Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses associated to pituitary adenoma / Disfunção da pars intermedia da hipófise em equinos associado a adenoma pituitário

The clinical syndrome of the pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is the most common endocrinopathy of older horses. This syndrome is characterized by several clinical and pathological changes, which are usually associated with adenomas of the pars intermedia (PI) of the pituitary gland. The aim of this work is to describe five cases of pituitary adenoma of the PI associated with PPID in horses, addressing its clinical and pathological aspects. The horses had a mean of 22 years of age. The main clinical signs were hirsutism and paresis of hind limbs, and at post mortem examination all horses had hirsutism, and a nodule in the pituitary gland, which was histologically characterized as an adenoma of PI (5/5). Furthermore, two horses had gross lesions suggestive of chronic laminitis. Moreover, there was intense parasitism of Sarcocystis neurona (2/5), Strongylus vulgaris (1/5), Parascaris equorum (1/5), Draschia megastoma (1/5), and Klossiella equi (1/5).

A síndrome clínica da disfunção da pars intermedia da hipófise (PPID) é a endocrinopatia mais comum em cavalos idosos. Essa síndrome é caracterizada por várias alterações clínicas e patológicas, geralmente associadas a adenomas da pars intermedia (PI) da hipófise. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever cinco casos de adenoma hipofisário de PI associado a PPID em equinos, abordando seus aspectos clínicos e patológicos. Os cavalos apresentaram média de 22 anos de idade. Os principais sinais clínicos incluíam hirsutismo e paresia dos membros pélvicos, e no exame post mortem todos os equinos apresentavam hirsutismo e um nódulo na glândula pituitária, que foi histologicamente caracterizada como um adenoma de PI (5/5). Além disso, dois cavalos tinham lesões macroscópicas sugestivas de laminite crônica. Ainda, havia intenso parasitismo de Sarcocystis neurona (2/5), Strongylus vulgaris (1/5), Parascaris equorum (1/5), Draschia megastoma (1/5) e Klossiella equi (1/5).

Thecoma in an elderly crioulo mare

Background: Ovarian enlargement in mares can either be a physiological or pathological condition associated with neoplastic or non-neoplastic causes. Neoplasia is more prominent in elderly than young horses. Granulosa cell tumors are the most common neoplastic cause of ovarian enlargement, and thecoma is the rarest. Thecoma is a benign ovarian stromal neoplasia originating from the sexual cords of the embryonic gonad and can affect the production of steroid hormones, leading to changes in behavior and the estrous cycle. If only one ovary is affected, after unilateral ovariectomy, usually the mare can still be used for reproductive purposes. Herein, we report a case of ovarian thecoma in an elderly Crioulo mare. Case: A 15-year-old Crioulo mare was evaluated due to progressive weight loss. The mare presented a low body score, and on physical examination, all parameters were within reference limits. Hematological examination revealed anemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and neutrophilia. Serum biochemistry examination were within the physiological limits. Rectal palpation revealed an increase in volume in the left ovary (4.3 × 2.9 × 3 cm), smooth consistency and no associated pain in either of the ovaries. Rectal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous pattern, suggesting a neoplasm. As a treatment modality and for definitive diagnosis, the mare underwent a unilateral flank ovariectomy laparoscopically in the quadrupedal position. On histopathological evaluation of the left ovary, the sample showed cysts associated with proliferating spindle cells arranged in a solid arrangement, occasionally forming eddies, in addition to hemosiderosis, with clear cytoplasm and lipid vacuoles. Macroscopically, the ovary presented with a regular surface, smooth to firm consistency, a homogeneous brownish appearance with blackened foci, and brownish fluid-filled cysts. These findings confirmed thecoma of the left ovary in the mare. Discussion: Ovarian enlargement in mares can be associated to the presence of neoplasia. Clinical signs of ovarian neoplasms can be nonspecific; therefore, to achieve a definitive diagnosis, it is imperative to evaluate and compare the patient's history, physical examination, and results of complementary examinations. Excessive production of hormones lead to behavioral changes in mares with ovarian tumors, such as masculinized or aggressive behavior, and anestrus persistence. Thecomas may or may not interfere with steroid production and levels. On ultrasound examination, ovarian neoplasms may present similar echogenicity patterns. Histopathological evaluation is the best diagnostic approach after an ovariectomy. The prognosis of ovariectomy is considerably successful with the mare regaining reproductive health, although some mares may become infertile, with a small, inactive contralateral ovary. Thecoma is a rare neoplasm in horses; however, owing to its potential to cause altered reproductive functions, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in mares with increased ovarian volume.

Primary non-metastatic omental myofibrosarcoma in a horse / Miofibrossarcoma omental primário não metastático em um cavalo

Myofibrosarcoma in horses is a rare malignant tumor composed predominantly by myofibroblasts. A 15-year-old horse was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Parana for evaluation of colic signs. Initial physical examination showed icteric mucous membrane and laboratory analysis found anemia, increased serum activity of ALT, GGT, ALP, and bilirubin. In the exploratory laparotomy a highly vascularized abdominal mass in the left hypochondrium region of approximately 50cm x 45cm x 30cm, adhered to the surrounding structures was observed. Due to the size and adhesions to the omentum, the mass was considered surgically unresectable, and euthanasia was performed followed by necropsy. The immunohistochemical and morphological results indicate the diagnosis of myofibrosarcoma since the neoplastic cells immunoexpressed Vimentin, HHF35 and S100. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first equine case of omental myofibrosarcoma described in the literature.

