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Acute myelomonocytic leukemia in a calf
P R Woods1, R E Gossett, N C Jain
1Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4475.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 1, 1993
Summary
A calf diagnosed with myelomonocytic leukemia presented with paraplegia and bleeding issues. This rare bovine leukemia involves atypical leukocytes infiltrating the spinal cord and organs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Leukemia is a significant concern in young cattle, impacting their health and productivity.
- Accurate diagnosis of bovine leukemia is crucial for effective management and treatment strategies.
Observation:
- A 2-month-old calf exhibited paraplegia, prolonged bleeding post-venipuncture, leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.
- Postmortem examination revealed widespread petechial hemorrhages and pale bone marrow.
- Atypical blast cells infiltrated the spinal cord, nerve roots, and internal organs.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemical analysis showed atypical leukocytes stained positive for alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, chloracetate esterase, and Sudan black B.
- These cells expressed MHC class-1 and class-2 antigens but lacked specific T-, B-, or null-cell surface markers.
- The definitive diagnosis was myelomonocytic leukemia.
Implications:
- This case highlights myelomonocytic leukemia as a differential diagnosis for neurologic and hematologic abnormalities in calves.
- Comprehensive diagnostic techniques are essential for differentiating various types of leukemia in cattle.
- Understanding the presentation and pathology of bovine leukemia aids in veterinary clinical practice and research.