Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Gelatinous marrow transformation and hematopoietic atrophy in a miniature horse stallion.
- Journal:
- Veterinary pathology
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Beeler-Marfisi, J et al.
- Affiliation:
- University of Guelph · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old miniature horse stallion was found to have a serious condition called gelatinous marrow transformation, which is when the bone marrow becomes unhealthy and loses its ability to produce blood cells. This horse had trouble eating due to oral malformations, which led to significant weight loss and anemia (low red blood cell count). A biopsy of the bone marrow showed that it was not functioning properly and was being replaced by a substance that indicated malnutrition. After surgery to fix the dental issues, the horse was able to eat better, gained weight, and the blood cell counts returned to normal. Overall, the treatment was successful and improved the horse's health significantly.
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: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20587692/