Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pleural effusion resulting from malignant hepatoblastoma in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1989
- Authors:
- Prater, P E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Rural Practice
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Appaloosa gelding was found to have fluid in his chest, which was caused by a cancer called malignant hepatoblastoma. He showed signs of serious breathing difficulties, a fast heartbeat, and noticeable swelling in his neck veins. Initial tests, including ultrasound and X-rays, did not provide clear answers, and other fluid tests were also inconclusive. Blood tests showed some liver enzyme changes, suggesting a problem with bile flow but not direct liver damage. Unfortunately, the horse was euthanized, and a post-mortem examination revealed a large tumor and spread of the cancer to his lungs and intestines.
Abstract
Pleural effusion, secondary to a metastasis from a malignant hepatoblastoma, was diagnosed in a 3-year-old Appaloosa gelding. Severe hemorrhagic transudate in both pleural cavities resulted in acute onset of labored breathing, tachypnea, tachycardia, and jugular vein pulsation. Results of ultrasonography and radiography of the ventral lung field and cranial portion of the abdomen initially were nondiagnostic, as were results of cytologic examination of peritoneal fluid and tracheal wash specimens. Moderately high serum gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, despite normal hepatocyte-specific enzyme (sorbital dehydrogenase) activity, were indicative of biliary stasis without hepatocyte destruction. The horse was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed a 47-kg hepatoblastoma, with metastases in the lungs and intestines.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2537279/