Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ataxia due to lymphosarcoma in a young horse.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1987
- Authors:
- Kannegieter, N J & Alley, M R
- Affiliation:
- Massey University
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 20-month-old Standard-bred colt suddenly started having trouble with his back legs, a condition known as ataxia, which means he couldn't walk properly. After a thorough examination and X-rays, vets found a growth pressing on his spinal cord in the middle of his back. Sadly, the colt was euthanized, and a post-mortem exam showed that he had a tumor in the space around his spinal cord, identified as lymphosarcoma, a type of cancer. The cancer cells were also found in his abdominal lymph nodes and brain, suggesting that this type of cancer can spread to the nervous system more often than previously thought. Unfortunately, the treatment options were not effective in saving him.
Abstract
A 20-month-old, Standard-bred colt was presented with an acute onset of hindlimb ataxia. Clinical and radiographic examination identified a compressive lesion affecting the spinal cord at the level of the 17th to 18th thoracic vertebrae. After euthanasia, post-mortem examination revealed a tumour in the epidural space, diagnosed histologically as a lymphosarcoma. Neoplastic lymphoid cells were also present in the abdominal lymph nodes and brain. Because of the disseminated nature of lymphosarcoma in the horse, involvement of the central nervous system is likely to be more common than is presently recognised.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3452305/