Acute myelogenous leukaemia in a mare.

The research revolves around a case of a Thoroughbred mare, aged 5, presenting symptoms such as weight loss, fever, and leukopenia over four weeks, which led to a diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia, a rare occurrence in horses.

Case Presentation

• The study talks about a 5-year-old Thoroughbred mare that showcased a range of symptoms over a period of 4 weeks. These symptoms included loss of body weight, persistent fever, and a significant decrease in white blood cells (leukopenia).
• On physical examination, palpation revealed a large, active fetus along with an unusually thick spleen. Additionally, a perceivable mass was identified in the abdominal area of the mare.

Laboratory Findings

• Blood tests revealed leukopenia, confirming the decrease in the number of white blood cells. The mare was diagnosed with a mild form of anemia reflected by a minor decrease in the concentration of red blood cells.
• Furthermore, there was a significant drop in the count of platelets, resulting in thrombocytopenia. Also, the mare displayed symptoms of hyperfibrinogenemia, which is characterized by an abnormally high concentration of fibrinogen in the blood.

Diagnosis and Conclusion

• With cytology and cytochemical staining of a sample of the mare’s bone marrow, the researchers had enough evidence to diagnose the mare with acute myelogenous leukemia. This type of cancer is quite rare in horses and affects the myeloid line of blood cells.
• Despite undergoing medical therapy to improve its condition, the mare’s health continued to deteriorate. To prevent the continuation of suffering, the decision was made to euthanize the mare humanely.