Ulnar fracture deriving from metastasis of a primary hepatoblastoma in a Thoroughbred weanling

Abstract

An 8-month-old Thoroughbred filly presented for surgical repair of a fracture of the right olecranon. Fixation of the fracture with an orthopaedic plate and screws was attempted, with complications of intraoperative haemorrhage and poor bone viability. The filly was euthanised 5 days after the repair, following a post-operative secondary fracture. Primary hepatoblastoma of the liver with secondary metastasis of the right humerus, radius and ulna were diagnosed at necropsy. A history of ‘un-thriftiness’ was later described by the farm manager.