Lameness and pleural effusion associated with an aggressive fibrosarcoma in a horse

An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was admitted for evaluation of chronic lameness of the left scapulohumeral joint of 3 months' duration. Radiography revealed a radiolucent lesion with the proximal portion of the humerus in the area of the metaphysis. Scintigraphy confirmed radiographic findings, with an increased uptake of technetium Tc 99m medronate in the proximal portion of the left humerus. A preliminary diagnosis of humeral fracture was made. Two weeks later, the horse was readmitted for clinical signs of respiratory distress. Radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluation revealed masses within the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The diagnosis was changed to neoplasm with multiple metastases. Because of the unfavorable prognosis, the horse was euthanatized. Necropsy findings confirmed an aggressive neoplasm. Special histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy were required to characterize the neoplasm as an anaplastic fibrosarcoma. Findings in this horse illustrate the importance of considering neoplasia, resulting in bone lesions, as a possible cause of chronic lameness in horses.