Myeloma in Horses
by Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Introduction
Introduction
»
Symptoms
»
Diagnosis
»
Treatment
»
Summary
»
More Info & Discussions
Myelomas are cancers of the B type lymphocytes and rare in horses. They can occur either within the bone marrow (lymphocytic leukemia) or outside of the bones as solitary tumors (plasmacytoma). The bone marrow type is the most common type in horses. Common manifestations include limb edema, ataxia, lameness, nose bleeding, lymph node enlargement, weight loss, and depressed appetite. They occur in horses of all ages. This article discusses the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these cancers in horses.
Symptoms
Introduction
»
Symptoms
»
Diagnosis
»
Treatment
»
Summary
»
More Info & Discussions
Symptoms are associated with the site of a tumor invasion. Common manifestations include limb edema, ataxia, lameness, nose bleeding, lymph node enlargement, weight loss, and depressed appetite. Secondary bacterial infections are common. The two most common laboratory findings include, anemia and a hyperglobulinemia. A monoclonal gammopathy is detected in nearly all cases. If the disease is widespread through the bone marrow, the anemia may be severe and accompanied by a decreased white blood cell count and low platelets. If the gammopathy is severe, unusual bleeding episodes may occur.
Diagnosis
Introduction
»
Symptoms
»
Diagnosis
»
Treatment
»
Summary
»
More Info & Discussions
To read more on this topic become a member of
Horseadvice.com! Your membership gets you instant access to this and over 600 equine articles on our site. Other benefits of your membership include participation in our discussion boards and access to our one button PubMed search tool for each topic.
Horseadvice.com educates you to be a more knowledgeable horse owner which leads to healthier horses and save you money, we guarantee it. Come Join Us!