Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Disseminated hemangiosarcoma in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1988
- Authors:
- Johnson, J E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 6.5-year-old horse was brought in after suddenly starting to bleed from the nose, having trouble breathing, breathing fast, and showing pale gums and dark stools. The horse had a history of bleeding in the lungs during exercise, but tests did not show any bleeding disorders, and the anemia (low red blood cell count) was thought to be due to the lung bleeding. Despite receiving supportive care, the horse's condition worsened, and it was put to sleep. A post-mortem examination found blood in the chest and abdomen, along with dark red masses in various tissues, leading to a diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma, a rare type of tumor in horses that can cause serious bleeding and respiratory issues. Unfortunately, the treatment did not work, and the horse passed away.
Abstract
A 6.5-year-old horse with a history of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage was admitted because of acute onset of epistaxis, dyspnea, high respiratory rate, pale mucous membranes, and dark feces. There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of a bleeding disorder, and the horse's anemia was considered to be secondary to pulmonary hemorrhage. The cause of the hemorrhage was not found on thoracic sonograms or from cytologic examination of transtracheal aspirates. Despite supportive care, the horse's health deteriorated, and it was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed blood in the thoracic and peritoneal cavities and reddish black masses in many tissues. Histologic examination confirmed a diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma. Hemangiosarcoma is a rare tumor in horses; however, as this case demonstrates, it can cause pulmonary hemorrhage and respiratory distress and may be difficult to diagnose before death.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3209458/