Suspected hepatic amyloidosis in a horse

Summary A 9‐year‐old Saddlebred gelding was referred to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care for decreased energy levels, weight loss, persistently elevated liver enzymes, hyperglobulinaemia and leukocytosis. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large volume of peritoneal fluid of mixed echogen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Equine veterinary education 2020-09, Vol.32 (9), p.e147-e151
Main Authors: Dias Moreira, A. S., Dreyfus, J. M., Peek, S. F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amyloidosis
Biopsy
Dexamethasone
Energy levels
Fibrosis
haemoabdomen
horse
Horses
Leukocytes (neutrophilic)
Leukocytosis
Liver
Parenchyma
Peritoneal fluid
Peritoneum
serum amyloid A
Sulfamethoxazole
Trimethoprim
Weight loss
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Summary:Summary A 9‐year‐old Saddlebred gelding was referred to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care for decreased energy levels, weight loss, persistently elevated liver enzymes, hyperglobulinaemia and leukocytosis. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large volume of peritoneal fluid of mixed echogenicity, and the presence of focally distributed, circular to oval (approximately 1–2 cm), hyperechoic areas within the parenchyma of an enlarged liver. Cytological analysis of the peritoneal fluid revealed sterile neutrophilic/macrophagic inflammation, with haemosiderophages. A liver biopsy confirmed the presence of hepatic amyloidosis and focal fibrosis. Medical therapy with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole for 30 days and long‐term dexamethasone was associated with both a clinical and biochemical response for 7 months, at which time the horse died from presumed hepatic rupture. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing potential successful management of hepatic amyloidosis in a horse.
ISSN:0957-7734
2042-3292
DOI:10.1111/eve.13087