Page 1062 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

H aemolymphatic system 1037

VetBooks.ir 9.40 9.41

Albumin α1 α2 β1 β2 Gamma Albumin α1 α2 β1 β2 Gamma
globulin globulin

Fig. 9.40 Serum protein electrophoresis. Fig. 9.41 Serum protein electrophoresis. Monoclonal
Polyclonal gammopathy (increase in alpha, beta and gammopathy from a horse with B-cell lymphoma. The
gamma globulins). This is observed with chronic sharp, narrow-based peak represents the clonal production
inflammation or infection. of a single gamma globulin from the tumour cells.

Diagnosis Management
Diagnosis is made by demonstrating an increase The underlying disorder responsible for increased
in globulins using biochemical measurements of globulin production must be identified and treated
total protein and albumin concentration, followed to resolve the hyperglobulinaemia.
by protein electrophoresis to determine if the
globulins are polyclonal or monoclonal in nature Prognosis
(Figs. 9.40, 9.41). Relative hyperglobulinaemia is The prognosis for relative hyperglobulinaemia is
usually accompanied by hyperalbuminaemia and good if lost fluids can be replaced. Other causes are
clinical signs of dehydration. more difficult to treat, especially neoplasia.

SPLENIC DISEASES

The spleen is an important organ that filters the blood, Aetiology/pathophysiology
acts as a secondary lymphoid organ, serves as a reser- Splenic rupture most often occurs secondary to
voir of RBCs, WBCs and platelets and is a location for trauma, such as from a kick over the left abdomi-
extramedullary haematopoiesis. In normal animals nal wall. Rupture of a splenic haematoma, tumour
the size of the spleen is highly variable. On average, or abscess may also occur. Idiopathic splenic rupture
the spleen weighs approximately 1 kg and has a some- has been reported.
what smooth surface. Ultrasonographically, the spleen Trauma to the abdominal wall overlying the
has a relatively homogeneous character (Fig. 9.42). spleen may cause laceration of the spleen and asso-
Disorders of the spleen are uncommon. ciated large blood vessels (Fig. 9.43). Bleeding may
be contained within the splenic capsule if minor,
SPLENIC RUPTURE but significant trauma may cause splenic rupture
and haemorrhage into the abdominal cavity. Severe
Definition/overview blood loss can occur rapidly, resulting in haemor-
Rupture of the spleen is an uncommon condition in rhagic shock and potentially death. Clinical signs
the horse that can be life-threatening because of the may be apparent with acute loss of 30% of blood vol-
potential for severe intra-abdominal haemorrhage. ume. Acute loss of 40% of blood volume may cause