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Paraneoplastic bullous stomatitis in a horse
M A Williams1, P M Dowling, D W Angarano
1Department of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849-5522, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|August 1, 1995
Summary
A horse with anorexia, ataxia, and oral blisters showed remission after surgical removal of a cervical mass. Diagnostic tests confirmed paraneoplastic pemphigus, a rare autoimmune disease linked to cancer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- This case study examines a horse presenting with a two-month history of anorexia, ataxia, and oral blisters.
- These clinical signs emerged shortly before the development and growth of a cervical mass.
Observation:
- The horse's bullous stomatitis, characterized by subepidermal clefting, did not respond to antibiotic or corticosteroid treatment.
- Surgical excision of the cervical mass resulted in the complete remission of all clinical signs.
Findings:
- Histological examination of the cervical mass revealed hemangiosarcoma.
- Immunological assays (indirect immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation) on the horse's serum were consistent with paraneoplastic pemphigus.
Implications:
- This case suggests paraneoplastic pemphigus, a mucocutaneous autoimmune disease associated with neoplasia, can occur in horses.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering neoplasia in cases of refractory stomatitis and autoimmune skin conditions in horses.