Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1994
- Authors:
- Johnson, P J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old female Quarter Horse started eating less than usual, lost weight, had a fever, and showed signs of a swollen belly along with occasional mild colic (abdominal pain). A rectal exam found a large, smooth mass near the colon. Tests showed that the fluid in her abdomen was mostly normal but had a high protein level. An ultrasound revealed that the mass was made up of many small cysts and some solid nodules throughout her abdomen. The horse underwent surgery to remove the 34-kilogram mass, and after the surgery, she recovered well and started gaining weight. She has not had any further issues and even gave birth to a healthy foal, with no signs of the condition returning 22 months later.
Abstract
A 6-year-old female Quarter Horse became inappetent, lost weight, was febrile, and had abdominal enlargement and infrequent bouts of mild colic. Palpation per rectum detected a prominent, smooth-walled mass adjacent to the pelvic flexure of the colon. Analyses revealed the peritoneal fluid was apparently normal except for a high protein concentration. By the use of ultrasonography, the mass was observed adjacent to the body wall in many locations throughout the abdomen, appearing as an irregular, multiloculated structure composed of innumerable cysts of various sizes with interspersed, circular hyperechoic nodules. A celiotomy was performed, and the 34-kg mass was removed. On the basis of histologic examination, a diagnosis of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis was made. The horse had an uncomplicated recovery and gained weight. Further problems have not been reported and the horse subsequently gave birth to a healthy foal. A complete examination of the horse 22 months after surgery did not reveal signs of redevelopment of the condition.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7989243/