Lymphosarcoma in Horses

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Animal Diseases, Pathology and Immunology Research Project Lymphosarcoma in Horses Horses typically do not get cancer. When they do it is generally Lymphosarcoma and, unfortunately, it is usually lethal. Cancer generally strikes anywhere from 4-10 years of age. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells that develop in to masses, or tumors. These tumors can hide anywhere on such a large animal. There are four typical types of lymphosarcoma in the horse. They are generalized (multi-centric), intestinal, mediastinal and cutaneous. The generalized form is most common. Tumors may be found throughout the entire lymph node system including internal and multiple peripheral nodes. The most common locations include between the jaw, around the throat latch, the base of the neck, the pectoral region, superficial inguinal region, and mesenteric. These are identified by large masses at these locations. Also noticed is weight loss and ventral edema. The most severe form of lymphosarcoma is ulcerative dermatitis. In this form the skin literally erupts with crusting sores that do not heal. Survival rate is generally a few weeks to months. Intestinal lymphoma involves diffuse tissue within the intestinal wall. This leads to malabsorbation problems in the intestines. Signs include weight loss, diarrhea and sometimes colic. Mediastinal lymphoma refers to the lymph nodes within the chest in between the lungs. Tumors in this area can cause coughing, increased heart rate, fluid on the chest and even fluid within the chest. The least deadly and best form, if your horse is to get lymphoma, would be cutaneous lymphoma. This form turns lymph nodes into tumors under the skin. Generally just looking like multi-focal skin lesio... ... middle of paper ... ...directly to the affected areas and/or plant oil or antibiotic creams. Ivermectin treatment is typically effective, however, lesions may persist for weeks or months and recede as new skin growth occurs; corrective beak trims may be required (trimming may need to be a life-long requirement if the beak's germinal cells were affected) This disease process is slower to respond to treatment in canaries and finches than it is in budgies. Budgies have this mite on their bodies a majority of the time, but it will usually remain asymptomatic until certain conditions that lower the bird's immune system (stress, malnutrition, disease, etc.) allow the mites to multiply (become active?). Treating any underlying condition that predisposes a bird to having an inadequate immune response, such as reducing stress and improving nutrition will reduce the risk of activating the mite???

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