Systemic calcinosis in horses: Pathological and genetic aspects.
Authors: Carvalho Serena Guilherme, Marchezan Piva Manoela, Viezzer Bianchi Matheus, Fernandes da Fonseca Helena Carolina, Chitolina Pupin Rayane, Martins Basso Roberta, Secorun Borges Alexandre, Monteiro Nunes Marcelo, Driemeier David, Panziera Welden, Oliveira-Filho José Paes, Gomes Danilo Carloto, Pavarini Saulo Petinatti
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Systemic Calcinosis in Horses: Pathological and Genetic Aspects Systemic calcinosis represents a poorly understood equine condition characterised by abnormal mineralisation affecting large muscle groups and other organs without the typical triggers—toxins, endemic factors, or metabolic disturbances—that usually provoke such changes. Because both the molecular mechanisms and histological features remain largely unexplored, a research team examined pathological specimens and investigated potential genetic components underlying this rare syndrome. Through detailed examination of affected tissues, the authors clarified the histopathological hallmarks of the disease and identified genetic factors that may predispose horses to spontaneous mineralisation, providing the first substantive evidence for a heritable component. These findings are significant for practitioners because they suggest systemic calcinosis may warrant genetic screening in affected bloodlines and establish baseline pathological criteria for more reliable diagnosis when muscular calcification is identified during clinical or post-mortem examination. Understanding the hereditary nature of this condition could eventually inform breeding decisions and help differentiate systemic calcinosis from secondary mineralisation disorders in differential diagnoses.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Systemic calcinosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for horses presenting with muscle lesions and unexplained mineralisation when metabolic, toxic, and enzootic causes have been ruled out
- •Further research into the genetic and pathological mechanisms is needed to improve diagnosis and treatment options for affected horses
- •Histopathological examination is essential for confirming systemic calcinosis and excluding alternative causes of calcification
Key Findings
- •Systemic calcinosis in horses is a rare syndrome characterised by mineralisation of large muscle groups or other organs in the absence of toxic, enzootic, or metabolic causes
- •Molecular and histopathological mechanisms of systemic calcinosis remain poorly understood and require further investigation