Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with systemic granulomatous disease in a horse

Abstract

A 4-year-old Criollo stallion was presented at the equine clinic of veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, with a 30-day history of progressive weight loss, anemia and swelling of the forelimbs and face. Physical examination revealed that the swelling was firm and had a bone-like consistency, also radiographs showed extensive periosteal proliferation on the forelimb long bones that suggested hypertrophic osteopathy (Marie's disease). Physical examinations identified no respiratory findings. However, during ultrasound examination, superficial lung disease was identified. The animal was treated with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 12 days. Due to a complete lack of response to this treatment, the horse was euthanized. At necropsy several granulomatous lesions were identified in the thorax, abdomen and testicular tunics. Bony proliferation was evident on many bones of the appendicular skeleton and face. Based on these findings the diagnosis of hypertrophic osteopathy associated with sarcoidosis was established. It is important to perform a thorough clinical examination and include hypertrophic osteopathy in the differential diagnosis of diseases that are accompanied by swelling of the face and limbs as edema from various causes, fibrous osteodystrophy, for example.