Enteric associated T-cell lymphoma in a mule.
Authors: de Souza Giovanna G, Lacerda Zara A, de Moura Fernanda B C, Contel Isabeli J, de Oliveira Shéron L, Ferrari Lorena C, Apolonio Emanuel V P, Alonso Juliana de M, Alves Ana Liz G, Rocha Noeme S
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Enteric Associated T-cell Lymphoma in a Mule A 25-year-old mule presented with acute colic, anorexia and reduced gut motility, with rectal examination revealing a firm, pedunculated abdominal mass that ultrasonography showed to be highly vascularised and heterogeneous. Exploratory celiotomy identified two neoplastic lesions—a 12 cm mass at the jejunoileal junction causing obstruction, and a second infiltrative mass in the jejunal mesentery—with histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirming enteric associated T-cell lymphoma subtype 2. Although enterectomy successfully removed the obstructing mass, the second mesenteric lesion could not be resected, and the animal died suddenly 43 days post-operatively. This case is clinically significant for equine practitioners because T-cell lymphomas of the equine intestine are rare neoplasias that often present with non-specific colic signs and may be multifocal at diagnosis, limiting surgical prognosis even when primary obstruction is relieved. Recognition that persisting clinical signs or rapid deterioration post-operatively despite successful mass removal warrants investigation for unresectable secondary lesions may inform prognostic counselling and palliative care decisions in similar presentations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Enteric T-cell lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis for acute colic in adult mules and horses, particularly when conventional imaging shows highly vascularized neoplastic masses
- •Transrectal ultrasonography and rectal palpation can aid in detecting abdominal masses, but definitive diagnosis requires histopathology and immunohistochemistry
- •Prognosis for enteric lymphoma remains poor even with surgical resection; cases with multifocal involvement or unresectable lesions carry particularly guarded prognosis
Key Findings
- •A 25-year-old mule presented with acute colic symptoms including lethargy, anorexia, and constipation caused by enteric associated T-cell lymphoma subtype 2
- •Two neoplastic masses were identified: one at the jejunoileal junction causing intestinal obstruction and a second in the dorsal jejunal mesentery that could not be resected
- •The resected intestinal mass measured 12 cm in diameter with pale coloration and hemorrhagic areas, confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry
- •Despite surgical intervention, the mule died suddenly 43 days post-operatively