Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Imaging diagnosis: Disseminated hemangiosarcoma in a Welsh pony.
- Journal:
- Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Farber, Brianna et al.
- Affiliation:
- The Ohio State University · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 16-year-old gelding pony was brought in because he had a nosebleed and was tilting his head. Initial X-rays suggested a possible issue in his nasal area, but further tests showed many abnormal masses in his brain and around his neck, as well as a large growth on his spine that was pressing on his spinal cord. These findings pointed to serious conditions like hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer) rather than the initial suspected problem. Unfortunately, a postmortem exam confirmed that he had widespread hemangiosarcoma, including many other affected areas in his body. The imaging tests were crucial in understanding the extent of his illness and guiding treatment decisions, but ultimately, the diagnosis was very serious.
Abstract
A 16-year-old pony gelding presented with epistaxis and a head tilt. Referral skull radiographs suggested an ethmoid hematoma. Concurrent neurologic abnormalities prompted contrast-enhanced CT of the head and cranial neck, revealing numerous hyperattenuating masses throughout the brain and paranasal sinuses, along with a large osteolytic mass in the second cervical vertebra. The vertebral mass extended into the vertebral canal, causing focal extradural compressive myelopathy. These findings were inconsistent with ethmoid hematoma and metastatic hemangiosarcoma or malignant melanoma were prioritized as potential causes for the clinical signs. Postmortem examination confirmed the sinonasal, intracranial, and vertebral masses as hemangiosarcoma, and additionally revealed innumerable thoracoabdominal metastatic lesions and hemorrhagic foci. A final diagnosis of disseminated hemangiosarcoma was made. In this study, CT proved invaluable for evaluating the severity and characterizing regional disease and neural involvement, directly affecting case management decisions.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38785330/