Disseminated hemangiosarcoma in the horse: 35 cases.
Thirty-five cases of disseminated hemangiosarcoma (21 clinical cases and 14 previously reported cases) were reviewed to describe the disease in horses. Hemangiosarcoma occurred in mature, particularly middle-aged horses, with no apparent sex predilection. Thoroughbreds seemed to be overrepresented (13 cases) but a true breed predilection could not be established. The respiratory and musculoskeletal systems were most commonly affected and presenting complaints included dyspnea (26%), subcutaneous or muscular swelling (24%), epistaxis (17%), and lameness (12%). Heart and respiratory rates were usually increased and mucous membrane color was frequently pale or icteric. Capillary refill time and rectal temperature were often normal. Anemia (88%), neutrophilic leukocytosis (62%), and thrombocytopenia (48%) were common. Examination of tissue samples collected by fine-needle aspirate or biopsy established an antemortem diagnosis in 4 horses. The diagnosis was made during postmortem examination in the remaining 31 horses. The lung and pleura (77%), skeletal muscle (46%), and spleen (43%) were most commonly affected. A primary site of tumor involvement could be identified in 22 horses. Hemangiosarcoma should be included as a differential diagnosis for horses with evidence of hemorrhage into body cavities, skeletal muscle, or subcutaneous locations.
Southwood
L L
LL
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, USA.
Schott
H C
HC
Henry
C J
CJ
Kennedy
F A
FA
Hines
M T
MT
Geor
R J
RJ
Hassel
D M
DM
D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006394:Hemangiosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D019042:Muscle Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D019043:Vascular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*