic nidus. The mare recovered without complications.     

Penetrating injury at the thoracic inlet in a Paint‐Arab mare

A 12‐year‐old Paint‐Arab mare was admitted for evaluation of a penetrating chest laceration at the thoracic inlet. The left brachiocephalic muscle was transected and the recurrent laryngeal nerve was traumatised. Subsequent to the injury, the horse developed Horner's syndrome on the left side of the neck and face, Grade IV left laryngeal hemiplegia, dysphagia, cough and subcutaneous emphysema. The defect was closed in multiple layers. Antimicrobial and antiinflammatory therapy was instituted along with local wound care. The mare remained bright and responsive and the wound healed normally. The mare showed no signs of respiratory distress. Dysphagia and ptosis persisted at 30 days post trauma.     

Unilateral facial paralysis and keratitis sicca, signs of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy in the horse

A 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare was presented with a history of abnormal behaviour and acute facial nerve paralysis on the left side. Clinical examination revealed a slight head tilt and a corneal ulcer of the left eye. The base of the left ear was warm and painful. Endoscopic examination of the left guttural pouch showed thickening of the proximal part of the stylohyoid bone. Computer tomography revealed a left-sided prominent bony enlargement of the middle and proximal part of the stylohyoid bone and the tympanic bulla, fusion of the temporrhoid joint, and osseous proliferation of the pars petrosa of the temporal bone. The diagnosis was confirmed postmortem. The literature concerning the anatomy, clinical signs, and therapy of temporrhoid osteoarthropathy is discussed.     

Sacrocaudal agenesis in a Korean native calf (Bos Taurus Coreanae)

A male deformed Korean native calf was examined macroscopically. The deformed calf had no caudal vertebral columns from 5th lumbar vertebra, sacrum and coccygeal vertebrae. The spinal cord was terminated in the vertebral foramen of the 3rd lumbar vertebra. The cervical vertebrae had scoliosis and the 3rd and 4th cervical vertebrae were fused. The 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae were fused and the left and right transverse processes of the 4th lumbar vertebra articulated with ala of the ilium. The rectum was greatly expanded by the imperforate anus and a rectourethral fistula was formed between the rectum and urethra. The deformed calf was recorded as a first documentation of sacrocaudal agenesis confirmed in a Korean native calf.     

ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED MESENTERIC LYMPH NODE IOHEXOL INJECTION FOR THORACIC DUCT COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC LYMPHOGRAPHY IN CATS

Computed tomographic (CT) lymphography was performed in cats using percutaneous ultrasound‐guided injection of contrast medium into a mesenteric lymph node. The thoracic duct and its branches were clearly delineated in CT images of seven cats studied. The thoracic duct was characterized by anatomic variation and appeared as single or multiple branches. The thoracic duct and the cisterna chyli were identified along the ventral or left ventral aspect of the vertebrae from the level of the cranial lumbar to the caudal cervical vertebrae. The thoracic duct was identified in the central caudal mediastinum, deviated to the left in the cranial mediastinum, and finally moved toward the venous system. Small volumes of extranodal contrast medium leakage were identified in all cats. After injection, the mesenteric lymph nodes were cytologically normal. Ultrasound‐guided CT lymphography via percutaneous mesenteric lymph node injection appears safe and effective in cats.     

Marsupialization of an abdominal abscess caused by Serratia marcescens in a mare

An intra-abdominal abscess was diagnosed in a 7-year-old mare by palpation per rectum and from abnormal clinicopathologic findings. Initial treatment with procaine penicillin for 21 days was unsuccessful in halting the deterioration of the physical condition of the mare. Surgical exploration of the abdomen revealed a mass in the wall of the left ventral colon. Drainage was achieved by marsupialization. Serratia marcescens was isolated from the abscess. Recovery appeared complete, and the mare has resumed broodmare capability.     

Pentology of Fallot, renal infarction and renal abscess in a mare

A four-year-old mare with fever, weight loss, depression, hematuria and a hind limb lameness was affected with the congenital cardiac anomaly Pentology of Fallot. Vegetative arteritis of the patent ductus arteriosus resulted in embolic renal infarction, renal and hypaxial lumbar muscle abscessation and finally renal failure.     