O miofibrossarcoma em cavalos é um raro tumor maligno, composto predominantemente por miofibroblastos. Um equino, de 15 anos de idade, foi encaminhado ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Paraná, para avaliação de sinais de cólica. O exame clínico inicial apresentou mucosas ictéricas e, nos exames laboratoriais, revelou anemia e aumento sérico de ALT, GGT, ALP e bilirrubina. Na laparotomia exploratória, observou-se massa abdominal vascularizada de aproximadamente 50cm x 45cm x 30cm na região do hipocôndrio esquerdo e aderida às estruturas circunvizinhas. Devido ao tamanho e às aderências ao omento, a massa foi considerada irressecável cirurgicamente, portanto foi realizada a eutanásia e a necropsia. Os resultados imuno-histoquímicos e morfológicos indicam o diagnóstico de miofibrossarcoma, visto que as células neoplásicas imunoexpressaram Vimentin, HHF35 e S100. Portanto, esse é o primeiro caso em equinos de miofibrossarcoma omental descrito na literatura.

Sinonasal multilobular tumor of bone in a young mare: case report / Tumor ósseo multilobular sinonasal em uma égua jovem: relato de caso

A two-year old mare was referred to the veterinary hospital because of an increase in the volume of the head on the frontal and left side as well as dyspnoea. Radiographic examination showed an osseous radiopaque spherical mass, with a granular aspect, affecting the left frontal, maxillary, and nasal bones. A frontal sinusotomy was performed, and the frontal sinus was found to be totally obliterated by a granular, yellowish, and hard mass containing multiple spicules. Histologically, it was a multilobulated osseous neoplasia diagnosed as a multilobular osseous tumour. Because of poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized. Necropsy showed that the left nasal cavity was totally effaced as were the nasal sinuses and that the nasal turbinate disappeared because of the hard, yellowish, and granular mass measuring 20 × 14 × 14 cm that surrounded the molar teeth and extended to the cribriform plate. This tumour, which was described only once in horses, is more frequently observed in older dogs' skulls, and must be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with sinonasal diseases.

Uma égua de dois anos de idade foi encaminhada ao Hospital Veterinário devido a um aumento de volume nas regiões frontal e lateral esquerdas da cabeça, associado à dispneia. Exame radiográfico demonstrou a existência de uma massa esférica radiopaca de aspecto granular afetando os ossos frontal, maxilar e nasal esquerdos. Sinusotomia frontal foi realizada e o seio frontal era totalmente obliterado por uma massa amarelada, granular e dura, com múltiplas espículas. Histologicamente, era uma neoplasia óssea multilobulada, diagnosticada como tumor ósseo multilobular. Devido ao prognóstico ruim, a égua foi eutanasiada. Durante a necropsia, observou-se desaparecimento dos turbinados nasais assim como obliteração total da cavidade nasal esquerda e dos seios nasais por uma massa dura, amarelada e granular, de 20x14x14cm, que circundava os dentes molares e estendia-se à placa cribriforme. Esse tumor, que foi descrito apenas uma vez em equinos, é mais frequente no crânio de cães idosos e deve ser considerado como diagnóstico diferencial em equinos com doenças sinonasais.

Metastatic vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in a mare

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common cutaneous neoplasm in horses, which mainly affects the external genitalia, oral cavity, and periocular region. The development of SCC metastases is rare in these animals, and the most common occurrence is a marked local infiltration. Exposure to ultraviolet rays and skin depigmentation are the main etiological factors of SCC. Definitive diagnosis of the neoplasm is performed through histological examination of lesions. The present report describes the clinical, anatomopathological, and immunohistochemical (IHC) aspects of a case of metastatic SCC, with the vulva as the primary site in a mare. Case: A 17-year-old mare, mixed breed, was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), with history of areas of depigmented skin (pinto coat), and clinical history of anorexia, frequent episodes of colic, and recumbency. During clinical evaluation, heart rate (68 bpm), rectal temperature (38.4ºC), and respiratory rate (48 mpm) were elevated, and the oral mucosa was pale. The mare also had an ulcerated tumor mass involving the vulva, which extended to the inguinal region and involved the mammary gland. A cytological aspirate of the vulvar tumor was performed, in which no neoplastic cells were found. Next, a biopsy of 2 distinct areas of the vulva was performed. The material was sent for anatomopathological examination, which showed markedly pleomorphic malignant squamous cells, with individual keratinization and high mitotic index, organized in trabeculae with rare keratin pearl-like formations. The exam allowed the diagnosis of SCC Grade II. Due to the poor prognosis and high cost of treatment, the owner consented to euthanasia and necropsy examination. During necropsy, the vulvar tumor mass was grayish, firm to hard, infiltrative, and had friable areas. Tumor foci suggestive of metastasis were also observed in inguinal, mesenteric, mediastinal and renal lymph nodes, adrenal glands, lung, pericardium, medullary canal, intercostal muscles, right 15th rib, and tissue surrounding the azygos vein. Samples from all organs were collected for anatomopathological examination. Diagnosis of metastatic vulvar SCC was confirmed through histological and IHC studies, which evaluated the expression of cytokeratins (AE1/ AE3), as well as the proliferative activity of neoplastic cells through the PCNA marker. Discussion: The diagnosis of metastatic SCC was obtained through the observed clinical, necroscopic, histological, and IHC characteristics. This neoplasm usually appears in depigmented regions exposed to ultraviolet light, and older animals are more likely to be affected. The mare in the present case had areas of depigmented skin (pinto coat). The animal was kept in a paddock outdoor and exposed to constant solar radiation. Although rare in horses, manifestation of anorexia, progressive weight loss, and frequent colic episodes and recumbency may be closely related to the multiple sites of metastasis in the present case. The main histological findings of the neoplasm were the dense proliferation of malignant squamous cells with individual keratinization, arranged in a trabecular pattern and with rare formations of keratin pearls, in line with previous studies. During IHC evaluation, the neoplastic cells showed expression of cytokeratins (AE1/AE3), as well as high proliferative activity evidenced by the PCNA marker. Given this background, the present report describes the clinical, anatomopathological, and IHC aspects of a case of metastatic SCC with a primary site in the vulva of a mare.

