## Overview Intestinal lymphosarcoma is malignant infiltration of the gut wall by lymphocytes. Multicentric is the most common form of lymphosarcoma in horses; the intestinal (alimentary) form is less common. It causes progressive weight loss, recurrent colic, diarrhea, low protein, and ventral edema. Thickened intestinal loops are felt on rectal examination or seen on ultrasound. ## Causes Neoplastic. No specific cause is identified. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, low albumin, thickened bowel on imaging, and biopsy or cytology confirming lymphoma. ## Treatment Chemotherapy protocols exist but responses are usually temporary. Most horses are managed palliatively and euthanized when quality of life declines. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor. Survival is typically weeks to a few months after diagnosis. ## Prevention None.
progressive weight loss; recurrent colic; diarrhea; ventral edema; hypoproteinemia; thickened intestinal loops
## Overview Intestinal lymphosarcoma is malignant infiltration of the gut wall by lymphocytes. Multicentric is the most common form of lymphosarcoma in horses; the intestinal (alimentary) form is less common. It causes progressive weight loss, recurrent colic, diarrhea, low protein, and ventral edema. Thickened intestinal loops are felt on rectal examination or seen on ultrasound. ## Causes Neoplastic. No specific cause is identified. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, low albumin, thickened bowel on imaging, and biopsy or cytology confirming lymphoma. ## Treatment Chemotherapy protocols exist but responses are usually temporary. Most horses are managed palliatively and euthanized when quality of life declines. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor. Survival is typically weeks to a few months after diagnosis. ## Prevention None.
progressive weight loss; recurrent colic; diarrhea; ventral edema; hypoproteinemia; thickened intestinal loops