Suspected systemic calcinosis and calciphylaxis in 5 horses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Equine Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Myopathy and systemic malaise are significant clinical signs in horses.
• Metabolic disturbances like hyperfibrinogenemia and hyperphosphatemia can indicate underlying disease.
• An elevated calcium phosphorus product (Ca*P) is a critical indicator of potential calcification disorders.

Observation:

• Five horses exhibited clinical signs of myopathy and systemic illness.
• Laboratory results revealed hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperphosphatemia, and an elevated Ca*P.
• Postmortem examinations showed widespread calcium deposition in multiple organs.

Findings:

• Systemic calcinosis, a syndrome of calcium deposition in tissues, was diagnosed.
• Affected organs included the lungs, kidneys, muscle, and heart.
• This represents the first documented description of systemic calcinosis in horses.

Implications:

• This finding expands the differential diagnoses for myopathy and systemic disease in horses.
• Understanding systemic calcinosis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of affected equines.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the etiology and pathogenesis of this condition in horses.