Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pregnant mare with ovarian tumor and hormone levels
By Gee, E K et al.·Published in New Zealand veterinary journal·2012·Institute of Veterinary·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Granulosa theca cell tumour in a pregnant mare: concentrations of inhibin and testosterone in serum before and after surgery.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 14-year-old Thoroughbred mare was brought in because her ovary was rapidly enlarging while she was 73 days pregnant, and her owner noticed she was acting aggressively towards other horses. After examining her, the vet found a large, abnormal right ovary and confirmed the presence of a benign granulosa theca cell tumor (GTCT). The vet surgically removed the tumor, and afterward, hormone levels of inhibin and testosterone dropped significantly. The mare's pregnancy was still healthy and confirmed after the surgery.
People also search for: pregnant mare behavior changes · granulosa theca cell tumor in horses · mare surgery for ovarian tumor
Abstract
CASE HISTORY: A 14-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented for evaluation of a rapidly enlarging ovary at 73 days gestation. The mare's owner reported behavioural changes in the mare since she returned from stud, notably aggression towards other horses. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Transrectal palpation and ultrasonography of the reproductive tract revealed a viable pregnancy, an enlarged, multiloculated right ovary, and a normal-sized left ovary with a corpus luteum present. Concentrations of inhibin and testosterone in serum were 13.8 ng/mL and 1,150 pg/mL, respectively, being markedly higher than reference ranges. Concentration of progesterone was 4.5 ng/mL, consistent with the presence of functional luteal tissue. A presumptive diagnosis of a granulosa theca cell tumour (GTCT) was made, and the ovary was surgically removed. Histopathological examination of the removed ovary confirmed a benign GTCT. At 31 days after surgery concentrations of inhibin in serum had decreased 18-fold, and testosterone had decreased 10-fold. Pregnancy was reconfirmed at 115 days gestation by rectal palpation and transrectal ultrasonography. DIAGNOSIS: Granulosa theca cell tumour associated with elevated concentrations of inhibin and testosterone in serum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While ovarian enlargement and aggressive behaviour may be considered normal in some pregnant mares, a GTCT should be included as a differential diagnosis. Measurement of concentrations of inhibin and testosterone in serum are useful to support a presumptive diagnosis of GTCT in mares.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22352936/