Application of Euphorbia tirucalli sap in sarcoid treatment in horses: case report / Aplicação da seiva de Euphorbia tirucalli no tratamento de sarcoide em equinos: relato de caso

Sarcoid is the most common cutaneous neoplasm in horses, with no established therapy, due to the variable neoplastic manifestation and the oscillating individual response to therapies. The Euphorbia tirucalli plant, known as Aveloz, has terpenes and sterols in its latex with antitumor activity, being widely used in popular medicine. Eight horses were referred to the Veterinary Hospital diagnosed with sarcoid, and they were treated only with an aqueous solution containing Euphorbia tirucalli. The most common location of tumors was base of the ear and pectoral; seven of the eight animals had tumors in more than one region. The intratumoral injection containing the sap of Aveloz was applied until the tumor became turgent, visualizing blackening, dryness, and a detachment of the sarcoid in 24 to 72 hours. The use of Euphorbia tirucalli sap showed 87.5% efficacy in the treatment of sarcoids and adverse effects were observed in the seven animals in which the technique was effective. The treated horses were evaluated for three months to seven years, and none had tumor recurrences. The intralesional application of Euphorbia tirucalli sap has been proved to be effective, safe, and low-cost in the treatment of sarcoid in horses, being a viable alternative for this type of cutaneous neoplasm.

O sarcoide é a neoplasia cutânea mais comum nos equinos, não apresentando uma terapêutica estabelecida, devido à variável manifestação neoplásica e à oscilante resposta individual às terapias. A planta Euphorbia tirucalli, conhecida como Aveloz, possui em sua seiva terpenos e esteróis com atividade antitumoral, sendo amplamente empregada na medicina popular. Foram atendidos, no Hospital Veterinário, oito animais diagnosticados com sarcoide e tratados unicamente com a solução aquosa contendo a seiva de Euphorbia tirucalli. As regiões predominantemente acometidas pelos tumores eram base de orelha e peitoral; sete dos oito animais apresentaram tumores em mais de uma região. A injeção intratumoral contendo Aveloz foi aplicada até a turgência do tumor, visualizando-se, em 24 a 72 horas, o enegrecimento, o ressecamento e o desprendimento do sarcoide. O uso da seiva de Euphorbia tirucalli apresentou 87,5% de eficácia no tratamento de sarcoide, e foram observados efeitos adversos nos sete animais em que a técnica se mostrou eficaz. Os equinos tratados foram acompanhados no intervalo de três mês a sete anos e nenhum apresentou recidivas do tumor. A aplicação intralesional da seiva da Euphorbia tirucalli se apresentou eficaz, segura e de baixo custo no tratamento de sarcoide em equinos, sendo uma alternativa viável para esse tipo de neoplasia cutânea.

Sarcoide em equinos - tratamento com associação de Aciclovir e excisão cirúrgica / Equine sarcoids - treatment with a combination of Acyclovir and surgical excision

Background: Sarcoids are the most frequent skin tumors among horses, causing serious lesions due to their different shapes, sizes, degree of invasiveness and distribution on the body. The pathogenesis of sarcoids is multifactorial, with genetic, viral and environmental involvement, making their treatment complex. The aggressiveness and high rate of recurrence of sarcoids makes it difficult to use an effective treatment, which is why there are several therapeutic routes described in the literature. Aiming to describe and expand sarcoid treatments, this paper reports on the use of acyclovir in the treatment of this type of tumor. Cases: Four horses sent to the Large Animal Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Lavras - UFLA were diagnosed and treated for sarcoids. Case 1. Lesions on the right ear, region of the masseter muscle of the right side of the face, neck, vulva and medial aspect of the left pelvic limb. Case 2. Lesion in the left groin region. Case 3. Lesions on the face, masseter muscle region on the left side, mandibular region and right ear pinna. Case 4. Lesion in the lateral region of the left pelvic limb, close to the tarsometatarsal joint. All horses had a diagnosis of sarcoid, which was confirmed by histopathological examination of material collected after surgical excision. Macroscopically, the neoplastic lesions were classified as fibroblastic, verrucous and nodular. The tumors exhibited irregular surfaces, keratinization, and a firm consistency. Their surfaces were alopecic, slightly rough, some of them were ulcerated, and their color ranged from greyish to rosy and reddish. All the tumor masses were surgically excised from the 4 horses, and one sarcoid was treated by thermal cauterization with liquid nitrogen due to the lesion's depth and size. In most cases, the sarcoid removal sites were closed with sutures. Only 2 lesions were not sutured due to the impossibility of bringing the edges of tissue close together, or due to proximity to the tarsometatarsal joint. The surgical wounds were cleaned twice a day with sterile saline solution followed by the topical application of Acyclovir. One of the animals received complementary therapy with Cimetidine. Discussion: The equines recovered completely from their sarcoid treatment, and no recurrences were reported a year later. Thus, the combination of treatments employed for the extirpation of sarcoids proved to have greater chances of success. First, all the tumors were surgically removed with the largest possible margins of safety in order to ensure the elimination of neoplastic cells. In the postoperative period, all the animals received topical treatment of the lesions with acyclovir after surgical resection of the tumors. The drug aided the complete healing of post-surgical wounds, and healing time varied according to the size and depth of the lesion. One tumor was treated with liquid nitrogen after surgical excision of the sarcoid. Another horse was treated with cimetidine over a 3-month period after surgical excision of the neoplasm in order to reduce the sarcoid and prevent its evolution. Surgical excision of the sarcoid associated with topical application of acyclovir ointment showed satisfactory results. Moreover, the combination of surgical excision and administration of liquid nitrogen on the lesion and topical application of acyclovir ointment in the postoperative period also provided good results. Given the complexity of sarcoid treatment and the high recurrence rate of these tumors, the use of combined treatments should be taken into account.

