Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Extramedullary plasmacytoma in a horse with ptyalism and dysphagia.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2000
- Authors:
- McConkey, S et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A Clydesdale mare was taken to the vet because she was losing weight, eating less than usual, drooling a lot, and having trouble swallowing. Blood tests showed a high level of certain proteins, which suggested she might have a plasma cell tumor, a type of cancer. Despite thorough examinations before she passed away, the tumor couldn't be found. After she died, the autopsy revealed cancer cells in various parts of her body, including her heart and nerves, which were likely causing her symptoms. Unfortunately, the treatment options were not effective in locating or addressing the tumor before her death.
Abstract
A Clydesdale mare was examined for weight loss, inappetence, ptyalism, and dysphagia. The main abnormality revealed by serum biochemistry was a marked hyperglobulinemia, and protein electrophoresis revealed a monoclonal gammopathy in the gamma region. The urine was positive for Bence Jones proteins. These findings suggested a plasma cell tumor. The neoplasm could not be located with extensive antemortem examination. At postmortem, neoplastic cells morphologically compatible with plasma cells and positive for equine IgG with imunoperoxidase staining infiltrated the pericardium, mediastinal stromal tissues, adrenal glands, meninges, atrioventricular valves, aorta, abdominal and thoracic fat, and nerves, including the trigeminal nerve. The neoplastic cells invading the cranial nerves were responsible for many of the presenting signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10826848/