Radiographic diagnosis–gastric tumor in a horse.

The research paper discusses the case of a 20-year-old horse presenting symptoms of anorexia, coughing, and nasal discharge, which was eventually diagnosed with a gastric tumor through radiographic imaging.

Clinical History of the Horse

• The 20-year-old mixed breed gelding arrived at the clinic experiencing anorexia, coughing, and a nasal discharge for two weeks.
• Prior to presentation, the horse had been exhibiting signs of colic, a common problem in horses, which often manifests as abdominal discomfort.
• The horse’s anorexia started when attempts to insert a nasogastric tube by the referring veterinarian were unsuccessful.

Physical Examination Findings

• Upon examination, the gelding was found to be emaciated, with muscle atrophy and enlarged thyroid glands.
• The horse’s mucous membranes were hyperemic (an abnormal increase in the blood flow to tissues) and dealt with buccal region ulcerations.
• The physical examination did not reveal any other abnormalities.
• An endoscopic examination, a procedure that allows a vet to view the inside of the horse’s body in a non-invasive way, was conducted. It showed a compressive stricture of the esophagus near the gastroesophageal junction. However, there were no esophageal mucosal lesions, and the endoscope could not be passed into the stomach.

Radiographic Findings

• Standing lateral abdominal radiographs were taken of the horse.
• The radiographs showed an irregularly marginated soft tissue mass in the cardia (area where the esophagus meets the stomach) and fundus (the upper part) of the stomach.
• A large soft tissue mass, representing partially digested food material (ingesta), was also seen.

This examination led the veterinarians to conclude that the horse had a gastric tumor. The symptoms seen in this horse, such as colic and anorexia, might be related to the tumor identified in the stomach.