Diagnostic Exercise: Poor Performance in a Racehorse. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giannitti, F.; Petrov, R.; Parker, J.; Booth, M.; Anderson, M.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary pathology. Volume 51:Number 4(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 824
• Page End: 827
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: Avena fatua (wild oat) -- choledocholithiasis -- choledochus -- foreign body -- horse -- liver -- obstruction; Veterinary pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Veterinary -- Periodicals; 636.089607
• DOI: 10.1177/0300985813486814
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-9858

Abstract

A 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with a 97-day history of poor performance and intermittent fever. Clinicopathologic changes included increased serum activity of γ-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase, mild hyperbilirubinemia, and leukocytosis with neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hepatomegaly with hyperechoic hepatic parenchyma and biliary distention. Pathologic findings included marked hepatomegaly (liver 3.6% of body weight), firm hepatic consistency with a diffuse enhanced reticular pattern, severe portal bridging and sinusoidal fibrosis, oval cell/bile duct hyperplasia, and bile stasis. The differential diagnoses and diagnostic workup to achieve the diagnosis are briefly discussed.