Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Acute leukemia in six horses (1990-2012).
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2017
- Authors:
- Barrell, Emily A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Cornell University · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Acute leukemia is a rare but serious condition in horses. In a study of six horses aged between 2 and 8 years, all showed sudden signs of illness like fever and low energy. Blood tests revealed low blood cell counts, and further examinations showed cancerous cells in various organs, including lymph nodes and the spleen. The types of leukemia found were either B-cell or acute myeloid leukemia, and some cases had mixed features that made diagnosis tricky. Overall, the findings suggest that if a horse has low blood cell counts, acute leukemia should be considered, and a thorough examination is necessary for a proper diagnosis.
Abstract
Acute leukemia is rare in horses. Herein we describe historical, clinicopathologic, and postmortem findings in 6 horses with acute leukemia. Medical records of horses with >20% bone marrow blasts and cytochemical or immunophenotyping results were reviewed. Affected horses were 2-8 y of age and of different breeds and sex. Horses were presented acutely with nonspecific signs (e.g., fever, lethargy). Characteristic hemogram findings were bi- or pancytopenia with low blast numbers. Histologic examination revealed extramedullary infiltrates, especially in lymph nodes, spleen, kidney, liver, and lungs. Leukemias were classified as B-cell ( n = 3) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ( n = 3). Tumors in 4 cases expressed multiple lineage markers, which complicated classification. Acute leukemia should be suspected in horses with moderate-to-severe bi- or pancytopenia. Blood smears should be reviewed for neoplastic cells, and bone marrow examination is required for diagnosis. Leukemia classification is best achieved using combined morphologic, cytochemical, and immunophenotyping results.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28467276/