Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pelvic limb lameness due to malignant melanoma in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1985
- Authors:
- Kirker-Head, C A et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 21-year-old gray Arabian gelding was experiencing worsening lameness in his right back leg. During a check-up, a small dark skin growth was found on the left side of his neck. Further examination showed that cancerous cells had spread throughout his abdomen and were affecting important nerves and muscles in that area, which was causing his lameness. Unfortunately, the original tumor that started this issue could not be located. The outcome was not positive, as the horse's condition was serious due to the spread of the cancer.
Abstract
Malignant melanoma in a 21-year-old, gray, Arabian gelding was manifested by rapidly deteriorating lameness of the right pelvic limb. A melanotic, cutaneous mass of small dimensions was identified in the left jugular furrow. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed widespread infiltration of melanotic masses into the structures of the abdominal cavity. Necropsy indicated the lameness to have resulted from infiltration of neoplastic cells into the sacral nerves, dorsal root ganglia, proximal ischiatic nerve, and gluteal muscle fibers. The primary tumor could not be identified.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4008306/