Adenocarcinoma em glândula lacrimal de equino / Equine lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma

Background: Lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm, with few descriptions in the literature. Therefore, its etiology and treatment are not well understood. The present study aims to report the case of an equine histologically diagnosed with lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma in the lower eyelid region and third eyelid treated by surgical excision and intralesional chemotherapy. Case: A 17-year-old male mixed-breed equine weighing 300 kg was treated in the large animal clinic and surgery sector of the Federal University of Santa Catarina in the city of Curitibanos, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The equine revealed an alert and docile temperament without considerable physiological changes in the physical examination. In the evaluation of the right eye, a tumor mass was observed in the region of the lacrimal gland adhered to the third eyelid and lower eyelid, with a light red ulcerated appearance approximately 7 cm in diameter. Therefore, the surgical excision of the adhered tumor mass was performed, with the subsequent intralesional application of 2 mL of Vincristine Sulfate. In the histopathological evaluation following the surgical excision of the tumor mass, yellowish-white fragments of irregular nodules were observed measuring from 3.5×2.0×1.7 cm to 2.0×0.5×0.3 cm, in addition to microscopy focus clusters of weakly basophilic neoplastic glandular cells, some with a randomly arranged lacy aspect, forming disorganized acinar structures and others showed marking islands of the cells organized in a palisade shape by vascular delicate stroma. The neoplastic cells presented anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, prominent nucleoli sometimes binucleated and with basophilic intracytoplasmic secretory material, delimited by scarce connective tissue. In some areas, there were small foci of infiltrated lymphocytes and plasmocytes and areas of necrosis. The mass was surrounded by connective tissue, where red blood vessels were found outside the vessels (hemorrhage), and mitoses were observed 2 per field at high magnification (40x). After the surgical procedure, it was not possible to follow up and reassess of the patient, so there is no clarification on the possibility of tumor recurrence. Discussion: The case reported is uncommon, being only the second report of adenocarcinoma in the equine lacrimal gland. Therefore, there are few descriptions in the literature about its defined etiology and the best treatment method, although, surgical excision is the method of choice because it is a tumor of high recurrence and invasiveness. In this case, we opted for the exeresis of the tumor mass and later application of chemotherapy, a treatment that was relatively effective, to avoid recurrence and the failure of the technique. In these cases, monitoring the animal after the procedure is recommended, evaluating whether there was tumor recurrence, although this was not possible in the present possible. The third eyelid, lacrimal, and zygomatic salivary glands may be sources of intraorbital neoplasms. These neoplastic processes may have similar histological and behavioral characteristics, and their differentiation is, therefore, problematic. These structures may be differentiated based on the anatomical location, however, clinical appearance and symptoms are identical in most cases. Adenocarcinoma in the equine lacrimal gland is a neoplasm considered rare, so it is important to emphasize an accurate diagnosis through histopathological analyses to differentiate it from other frequent orbital neoplasms in horses, allowing more information about this tumor and establishing different treatment methods.

Retrospective study of cutaneous neoplasms in horses treated at the Livestock Development Center of the Federal University of Bahia / Estudo retrospectivo das neoplasias cutâneas em equinos atendidos no Centro de Desenvolvimento da Pecuária da Universidade Federal da Bahia

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cutaneous neoplasms in horses treated at the Center for the Development of Livestock at the Federal University of Bahia, as well as to correlate it with the coat color, breed, and age of the animal. For that, the attendance records for the last ten years were reviewed. When evaluating the files, 13 cases of cutaneous tumor in horses confirmed by histopathology and cytology were observed. The most prevalent skin tumors were sarcoid (38.5%), melanoma (23%), and fibrosarcoma (15.4%). Regarding the equine coat color, gray and sorrel horses were the most frequent with 30.7% and 23.1% of cases, respectively. As for the equine breed, the mangalarga marchador was the most prevalent (38.4%). Regarding age, 38.46% of the horses were up to 5 years old, 30.77% of the animals were between 4 and 10 years old, and 30.76% were between 11 and 16 years old. In the end, it can be concluded that sarcoid and melanoma were the most prevalent neoplasms.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar a prevalência de neoplasias cutâneas em equinos atendidos no Centro de Desenvolvimento da Pecuária da Universidade Federal da Bahia, bem como correlaciona-la com a pelagem, raça e idade do animal. Para tanto revisou-se as fichas de atendimento dos últimos dez anos. Ao avaliar as fichas, observou-se 13 casos de tumor cutâneo em equinos confirmado por histopatologia ou citologia. Os tumores cutâneos mais prevalentes foram sarcoide (38,5%), melanoma (23%) e fibrossarcoma (15,4%). Com relação a pelagem, equinos tordilhos e alazões foram os mais frequentes com 30,7% e 23,1% dos casos, respectivamente. Quanto as raças, a mangalarga marchador foi a mais prevalente (38,4%). Em relação a idade, 38,46% dos equinos possuíam até 5 anos de idade, 30,77% dos animais apresentavam idade entre 4 e 10 anos e, 30,76% apresentavam idade entre 11 e 16 anos. Ao fim, pode-se concluir que o sarcoide e o melanoma foram as neoplasias mais prevalentes.

