Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Erythrocytosis and fatigue fractures associated with hepatoblastoma in a 3-year-old gelding.
- Journal:
- Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
- Year:
- 2019
- Authors:
- Tirosh-Levy, Sharon et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Surgery
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was found to have a liver tumor called hepatoblastoma after being brought in for lameness in his front legs, which was caused by stress fractures in the bones of his legs. An ultrasound showed an abdominal mass, and blood tests revealed an unusually high number of red blood cells. The horse underwent surgery to remove the fractured bones, but unfortunately, there were complications that led to his death. This case is notable because it’s the first time that a liver tumor and these types of leg fractures have been linked in horses, suggesting there might be a connection between the two health issues. Sadly, the treatment did not lead to a successful outcome.
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma was diagnosed in a 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with forelimb lameness with bilateral fatigue fractures of the proximal third metacarpal bones. An abdominal mass was detected on ultrasound examination of the abdomen. Absolute erythrocytosis was diagnosed after clinical and haematological evaluation. The fractured metacarpal bones were surgically removed but complications after surgery were fatal. The liver mass was diagnosed as a hepatoblastoma based on histology and immunochemical staining. The combination of hepatoblastoma and fatigue fractures has not been described previously in horses. A potential link between the hepatic and orthopaedic pathologies is hypothesised.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31038324/