Disseminated Hemangiosarcoma in a Mare Mule.
Authors: Beatriz Fuentes-Romero, Marta Valero-González, María Martín-Cuervo, Joaquín Jiménez-Fragoso, Esther Durán-Flórez, Luis-Javier Ezquerra-Calvo, Gabriel Manso-Díaz, Manuel Iglesias-García
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Hemangiosarcoma, a highly aggressive vascular malignancy, remains an uncommon diagnosis in equine practice, yet this case report of an 8-year-old mare mule demonstrates the importance of recognising its clinical presentation. The animal presented with a progressive facial mass alongside epistaxis, purulent nasal discharge, and anorexia; diagnostic imaging—including thoracic ultrasonography and standing CT—revealed extensive infiltration of surrounding tissues and multiple pulmonary lesions suggestive of metastatic disease. Necropsy confirmed disseminated hemangiosarcoma affecting the lungs, spleen, adrenal glands, ovary, oral cavity, and right frontal sinus, with histopathological examination establishing the definitive diagnosis. Given the rapid progression, extensive multi-organ involvement and poor prognosis evident in this case, clinicians should include hemangiosarcoma in differential diagnoses when encountering unusual facial masses with concurrent respiratory or systemic signs, particularly as early recognition—though unlikely to alter outcome—may spare animals prolonged clinical decline. The rarity of this tumour in hybrid equids warrants increased vigilance amongst practitioners managing cases with atypical presentations and rapidly progressive pathology.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Facial masses in equines with concurrent anorexia, epistaxis, and nasal discharge warrant imaging investigation and biopsy to rule out hemangiosarcoma
- •Advanced imaging (CT) is valuable for assessing extent of disease and guiding prognosis when malignant tumors are suspected
- •Disseminated hemangiosarcoma carries a poor prognosis; early diagnosis through clinical suspicion may allow informed owner decisions regarding euthanasia timing
Key Findings
- •An 8-year-old mare mule presented with facial mass, anorexia, unilateral epistaxis and purulent nasal discharge
- •Imaging revealed a large facial mass with extension into surrounding tissues and five rounded masses on thoracic ultrasonography
- •Necropsy confirmed hemangiosarcoma with metastatic lesions in lungs, spleen, adrenal glands, ovary, oral cavity, and right frontal sinus
- •Hemangiosarcoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in equines presenting with facial masses and systemic signs