Extramedullary plasmacytoma in a horse with ptyalism and dysphagia

J Vet Diagn Invest. 2000 May;12(3):282-4. doi: 10.1177/104063870001200318.

Abstract

A Clydesdale mare was examined for weight loss, inappetence, ptyalism, and dysphagia. The main abnormality revealed by serum biochemistry was a marked hyperglobulinemia, and protein electrophoresis revealed a monoclonal gammopathy in the gamma region. The urine was positive for Bence Jones proteins. These findings suggested a plasma cell tumor. The neoplasm could not be located with extensive antemortem examination. At postmortem, neoplastic cells morphologically compatible with plasma cells and positive for equine IgG with imunoperoxidase staining infiltrated the pericardium, mediastinal stromal tissues, adrenal glands, meninges, atrioventricular valves, aorta, abdominal and thoracic fat, and nerves, including the trigeminal nerve. The neoplastic cells invading the cranial nerves were responsible for many of the presenting signs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bence Jones Protein / urine
  • Blood Cell Count / veterinary
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders / veterinary
  • Electrophoresis / veterinary
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horses
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia / veterinary
  • Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue / veterinary*
  • Paraproteinemias / veterinary
  • Plasmacytoma / diagnosis
  • Plasmacytoma / pathology
  • Plasmacytoma / veterinary*
  • Salivation
  • Trigeminal Nerve / pathology
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Bence Jones Protein