Ovarian and intestinal angiomatosis in a horse.

This research describes a case of angiomatosis in the small intestine and ovaries of a 21-year-old Thoroughbred mare horse. This is the first known report of such a case in a horse.

Case Overview

• A 21-year-old Thoroughbred mare was euthanized for severe lameness. During the gross examination, dozens of red, raised nodules were found scattered on the serosal surface of the small intestine and the right and left ovaries. These nodules were not the cause of euthanasia, but an incidental finding.

Histological Findings

• These nodules were made up of numerous, variously sized, redundant vascular profiles filled with red blood cells and fibrin thrombi. Redundant vascular profiles refer to an abnormal number of blood vessels.
• Fibrin thrombi indicate the presence of an abnormal blood clot made of fibrin, a protein that is necessary for blood to clot.

Diagnosis

• These observations led to the diagnosis of angiomatosis. This condition involves the growth of benign (non-cancerous) tumors made of blood vessels, known as angiomas.
• The presence of multiple angiomas scattered within the small intestine and ovary supports this diagnosis.

Significance of the Findings

• This is the first report of small intestinal and ovarian angiomatosis in a horse, making it a novel discovery in veterinary pathology.
• These findings can provide valuable insight for veterinarians and researchers studying angiomatosis. It highlights the importance of autopsy in revealing underlying conditions that may not have been evident during the animal’s life.