Disseminated Hemangiosarcoma in the Horse: 35 Cases

Abstract

Thirty-five cases of disseminated hemangiosarcoma (21 clinical cases and 14 previously reported cases) were reviewed to describe the disease in horses. Hemangiosarcoma occurred in mature, particularly middle-aged horses, with no apparent sex predilection. Thoroughbreds seemed to be overrepresented (13 cases) but a true breed predilection could not be established. The respiratory and musculoskeletal systems were most commonly affected and presenting complaints included dyspnea (26%), subcutaneous or muscular swelling (24%), epistaxis (17%), and lameness (12%). Heart and respiratory rates were usually increased and mucous membrane color was frequently pale or icteric. Capillary refill time and rectal temperature were often normal. Anemia (88%), neutrophilic leukocytosis (62%), and thrombocytopenia (48%) were common. Examination of tissue samples collected by fine-needle aspirate or biopsy established an antemortem diagnosis in 4 horses. The diagnosis was made during postmortem examination in the remaining 31 horses. The lung and pleura (77%), skeletal muscle (46%), and spleen (43%) were most commonly affected. A primary site of tumor involvement could be identified in 22 horses. Hemangiosarcoma should be included as a differential diagnosis for horses with evidence of hemorrhage into body cavities, skeletal muscle, or subcutaneous locations.

Acute compartment syndrome in the pelvic limb of a cow following biopsy of a skeletal muscle-associated hemangiosarcoma

“…2 It is an infrequently reported neoplastic process in cattle, and within the scope of veterinary medicine, it most commonly occurs in dogs. 10 The patient in this report received only 1 dose of acetylsalicylic acid. 9 The cow with hemangiosarcoma of the external naris underwent 2 surgical débridements and was sold 13 months after the second surgery with no recurrence.…”

Penile haemangiosarcoma in a breeding stallion

“…) and have previously been reported as having a poor prognosis (Southwood et al . ; Sansom et al . ).…”

“…These changes are consistent with HSA (Southwood et al . ). Clear margins were identified on all resected margins.…”

“…Haemangiosarcomas usually carry a poor prognosis for survival in horses (Southwood et al . ; Sansom et al . ), dogs (Brown et al .…”

Diagnostic considerations for acute death in horses: How common is acute death associated with renal cell carcinoma and other neoplasms in horses?

“…Advanced disease may result in acute death, particularly in adult or older horses (Southwood et al 2000;Johns et al 2005;Pusterla et al 2005). More commonly, disease progression is observed over the course of days to months, during which time haematological testing and diagnostic imaging can be performed.…”