Specialist Veterinary Care
04/03/2025
If you had to guess… what do you think this is? It measures 20cm across and weighed 6kg…..
Edit:
This patient presented to our hospital with the intention of breeding last season. Dr Ceri performed an ultrasound scan re**ally and immediately came across a very large mass in place of the left o***y. The mass was too large to measure with the re**al ultrasound probe so an abdominal ultrasound scan was then performed which measured the mass up to 20cm wide. A blood test was performed for the Anti-Mullerian Hormone which returned a high result confirming diagnosis of a granulosa thecal cell tumour - ovarian tumour.
Note: 95% of mares with a granulosa thecal cell tumour will return a high result for the Anti-Mullerian Hormone. Only 50% of mares with it will have elevated testosterone levels.
This mare did not present with any obvious behavioural or pain issues at the time. She did show signs of “teasing” when yarded beside another mare in season such as lip curling and “showing”.
Dr John and Dr Ceri performed surgery over two stages, this was done as in this particular case the mass was too large to remove laparoscopically or from the flank area. The first stage consisted of a standing laparoscopic surgery to cut and cauterise the ovarian pedicle. This was performed to decrease the risk of haemorrhaging and possibly fatal consequences.
The second stage was performed several days later once the risk of haemorrhage had subsided. A midline celiotomy was performed (much like a colic surgery) to then remove the mass.
Recovery time was extensive due to the nature of the surgery to remove the tumour, however the right o***y should now be able to return to full function. Being able to breed her own foals will now be a possibility again! This mare has recently returned to training as an endurance horse and so far so good!
