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Multiple myeloma presenting as blepharitis in a horse.
Allison M Hayes1, Brandy Kastl1, Elizabeth Perry2
1Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
|May 29, 2023
Summary
Multiple myeloma, a rare plasma cell cancer in horses, can present with vague symptoms like blepharitis. This case highlights the importance of considering equine neoplasia with unusual signs, aided by advanced diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Myeloma-related disorders, including multiple myeloma, are uncommon in horses.
- Clinical signs are often nonspecific, and M-protein electrophoresis patterns vary compared to other species.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to atypical presentations.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old Thoroughbred mare presented with recurrent blepharitis.
- Routine testing revealed marked hyperglobulinemia.
- Bone marrow aspiration showed over 30% plasma cells.
Findings:
- Serum protein electrophoresis identified a monoclonal gammopathy in the alpha 2 fraction, indicative of multiple myeloma.
- Immunofixation confirmed an IgG M-protein, suspected to be the equine-specific IgG(T) isotype.
- M-protein migration patterns in horses are variable but identifiable with immunofixation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need to consider equine neoplasia in horses with nonspecific clinical signs.
- Immunofixation is a valuable tool for identifying equine M-protein isotypes, aiding diagnosis.
- Understanding M-protein variability is crucial for diagnosing myeloma-related disorders in horses.
