Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Miniature horse very tired and losing weight - what to do?
By Beeler-Marfisi, J et al.·Published in Veterinary pathology·2011·University of Guelph, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Gelatinous marrow transformation and hematopoietic atrophy in a miniature horse stallion.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old miniature horse stallion was brought in for persistent anemia and low white blood cell counts, which were linked to oral malformations that made it hard for him to eat properly. A bone marrow biopsy revealed that his bone marrow was not producing enough blood cells and was being replaced by a gelatinous substance due to malnutrition. After surgery to fix his dental issues, the horse was able to eat better, gained weight, and his blood cell counts returned to normal.
People also search for: miniature horse anemia treatment · horse dental problems · why is my horse losing weight
Abstract
Gelatinous marrow transformation, or serous atrophy of bone marrow fat, has been noted in livestock, laboratory animals, and wildlife in association with an inadequate plane of nutrition, inanition, or intoxication. This is a report of gelatinous marrow transformation and hematopoietic marrow atrophy in a 5-year-old miniature horse stallion. The horse had oral malformations leading to poor food assimilation and emaciation. A bone marrow biopsy obtained to investigate persistent anemia and leukopenia showed hematopoietic atrophy and replacement of fat with a granular extracellular substance, which stained with alcian blue, consistent with acidic mucopolysaccharide content. Surgical correction of the dental abnormalities resulted in improved food assimilation, weight gain, and resolution of cytopenias. In humans, gelatinous bone marrow transformation and hematopoietic atrophy are commonly associated with malnutrition from anorexia nervosa and other causes. The cause of hematopoietic atrophy is unknown but may relate to a nonsupportive marrow microenvironment and inadequate hematopoietic substrate availability. Similar pathogenic mechanisms were suspected in this horse.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20587692/