Widespread Osteolysis as an Uncommon Manifestation of Equine Sarcoidosis.
Abstract: Equine sarcoidosis is an uncommon disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation presenting in a spectrum of body system involvement and severity. Musculoskeletal manifestations are sporadically reported but without correlation between imaging and pathologic findings. In a mature Quarter Horse mare eventually diagnosed with a progressive form of sarcoidosis, phalangeal osteolysis discovered on radiography prompted further evaluation, revealing diffuse, discrete osteolysis throughout the axial skeleton. Due to disease progression, humane euthanasia was elected, and computed tomography and histopathology were performed. Regions of osteolysis correlated to sites of granulomatous inflammation, providing a novel and possibly underestimated feature of equine sarcoidosis.
© 2026 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Publication Date: 2026-01-09 PubMed ID: 41511810DOI: 10.1111/vru.70133Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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Equine sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease that can affect various body systems; this study reports a unique case where widespread bone loss (osteolysis) was linked to the condition, highlighting a new aspect of the disease.
Background of Equine Sarcoidosis
- Equine sarcoidosis is a rare disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation.
- It can affect multiple body systems with varying severity.
- Musculoskeletal involvement, especially bone changes, is infrequently reported.
- Previous reports lack clear correlation between imaging findings and pathological examination in horses.
Case Study Description
- The study focuses on a mature Quarter Horse mare diagnosed with a progressive form of equine sarcoidosis.
- Initial detection of bone loss (osteolysis) in the phalanges (bones of the fingers/toes) was noted through radiographs (X-rays).
- This prompted further investigation revealing widespread and distinct osteolytic lesions throughout the horse’s axial skeleton (the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum).
Diagnostic and Analytical Methods
- Radiography was the first imaging method used, showing localized osteolysis.
- Computed tomography (CT) was employed after euthanasia to better characterize and visualize the extent of bone lesions.
- Histopathological analysis was conducted on affected tissues to confirm the nature of these lesions.
Findings and Significance
- CT and histopathology demonstrated a clear correlation between areas of bone loss and granulomatous inflammation.
- This indicates that the osteolysis was directly caused by the inflammatory process of sarcoidosis.
- The finding reveals a novel and possibly under-recognized musculoskeletal manifestation of equine sarcoidosis.
- The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive imaging and histological evaluation for accurate diagnosis and understanding of sarcoidosis-related bone changes in horses.
Clinical and Research Implications
- Equine sarcoidosis should be considered in horses presenting with unexplained osteolysis, especially if granulomatous inflammation is suspected.
- Recognizing this bone involvement can aid in earlier diagnosis and better management strategies.
- The report encourages veterinarians and researchers to further explore and document the musculoskeletal effects of sarcoidosis in horses.
- Additional research may explore treatment options and prognosis for horses exhibiting such widespread osteolytic lesions.
Cite This Article
APA
DiBello D, Cassel N, Granacka V, Beard L, Rosado SC, Hill-Thimmesch K, Avellar H.
(2026).
Widespread Osteolysis as an Uncommon Manifestation of Equine Sarcoidosis.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 67(1), e70133.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.70133 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Radiology, Veterinary Health Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Veterinary Health Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA.
- Department of Equine Internal Medicine, Veterinary Health Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
- Department of Equine Surgery, Veterinary Health Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Sarcoidosis / veterinary
- Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging
- Sarcoidosis / pathology
- Sarcoidosis / complications
- Sarcoidosis / diagnosis
- Osteolysis / veterinary
- Osteolysis / diagnostic imaging
- Osteolysis / etiology
- Osteolysis / pathology
- Female
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
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