Intrahepatic mucinous cholangiocarcinoma with recurrent colic in a horse case report and literature review of cholangiocarcinoma in horses

Daniel Felipe Barrantes Murillo ¹, Russell C Cattley ¹, John M Cullen ^2,3

⁰Departments of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation : Official Publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc +

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April 20, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A rare mucinous cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct cancer, was diagnosed in a 17-year-old horse. This equine cancer presented with recurrent colic and was confirmed postmortem.

Area Of Science

Veterinary Oncology
Equine Medicine

Background

Cholangiocarcinomas are uncommon in horses, often presenting with vague, slowly progressing clinical signs like recurrent colic.
This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with equine gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases.

Observation

A 17-year-old Arabian mare exhibited chronic, intermittent colic unresponsive to medical management.
Clinical pathology revealed lymphopenia, elevated liver and muscle enzymes, and electrolyte imbalances. Abdominocentesis showed low-protein transudate.
Euthanasia was elected due to disease progression, with postmortem examination revealing a mucinous cholangiocarcinoma.

Findings

Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (cytokeratin 19 positive, hepatocyte paraffin 1 negative) confirmed a cholangiocarcinoma of bile duct origin.
The tumor was characterized by neoplastic cells forming cysts filled with mucin, classifying it as a mucinous variant.
This represents the first reported case of mucinous cholangiocarcinoma in a horse.

Implications

This case expands the understanding of rare tumor types in equine oncology.
It underscores the importance of considering less common differentials in horses with chronic colic and abnormal biochemistry.
Further research into equine biliary tumors may improve early detection and treatment strategies.

Keywords:

HepPar1 cytokeratin 19 horses mucinous cholangiocarcinoma neoplasia