Extensive anterior subcutaneous oedema associated with thymic lymphosarcoma in a 30-month-old heifer
Thorp, K.; Scott, P.R.; Henshaw, C.J.; Watt, N.J.
Veterinary Record 135(22): 530-531
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7605433 Document Number: 425993
An 8-month pregnant Simmental cross Friesian heifer was referred with a one-week history of reduced appetite and worsening brisket oedema. The heifer was alert with a normal temperature, elevated heart rate, distended jugular veins, normal rumen motility and a failure to eructate gas normally. The oedema which initially extended from the mandible to cranial of the udder also involved the submandibular area and thoracic limbs over the next 2 weeks. Thymic lymphosarcoma was diagnosed provisionally after other diagnoses were eliminated. The heifer was humanely destroyed. PM and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The tumour mass which was approximately 30 cm in diameter surrounded and compressed the anterior vena cava and compressed the oesophagus cranial to the base of the heart. Extensive oedema affected the subcutaneous tissue and filtrated between the muscle masses in the anterior brisket area and ventral cervical region.