Ultrasonographic characteristics of splenic and hepatic lymphosarcoma in three horses.

This research conducted ultrasonographic examinations in three horses exhibiting symptoms of anorexia, weight loss, and lethargy, leading to the diagnosis of lymphosarcoma in their spleen and liver. The ultrasonography findings were validated by subsequent autopsy results.

Identification of Lymphosarcoma

Ultrasonography was utilized in identifying the presence of lymphosarcoma in three horses exhibiting signs of sickness such as:

• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Lethargy

Notable ultrasonographic abnormalities observed in the spleen and liver of the horses indicated the presence of this cancer.

Ultrasonographic Abnormalities in the Spleen

The horses portrayed different ultrasonographic irregularities in their spleen.

• One horse had a large, complex, hypoechoic (generates less echo on the ultrasound image) mass.
• Another had multiple well-bordered, hypoechoic nodules.
• The third exhibited diffuse hyperechogenicity (increased reflection of ultrasound waves) across its spleen.

Ultrasonographic Abnormalities in the Liver

Similarly, each horse exhibited distinct ultrasonographic abnormalities in their liver:

• One horse had a spherical, hypoechoic nodule.
• Another displayed diffuse hyperechogenicity across the liver.

These irregularities in ultrasound characteristics indicated the presence of lymphosarcoma.

Confirmation of Diagnosis

The lymphosarcoma diagnosis was confirmed through histologic examination of biopsy samples or aspirates guided by ultrasound. This verification ensured that the ultrasonographic abnormalities noted were indeed symptomatic of lymphosarcoma.

Necropsy Findings

The diagnosis of lymphosarcoma was further confirmed through necropsy, or postmortem examination, of all the three horses. These autopsy findings matched well with the previously noted antemortem ultrasonographic images, verifying the accuracy of ultrasonography in identifying and diagnosing lymphosarcoma in these horses.