title: An unusual case of generalized soft-tissue mineralization in a suckling foal.
abstract: An atypical case of severe soft-tissue mineralization in a 3-week-old foal from a herd of Andalusian horses is described. The herd clinical history and the laboratory findings were compatible with a diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism due to a mineral imbalance in the diet (low calcium and high phosphorus intake). Mares showed a marked increase in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) approximately 10 times normal levels. Serum PTH was marginally elevated in foals. Clinical signs (unthriftiness, painful joints, lameness in one or more limbs, and stiff gait) were more pronounced in foals than in mares. Two foals died and necropsy of one of them revealed extensive soft-tissue mineralization of arterial walls and pulmonary parenchyma. Clinical signs in mares and foals resolved by 4 weeks after diet adjustment.
authors.affiliation: Department Anatomia y Anatomia Patologica Comparadas, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra Madrid-Cadiz km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain. an1pearj@uco.es
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Estepa
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Aguilera-Tejero
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zafra
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mayer-Valor
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perez
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D005504:Food Analysis; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D006962:Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood; D010760:Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013030:Spain
chemical_list: D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium