Multiple Sex Cord-stromal Tumors in a Standardbred Stallion Testis.

A 12-year-old Standardbred stallion presented with a 5-month history of a growing mass in the left testis as well as an overall decrease in left testicular size. Palpation and ultrasonography of the left testis revealed a firm, hypoechoic, clearly delineated soft tissue mass in the craniolateral portion of the testis that measured 2.5 × 2.3 × 1.9 cm. Two smaller, hypoechoic regions also were visible ultrasonographically in the left testis, suggesting the presence of multifocal/multicentric neoplasia. The affected testis was very small (testicular volume of 40.3 cm3). The right testis was significantly larger (144.3 cm3), and the parenchyma was ultrasonographically normal. Due to the concern that these findings could indicate the presence of a more aggressive tumor type, unilateral orchiectomy was performed. Multiple soft tissue masses were identified grossly, and histopathologic evaluation identified the larger mass as a Sertoli cell tumor and the two smaller masses as mixed sex cord-stromal tumors with Sertoli cell and Leydig cell differentiation. To our knowledge, this the first report of concurrent Sertoli cell and mixed sex cord-stromal tumors in a single descended equine testis.

Onchocerca sp. in an imported Zangersheide gelding causing suspensory ligament desmitis.

A 5-year-old imported Zangersheide gelding was evaluated for SC swellings over both forelimbs and lameness localized to the distal metacarpus. Ultrasound examination of the SC masses was compatible with verminous granulomas. Linear hyperechoic foci were present within the suspensory ligament branches of both forelimbs, suggestive of ligamentous parasitic infiltrates. A diagnosis of onchocerciasis was confirmed on biopsy of a SC mass. The gelding was treated with ivermectin and a tapering course of PO dexamethasone but was eventually euthanized. Necropsy confirmed the presence of SC eosinophilic granulomas and degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis, both with intralesional nematodes. Given the location and appearance of the nematode, a diagnosis of Onchocerca sp., most likely O. reticulata, was made. Onchocerciasis should be included as a differential diagnosis for multifocal suspensory ligament desmitis with these sonographic characteristics when paired with SC masses in imported European Warmbloods.

Treatment and outcome of eight horses with limb cellulitis and septic tendonitis or desmitis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical features, treatment, and outcome in horses with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: Medical records from 2000 to 2019 were reviewed, identifying horses with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis based on sonographic examination and positive bacterial culture. Signalment, ultrasonographic results, bacterial culture, treatment, duration of hospitalization, and complications were recorded. Long-term outcome data were obtained from follow-up examinations and/or telephone interviews. Successful outcome was defined as return to intended use. RESULTS: Eight horses met the inclusion criteria. All infections occurred in hindlimbs, with septic suspensory ligament in six of eight horses, and septic superficial digital flexor tendon in one of eight horses. Surgical debridement was performed in six of eight horses. All horses were treated with systemic and regional intravenous antimicrobials and were discharged from the hospital. Long-term follow-up was available in seven of eight horses. Of these, four horses returned to their intended athletic function, two horses returned to their intended function as a broodmare or pasture pet, and one horse is still rehabilitating. CONCLUSION: Septic tendonitis or desmitis is a rare but possible sequela of limb cellulitis. Based on the findings in this study, prognosis for return to athletic function is fair to good for horses diagnosed with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis or desmitis.

Transrectal ultrasonographic characterization of the accessory sex glands, pelvic urethra, and ureters in normal geldings.

Transrectal ultrasound of the internal urogenital tract may be used to aid in the diagnosis of reproductive tract and urinary tract pathology in both stallions and geldings. Abnormalities of the accessory sex glands of geldings are uncommon, although prostatic masses have recently been described in adult geldings presenting with dysuria, stranguria, and/or hematuria. The purpose of this study was to describe the normal ultrasonographic features and sizes of the accessory sex glands, caudal ureters, and pelvic urethra in clinically normal geldings. Eleven healthy geldings with no history of urogenital tract pathology were evaluated by a single observer experienced in ultrasound of the stallion accessory sex glands. The ultrasonographic appearance, relative anatomic relationships and sizes of the accessory sex glands, caudal ureters, and pelvic urethra were investigated using both rectal linear array and microconvex array transducers. Summary statistics including mean, standard error, confidence intervals, and range were calculated for each structure. There were no statistically significant differences in measurements between the left and right sides of paired structures or between measurements obtained with different transducers. Fluid was present in the seminal vesicles of 7 of 9 subjects. Midline cysts of the urethra as well as bulbourethral gland and prostatic cysts were identified. The normal reference ranges defined in this study will be useful in the clinical evaluation of geldings with suspected internal urogenital tract pathology.

Effect of intraperitoneal PERIDAN™ concentrate adhesion reduction device on clinical findings, infection, and tissue healing in an adult horse jejunojejunostomy model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of PERIDAN™ Concentrate on clinical findings, infection, and tissue healing in adult horses undergoing celiotomy and jejunojejunostomy. STUDY DESIGN: Block randomized blinded experimental in vivo study. ANIMALS: Adult horses (n = 12). METHODS: Horses had jejunojejunostomy at 2 sites and were administered 5 L of diluted PERIDAN™ Concentrate (6 horses) or Lactated Ringer's Injection (LRS) control intraperitoneally (6 horses) before body wall closure. Postoperative monitoring comprised physical examinations, serial hematology, coagulation and chemistry panels, and ultrasonographic examination. Horses were euthanatized 10 days postoperatively. Anastomoses and linea alba incisions were tested for mechanical strength; and tissue healing, inflammation, and infection were assessed by histological evaluation. Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA. Level of significance was P < .05. RESULTS: No physical examination differences were observed between groups. Statistically significant differences were observed in leukocyte and neutrophil counts, prothrombin time, antithrombin III activity, intestinal bursting pressures, and histologic healing grade in the mid region of the linea alba. These differences were minimal, and of no observable clinical significance. Other blood variable and histologic differences between groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: PERIDAN™ Concentrate was safely administered intraperitoneally to healthy horses undergoing celiotomy and anastomosis.

Effect of general anesthesia on plasma cardiac troponin I concentrations in healthy horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of general anesthesia on plasma cTnI concentrations in horses. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two horses undergoing general anesthesia and either elective surgery or MRI without surgery were prospectively studied. Twenty-nine horses (22 surgical, 7 imaging) completed the study. Plasma cTnI concentrations were determined prior to anesthesia and at 6, 12 and 24 h following discontinuation of the inhalant anesthetic. RESULTS: All horses had cTnI values within the reference range at all time points. Six horses (21%) developed detectable cTnI 6 or 12 h following anesthesia. Risk factors for detectable cTnI include increasing age and dorsal recumbency. Horses with detectable cTnI had significantly lower mean and diastolic arterial blood pressures than those without detectable cTnI. CONCLUSION: Uncomplicated general anesthesia with or without surgery does not result in cardiac troponin I elevations above the reference range in the first 24 h postoperatively.