Hematological and Serum Biochemical Abnormalities Associated with a Suspected Case of Genital Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Gray Nigerian Mare

Abstract

An 18-year-old gray mare (a crossbred Nigerian horse) was observed to have a proliferative tissue growth with multiple necrotic areas, which was suspected to be a genital squamous cell carcinoma. The mucous membrane of the eyes and gingiva of the mare were pale, and the animal was dull and insensitive, had an abnormal posture and gait, with conspicuous protruding proliferative tissue mass around the vagina and vulva. Blood samples for hematology analysis and serum biochemistry were collected from the jugular vein and determinations followed standard procedures. Hematological examination revealed that the mare had macrocytic anaemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, higher than normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Serum biochemical assays showed that serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were slightly lower than normal. High serum alkaline phosphatase activity was recorded, with high serum total protein level that was mainly due to high serum globulin level. The mare also had a lower than normal total cholesterol. High serum creatinine level was observed. These hematological and serum biochemical findings are commonly associated with genital squamous cell carcinomas in animals and humans.