A case of metastatic non-teratoid ocular medulloepithelioma in an adult horse

This case reports an eight-years-old horse that presented a unilateral tumor in the left ocular orbital region diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, gross anatomopathological and histopathological investigations. The affected area was exenteration and submitted to histopathological evaluation and was diagnosed as a non-teratoid medulloepithelioma. This is a rare ocular neoplasm that usually affects young individuals – and was composed by neuroepithelium arranged in tubules and Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes without presence of heteroplastic components. The animals died and was submitted to post-mortem evaluation, revealing presence of medulloepithelioma metastases at the internal region of the head, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver. This neoplasm usually presents a benign frame; however, the case herein described shows that it can be highly malignant and aggressive since it can cause extensive lesions and spread metastases to visceral organs.

A case of metastatic non-teratoid ocular medulloepithelioma in an adult horse

This case reports an eight-years-old horse that presented a unilateral tumor in the left ocular orbital region diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, gross anatomopathological and histopathological investigations. The affected area was exenteration and submitted to histopathological evaluation and was diagnosed as a non-teratoid medulloepithelioma. This is a rare ocular neoplasm that usually affects young individuals and was composed by neuroepithelium arranged in tubules and Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes without presence of heteroplastic components. The animals died and was submitted to post-mortem evaluation, revealing presence of medulloepithelioma metastases at the internal region of the head, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver. This neoplasm usually presents a benign frame; however, the case herein described shows that it can be highly malignant and aggressive since it can cause extensive lesions and spread metastases to visceral organs.(AU)

Non-teratoid ocular medulloepithelioma in an adult horse / Meduloepitelioma ocular não-teratóide em um equino adulto

This is a case of medulloepithelioma in a 14-year-old mixed breed gelding horse, presenting a large abnormal mass of tissue involving the entire extension of the right eye. Ophthalmic examination showed deformation and swelling of the eye. The animal showed signs of pain on palpation of the organ, but the specific examination of the systems did not reveal any other changes. Due to the extension of the apparently neoplastic mass and the discomfort experienced by the animal, transpalpebral enucleation procedure was decided. The excised tissue was sent for histopathological analysis, wherein a neoplastic proliferation of neuroectodermal cells was noted. The neoplasm was poorly delimited, unencapsulated, infiltrative, sustained by moderate fibrovascular stroma, and formed cords and rosettes with cells arranged in palisades around the luminal structures (Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes), suggestive of medulloepithelioma. The immunohistochemical profile was also performed, confirming the diagnosis. The neoplastic cells were immunolabeled to vimentin, S100 protein (S100), and specific neuro enolase (NSE), but not for pan cytokeratin (AE1AE3), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and cytokeratin 8/18 (CK8/18). Five months postoperatively, the animal was healthy, without any relapse or evidence of metastasis.(AU)

Esse é um caso de meduloepitelioma em um equino sem raça definida, castrado, de 14 anos de idade, que chegou ao atendimento apresentando grande massa de tecido envolvendo toda a extensão do olho direito. No exame oftálmico, foi observada deformação e aumento de volume ocular. O animal manifestou sinais de dor na palpação do órgão, mas o exame específico dos sistemas não revelou demais alterações. Devido à extensão da massa aparentemente neoplásica e o desconforto experimentado pelo equino foi decidida a realização da enucleação transpalpebral. O tecido excisado foi enviado para exame histopatológico, no qual observou-se proliferação neoplásica de células neuroectodérmicas, de forma mal delimitada, não encapsulada, infiltrativa, sustentada por estroma fibrovascular moderado, e formação de cordões e rosetas, com células dispostas em paliçadas ao redor de estruturas luminais (rosetas de Flexner-Wintersteiner), sugestivo de meduloepitelioma. O perfil imunohistoquímico também foi realizado, confirmando o diagnóstico. As células neoplásicas foram imunomarcadas para vimentina, proteína S100 (S100) e neuro enolase específica (NSE), mas não para pan citoqueratina (AE1AE3), proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP) e citoqueratina 8/18 (CK8 / 18). Após cinco meses da realização do procedimento cirúrgico o animal apresentava-se saudável, sem recidiva ou evidência de metástase.(AU)

Tumor de células granulares pulmonar em um equino / Pulmonar granular cell tumor in a horse

