engleski

Submandibular T-cell lymphoma in a mare - a case report

Lymphoma is the most commonly diagnosed malignant neoplasm in horses. Clinical signs are nonspecific until the disease progresses to the end-stage when they reflect function of organs involved. In this case report we describe a periorbital T-cell lymphoma in a 12-year-old Standardbred mare. The mare was admitted to the Faculty clinic with a history of a mass in submandibular region present for a year and periorbital oedema present for two months. At admission the mare presented purulent exudation from the left eye. The area around the left eye was enlarged with slight lagophthalmos and partially dried third eyelid. Laboratory blood results showed no significant changes. Fine needle aspiration smear of mandibular mass was moderately cellular with the presence of neoplastic lymphocytes so lymphoma was diagnosed. The mare was euthanized due to grave prognosis. Necropsy revealed a 10 x 5 cm unencapsulated, multinodular oval neoplasm with infiltrative growth in the submandibular region and below the left eye. Cut surface of the neoplasm was whitish coloured and firm with necrosis in the centre of nodules. Histology revealed a highly cellular round-cell neoplasia with strong labelling for CD3 on immunohistochemistry. An extranodal, submandibular T-cell lymphoma with metastatic spread to the orbital region was diagnosed. Lymphoma should be suspected if a mass is found during physical examination along with laboratory results of anaemia, hyperfibrinogenaemia, hyperproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia without clear indication of infectious disease. Histology of biopsy specimen or cytological examination of a fine needle aspirate of suspected lesion is essential for diagnosis. Current treatment options are surgical excision, radiation or chemotherapy. Equine oncology is still developing, but through further documentation of diagnosed animals and their response to therapy, better understanding of pathogenesis can lead to more effective treatment.

Submandibular neoplasm; T-cell lymphoma; Horse

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