Pulmonary aspergillosis in a horse with myelomonocytic leukemia

Acute myelomonocytic leukemia was diagnosed in a 2-year-old Standardbred mare that had hind limb edema and fever unresponsive to antibiotics. The mare had anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis, with circulating myeloblasts and monocytoid cells. A bone marrow specimen was hypercellular, with myeloblasts and monocytoid cells. Peroxidase, chloroacetate esterase, and alpha naphthyl acetate esterase activities were detected in many bone marrow cells. Interstitial pulmonary densities were seen radiographically. The mare was euthanatized and necropsied. Infiltrates of leukemic cells were found microscopically in specimens of spleen, lymph nodes, liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. Granulomas containing fungal hyphae were seen microscopically in the lungs, and Aspergillus sp was isolated from the lesions.     

Unusual Internal Carotid Artery Branching That Prevented Arterial Occlusion With a Balloon-Tipped Catheter in a Horse

A mare with hemorrhage caused by guttural pouch mycosis was treated by insertion of a balloon-tipped catheter into the left internal carotid artery. During recovery from general anesthesia, the mare had profuse epistaxis, and was anesthetized again to determine the site of hemorrhage. The affected guttural pouch was opened to confirm that hemorrhage was from the left internal carotid artery. The mare was euthanatized, and, at necropsy, the balloon catheter was found in an aberrant branch that arose from the internal carotid artery and joined the basilar artery. The mycotic plaque was on the left internal carotid artery, distal to the origin of the aberrant branch, so that the balloon did not obstruct retrograde flow through the infected segment. Additional dissection of the internal carotid artery before insertion of a balloon catheter is recommended to identify any aberrant branches. Ligation of aberrant branches at their bifurcation with the internal carotid artery is recommended to prevent both inadvertent catheterization and retrograde flow from the cerebral arterial circle.     

Multicentric Hemangiosarcoma in the Horse: A Case Report

The present article reports a case of multicentric hemangiosarcoma in a 22-year-old Warmblood mare presented for recurrent fever and weight loss. Thoracic ultrasonography showed multiple small areas of pulmonary consolidation. Ultrasonography in the region of the right liver lobe showed the presence of a rounded mass, approximately 24 × 19 cm² in size, extending from the 9th to 14th rib of the right side, characterized by multiple fluid-filled cavities and hypo- and hyperechoic rounded areas. On the left side, several hyperechoic rounded areas were detected in the spleen. Because of sudden onset of hemoperitoneum and worsening of the clinical conditions, the mare was humanely destroyed. Necroscopy confirmed the presence of hepatic, splenic, and pulmonary lesions, and showed further nodules on the stomach wall. The microscopic appearance of the lesions was consistent with hemangiosarcoma with multiple visceral metastases. Because the reported prevalence of equine hemangiosarcoma is as low as 0% to 0.7%, this case report may provide further information and describe one of the possible ultrasonographic patterns of multicentric hemangiosarcoma in horses.     

Elevated Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in an Arabian Mare with Granulosa Cell Tumor

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), produced by granulosa cells, has been reported to be elevated in mares with granulosa cell tumor. A 13-year-old Arabian mare was referred after 3 years of infertility. Rectal and ultrasonographic examination revealed enlargement and multicystic appearance of the left ovary. The mare had substantially higher concentration of AMH (21.6 ng/mL) compared with normal cyclic mares (n = 5; 0.36 ± 0.02 ng/mL). Testosterone (50 pg/mL) concentration was also elevated, but progesterone concentration (0.4 ng/mL) was lowered. Accordingly, the mare was presumptively diagnosed with granulosa-theca cell tumor and a left ovariectomy implemented using ventral midline approach under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of granulosa-theca cell tumor. Serum concentrations of AMH decreased to 2 ng/mL and 0.5 ng/mL 2 and 4 weeks after tumor removal, respectively. In conclusion, the current report presents confirmatory evidence that evaluation of serum AMH could be useful for diagnosis of granulosa cell tumor in mare.     

Thoracotomy for repair of a large dorsal diaphragmatic hernia in an 18‐year‐old mare

An 18‐year‐old Arabian‐mix mare was presented with a history of severe colic. Emergency exploratory celiotomy revealed diaphragmatic hernia, with a large rent in the left dorsal aspect of the diaphragm and large colon volvulus. Attempts to close the defect in the diaphragm in dorsal recumbency were unsuccessful. Therefore, a thoracic approach through lateral thoracotomy was elected, and a mesh was attached to the diaphragm using skin staples. While in dorsal recumbency, the mare suffered from significant respiratory acidosis. Thus, the mare was tilted into reverse Trendelenburg (30° head upward) and ventilation improved markedly. The mare recovered uneventfully, and was doing well 5 years after surgery.