Background: The occurrence of neoplasms in horses is relatively low. Granular cell tumor is a seldom diagnosed neoplasm, usually benign, of mesenchymal origin. Controversies exist regarding its origin, which is possibly from Schwann cells or cells with neuroendocrine differentiation. Despite being one of the main primary neoplasms in the lungs of horses, the number of cases is low in comparison to that of secondary lung tumors. Thus, this study proposes to report the anatomopathological aspects in a horse with granular cell tumor of primary pulmonary origin. Case: An 11-year-old female Quarter Horse breed underwent exploratory right lateral thoracotomy after presenting with chronic respiratory changes. During the operation, tumor masses were found in the right and left caudal pulmonary lobes. Due to the severity of clinical respiratory signs and the extent of the lesions, the animal was subjected to euthanasia and anatomopathological examination. Upon necroscopic examination, a tumor mass was found in the middle third of the left caudal lobe, rounded to flattened, measuring 10.0 × 8.0 cm in height and length, white in color, of firm consistency, smooth and regular surface and rising to the lung surface. When sectioned, the mass showed to be composed of multiple firm and dense circular lobes, separated by a thin layer of connective tissue. The tumor invaded the lumen of nearby segmental and subsegmental bronchi, which were partially or totally obstructed by the mass. In the right lung, multiple similar nodules were observed, accompanied by peritumoral hemorrhage. Histopathological analysis of the new formation revealed a dense cluster of cells that expanded over the lung parenchyma. The neoplastic cells were pleomorphic, moderately cohesive, without defined borders, with abundant cytoplasm, densely eosinophilic and finely granular. Intracytoplasmic granules were well evidenced by periodic acid Schiff staining (PAS). The cell nucleus was rounded to oval, excentric, markedly basophilic and with dense chromatin. There was moderate anisocytosis and mild anisokaryosis, with rare mitotic figures. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive staining for anti-vimentin and anti-S100 antibodies, confirming the diagnosis of granular cell tumor. Discussion: Granular cell tumors have no predisposition as to breed, sex or age. However, most of the described cases are reported in female horses aged around 13 years. The advanced age of the diagnosed animals may be related to late definitive diagnosis, since the clinical signs are nonspecific and treated palliatively like other respiratory diseases. Macroscopically, this tumor is more common in the multinodular form and, as observed in this case, it has a greater capacity for infiltration. Histologically, the visualization of large, polygonal cells, with a wide cytoplasm containing eosinophilic granules leads to the diagnosis of granular cell tumor. However, PAS staining and immunohistochemical tests were essential for the diagnostic conclusion in this report, confirming the presence of cytoplasmic granules and the mesenchymal and neuroectodermal origin of this neoplasm, respectively. Thus, considering the low occurrence of pulmonary granular cell tumor, the description of this case contributes to the basis of the knowledge of medical-veterinary professionals about this tumor in its clinical and diagnostic aspects.

Conduta diagnóstica em equino da raça Crioula com síndrome de Cushing / Diagnostic process in a crioulo horse with Cushing’s syndrome

Background: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, also known as equine Cushing’s syndrome, is a neurodegenerative disease. An important risk factor for Cushing’s is advanced aging and it is the most common endocrine disorder inolder horses. The prevalence in horses aged over 10 and 15 years is reported as 9.3% and 21%, respectively. Due to the slowprogressive nature of the disease, seasonal variation in hormone output and overlapping endocrine response to other events,accurate diagnosis is challenging. The diagnosis requires the combination of anamnesis, clinical signs, in addition to laboratory tests results. This study aimed to report Cushing’s syndrome in a Crioulo breed horse focusing on diagnostic methods.Case: A 13-year-old male Crioulo breed, orchiectomized, was attended at the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), in PassoFundo, RS, Brazil. The owner reported that the animal had progressive weight loss and coat abnormal growth, with curlyappearance. From visual inspection, body condition score was 4 (1-9) bulging abdomen was noticed, hirsutism, depressionand lethargy. Also, there was a large neoplastic mass on the left side of gluteal region. Later, this mass was classified inhistopathological examination as a fibroblastic sarcoid and was treated. The animal presented physical parameters withinthe physiological limits of the specie. Normochromic normocytic anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis were reported in thehematologic evaluation. In coproparasitological examination, there were 300 eggs per gram of feaces. Hyperadrenocorticismwas suspected in the clinical examination and dexamethasone suppression test was performed to confirm the fact. Basal serumwas collected at 17 h (M0) and subsequently 40 µg/kg of dexamethasone was administered intramuscular...

Conduta diagnóstica em equino da raça Crioula com síndrome de Cushing / Diagnostic process in a crioulo horse with Cushings syndrome

Background: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, also known as equine Cushings syndrome, is a neurodegenerative disease. An important risk factor for Cushings is advanced aging and it is the most common endocrine disorder inolder horses. The prevalence in horses aged over 10 and 15 years is reported as 9.3% and 21%, respectively. Due to the slowprogressive nature of the disease, seasonal variation in hormone output and overlapping endocrine response to other events,accurate diagnosis is challenging. The diagnosis requires the combination of anamnesis, clinical signs, in addition to laboratory tests results. This study aimed to report Cushings syndrome in a Crioulo breed horse focusing on diagnostic methods.Case: A 13-year-old male Crioulo breed, orchiectomized, was attended at the Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), in PassoFundo, RS, Brazil. The owner reported that the animal had progressive weight loss and coat abnormal growth, with curlyappearance. From visual inspection, body condition score was 4 (1-9) bulging abdomen was noticed, hirsutism, depressionand lethargy. Also, there was a large neoplastic mass on the left side of gluteal region. Later, this mass was classified inhistopathological examination as a fibroblastic sarcoid and was treated. The animal presented physical parameters withinthe physiological limits of the specie. Normochromic normocytic anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis were reported in thehematologic evaluation. In coproparasitological examination, there were 300 eggs per gram of feaces. Hyperadrenocorticismwas suspected in the clinical examination and dexamethasone suppression test was performed to confirm the fact. Basal serumwas collected at 17 h (M0) and subsequently 40 µg/kg of dexamethasone was administered intramuscular...(AU)

Carcinoma de células escamosas em equinos: relato de caso / Squamous cell carcinoma in horses - case report

O presente trabalho relata o caso de uma égua de pelagem pampa, manga-larga, com 10 anos de idade, atendida no Hospital Veterinário Vicente Borelli, da Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos, São João da Boa Vista, SP, apresentando lesão circular e ulcerada em região do músculo semi-membranoso direito próximo à vulva, diagnosticada como carcinoma de células escamosas. O carcinoma de células escamosas ou carcinoma epidermoide é uma neoplasia cutânea cada vez mais comum na rotina clínica equina. Trata-se de um tumor maligno dos queratinócitos que acomete áreas despigmentadas, da pele ou com rarefação pilosa, devido à maior exposição solar. O animal foi submetido a tratamento com crioterapia, com remissão da neoplasia, confirmada no exame histopatológico.

