Multicentric lymphoma in a donkey with intestinal and bone marrow involvement

TL;DR

This case report describes the first diagnosed multicentric T-cell lymphoma in a donkey with intestinal and bone marrow involvement.

Contribution

The first documented case of multicentric lymphoma in donkeys, highlighting the need for further research into its rarity in this species.

Findings

A geriatric donkey was found dead with intestinal and bone marrow masses consistent with lymphoma.

Immunohistochemistry confirmed a T-cell lymphoma, the first such case in donkeys.

The donkey's condition suggests a need for further study on the pathogenesis and genetic factors of lymphoma in donkeys.

Abstract

Lymphoma is a common neoplasm in horses but is reported much less commonly in donkeys. In this case report, we describe the macroscopic, microscopic and immunohistochemical features of a multicentric lymphoma with intestinal and bone marrow involvement.

A geriatric female donkey with history of chronic lameness was found dead. Post-mortem examination revealed advanced emaciation, periodontal disease, left front foot laminitis and multiple, soft, white to yellow tan intestinal transmural masses, up to 12 cm in diameter. Cytology suggested a round cell intestinal neoplasm. The femur of the left hint limb was double the size of the normal contralateral, with suspected neoplastic infiltration and replacement of bone marrow and bone. Histologically we diagnosed a lymphoma in the intestine and left femur. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells showed CD3 immunolabelling, supporting a diagnosis of a multicentric T-cell lymphoma.

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time multicentric lymphoma is diagnosed in donkeys. Further studies of the genetic background, clinical, laboratory, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical, as well as the pathogenesis of lymphoma, is needed to better understand the uniquely low frequency of this neoplasm in donkeys.

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