Theriogenology Question of the Month.

This study involves the case of a young Thoroughbred filly who exhibited symptoms like reluctance to stand and vulva hemorrhagic discharge. The physical examination revealed normal physiological parameters, but an unusual mass was found in the left area of the filly’s uterus. The leading assumption based on these findings is that the horse is suffering from neoplasia, a condition involving abnormal cell growth, which might imply cancer.

Case Presentation and Initial Diagnosis

• The research presents the case of a Thoroughbred yearling filly exhibiting abnormal behavior and physical symptoms. The filly was seen to be often recumbent, suggesting discomfort or difficulties in standing up, coupled with a hemorrhagic discharge spotted in the vulva.
• The initial differential diagnoses considered by the researchers included conditions such as possible abdominal or gastrointestinal distress, inflammation in the urinary or reproductive tract accompanied by bleeding, or vaginal varicosities.

Physical Examination and Observations

• The filly’s physical examination was carried out, revealing some crucial signs. The filly displayed a dull but responsive mental state. Physiological parameters like heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were found normal. Auscultation of the gastrointestinal tract also showed standard results.
• A visible serosanguineous discharge was noted emanating from the vulva and also present around the tail and perineum areas of the filly.

Involved Medical Procedures

• To facilitate a more accurate examination, the filly was sedated using a mixture of xylazine hydrochloride, butorphanol tartrate, and diazepam.
• The ensuing speculum examination did not reveal any abnormalities in the vagina or the cervix area, but an unusual pink-red fluid at the vestibulovaginal junction.
• Further, an ultrasound of the abdomen per rectum revealed the existence of a rubbery mass in the left caudodorsal region. This heterogeneous mass, which was tubular and measuring around 8cm in diameter, was found within the left horn of the uterus.

Conclusions and Further Assumptions

• A hysteroscopy unveiled an intrauterine lobulated mass with color variations from gray-white to dark red-purple, located immediately cranial to the cervix.
• The leading differential diagnosis post examination of the mass suggested that it may possibly be a form of neoplasia, indicating a condition potentially involving abnormal cell growth, often associated with cancer.

The study concludes with a preliminary diagnosis of neoplasia, awaiting more definitive investigations to confirm and decide on treatment strategies.