The present work aimed to report the case a tobiano mare manga-larga breed, 10 years of age, attended at Hospital Veterinário Vicente Borelli, Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos, São João da Boa Vista SP, presenting circular and ulcerated lesions in semi-membranous muscle area, near to the vulva, diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma is an increasingly common skin neoplasm in equine clinical routine, being a malignant tumor of keratinocytes undedepigmented areas of the skin or with few hairs due to greater sun exposure. The animal underwent cryotherapy treatament, with neoplasm remission, confirmed by histopathological examination.

Carcinoma de células escamosas em equinos: relato de caso / Squamous cell carcinoma in horses - case report

O presente trabalho relata o caso de uma égua de pelagem pampa, manga-larga, com 10 anos de idade, atendida no Hospital Veterinário Vicente Borelli, da Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos, São João da Boa Vista, SP, apresentando lesão circular e ulcerada em região do músculo semi-membranoso direito próximo à vulva, diagnosticada como carcinoma de células escamosas. O carcinoma de células escamosas ou carcinoma epidermoide é uma neoplasia cutânea cada vez mais comum na rotina clínica equina. Trata-se de um tumor maligno dos queratinócitos que acomete áreas despigmentadas, da pele ou com rarefação pilosa, devido à maior exposição solar. O animal foi submetido a tratamento com crioterapia, com remissão da neoplasia, confirmada no exame histopatológico.(AU)

The present work aimed to report the case a tobiano mare manga-larga breed, 10 years of age, attended at Hospital Veterinário Vicente Borelli, Fundação de Ensino Octávio Bastos, São João da Boa Vista SP, presenting circular and ulcerated lesions in semi-membranous muscle area, near to the vulva, diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma is an increasingly common skin neoplasm in equine clinical routine, being a malignant tumor of keratinocytes undedepigmented areas of the skin or with few hairs due to greater sun exposure. The animal underwent cryotherapy treatament, with neoplasm remission, confirmed by histopathological examination.(AU)

Hemitireoidectomia por carcinoma em equino / Equine carcinoma hemithyroidectomy

Background: In horses, the thyroid gland is located slightly caudal to the larynx and dorsolaterally between the third and sixth tracheal ring, adjacent to the thyroid, there are four small glands called parathyroid glands. In the clinical routine of horses, thyropathies are difficult to be diagnosed, as they have a silent evolution. Thyroid neoplasia is the most common finding in horses, usually unilateral and normally present in older animals. The present study reports a case of equine thyroid carcinoma and its systemic clinical effects, which was successfully treated by means of hemitieroidectomy. Case: A 12-year-old male mixed breed horse weighing 436 kg, was admitted to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the FZEA/USP with the main complaint of volume increase in the right ventrolateral region of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, significant weight loss and weakness of the pelvic limbs. On inspection, there was an increase in volume in the topographic region of the thyroid gland and on palpation, there was a firm mass, with delimited edges, with a smooth, mobile surface, without increasing the temperature and without pain. The animal was sent for ultrasound examination, which revealed a delimited mass, with an apparent capsule around it, differentiated and disorganized cellularity with small hypoechoic points of liquid inside the structure, with no apparent vascularization inside the mass. These findings, associated with the anatomical location of the mass, were consistent with thyroid tissue. The clinical signs commonly observed in thyroid neoformations are respiratory stridor, decreased performance, difficulty in swallowing and suffocation. As there was a compromised diet and weight gain, as well as athletic performance, he chose to have a hemithyroidectomy. After surgery, histopathology of the tissue was performed and thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed. Postoperatively, the animal was medicated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-tetanus serum, after 10 days the stitches were removed and the animal was discharged. Discussion: Neoplasia is the most frequent cause of progressive thyroid growth and in case of suspicion of thyroid disorders, thin needle aspiration (FNAB) is recommended and, later, histopathological examination, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosis pathologies of the thyroid gland. In the present case, no FNAB or preoperative histopathological examination was performed due to the time required to obtain the result, associated with difficulty in swallowing and significant weight loss, which required immediate removal of the mass. Considering that the ultrasound examination revealed the absence of noble structures or important vascularization very close to or adhered to the mass, its removal prior to the histopathological examination was indicated. As there was compromised feeding and weight gain, he opted for hemithyroidectomy, the recommended treatment for unilateral tumors in horses. When performing a hemithyroidectomy, it should be remembered that the parathyroid glands accompany the thyroid and are located in its posterior portion, in the pre tracheal region, with its variable final position. With this variation in topography, the identification of parathyroid glands becomes challenging and, consequently, after thyroidectomy, a portion of parathyroid glands stops operating, and this fact is marked clinically by hypocalcemia and its consequences. In this case described, in which the animal had a tumor in thyroid tissue, possibly the parathyroid functions were also altered, which probably reflected in the lameness in the pelvic limbs. It is concluded that partial hemithyroidectomy in horses is an easy procedure to perform and has favorable results in relation to prognosis and quality of life.

Clinical and complementary diagnosis of sinus neoplasia in horses

Background: Sinus neoplasms are reported as low frequency in horses. Its clinical characteristics are often nonspecific, depend on complementary methods for diagnosis, and when diagnosed, generally they are already advanced, limiting therapeutic possibilities. The objective of this case series was to detail clinical aspects and complementary exams for sinus neoplasms for early diagnosis, comparing them with the literature. Cases: Four horses were treated at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, with different clinical signs and previous diagnoses, which when evaluated by respiratory endoscopy, radiography, oral cavity evaluation and histopathological exams, revealed the diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, ossifying fibroma and lymphoma. Previous diagnosis, based mainly on clinical signs, were sinusitis secondary to apical infection, ethmoidal hematoma, sinus cyst and sinusitis secondary to periapical disease. The cases of anaplastic carcinoma (case 1) and lymphoma (case 4) presented with an advanced degree of the disease with involvement and destruction of paranasal structures and adjacent tissues, in addition to a poor general condition, which made surgical treatment impossible and led to euthanasia. In these cases, previous treatment was made to apical infection and periodontal disease with secondary sinusitis, but negative evolution led to suspicion of neoplasia, confirmed by histopathological exam of incisional biopsy of the mass in oral cavity. Benign ossifying fibroma (case 3) presented with progressive respiratory difficulty due to occlusion of the lumen of some nasal meatus and radiographic signs of invasion and deformation of the adjacent bones, it was submitted for surgical excision and there was no recurrence until hospital discharge. The poorly differentiated carcinoma (case 2) was a multilobulate neoformation in the ethmoidal region, similar to ethmoid hematoma in endoscopic and radiographic evaluation, it was submitted for excision and two sessions of electrochemotherapy with bleomycin, associated with administration of piroxicam, which obtained a good result until the period of 1 year after discharge. Discussion: It was found that many characteristics are common with these types of neoplasms, and the clinical signs, such as nasal secretions, airway obstruction, increased facial volume, severe alterations in oral cavity, although unspecific, suggest the differential diagnosis for neoplasms. It is important to differentiate from other diseases noting the evolution and growth of these tumors, like in cases 1 and 4, especially the growth to internal tissues, using complementary methods described here, like endoscopic and radiographic examination. Late identification or even manipulation of neoplasms, without proper diagnosis, leads to a few prognoses regarding life. When it is possible to perform surgical excision, complementary methods are important to guide the procedure, and definitive diagnosis is made through histopathologic exam and some need immunohistochemistry analysis. Cases 2 and 3 had surgical access, were submitted to excision and treatment with good results, both with close monitoring in first months and prolonged quality of life. These results highlight the importance of complementary methods for early diagnosis, correct intervention and monitoring of evolution.

Exérese tumoral seguida de blefaroplastia no tratamento de carcinoma de células escamosas em pálpebra inferior de equino / Tumoral resection followed by blepharoplasty in squamous cell carcinoma treatment in the lower eyelid of a horse

Background: Equines are routinely subjected to enucleation due to palpebral tumors. Blepharoplasties in horses, especially in the lower eyelid, are rarely performed due to the difficulty of sliding once the tissue around the eyes presents low mobility. Defects involving more than 50% of the lower eyelid is considered challenging after tumor removal. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most reported neoplasm in horses, being very common in regions of the lower eyelid, third eyelid, sclera and or cornea. The aim of this study is to present the Destro VY skin advancement flap as a blepharoplasty technique performed after surgical excision of a SCC, with total commitment of the lower eyelid, completely covering the right eye of a mare. Case: A 8-year-old mare Paint Horse, weighing 420 kg, was referred for evaluation of tumor tissue of 6.0 x 4.0 x 2.0 cm, with nodular and ulcerated appearance, involving the right lower eyelid, in its total extension and completely covering the eye, without adhering to it. Considering the initial suspicion of SCC, the treatment strategy performed was surgical eyelid excision and maintenance of the eye, followed by blepharoplasty as an attempt to reconstruct the eyelid. Under general inhalation anesthesia, the animal was placed in left lateral recumbency, when the surgical region was prepared and local anesthetic block was performed. After antisepsis, a skin incision was made circumscribing the tumor, respecting a margin of 10 mm apart and excision of all visible tumor tissue was performed followed by intralesional ozone therapy. Blepharoplasty was performed to cover the portions of the exposed lacrimal and zygomatic bones, as well as correction of the eyelid aesthetics. For this, Destro VY skin advancement flap was performed for reconstruction of the lower eyelid. An incision of approximately 7 cm in Vshaped skin was performed, and the subcutaneous tissue under the V was dissected, maintaining a central pedicle, responsible for the vascularization of the flap, which was slid, approximately 20 mm, towards the eye. After obtaining the desired skin approximation, Y-suture was performed, covering the exposed bone and reconstructing the lower eyelid. In the postoperative period, local instillation of mitomycin eye drops and systemic meloxicam administration were instituted. The mare had her vision restored, presenting satisfactory morpho functional and aesthetic results and no tumor recurrence during 1-year of follow-up. Discussion: The repair of lower eyelid imperfections is challenging, especially when they have large defects, and there are no reports of performing the Destro VY skin advancement flap technique in horses for lower eyelid reconstruction. In this case, the importance of the blepharoplasty technique is emphasized, avoiding enucleation, preserving horse's vision and aesthetics. In addition, aiming to avoid tumor recurrence, especially if surgical safety margins can not be achieved, other complementary treatments should be associated, including intralesional ozone therapy, mitomycin, an antineoplastic chemotherapy drug, and meloxicam, a COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, as performed in this study. It is concluded that the use of the Destro VY skin advancement flap technique for reconstruction of the external lamella in cases of SCC in the lower eyelid of horses is a feasible technique, which preserves the animal's vision, as well as aesthetics. The safety margin in the surgical excision of the SCC and the association of complementary therapies in the resolution of the condition are important points also to be considered.