NASAL AMYLOIDOSIS - A CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases caused by the extracellular deposit ion of amyloid which often results in organ dysfunction.1 It is known to occur in over 30 mammalian species including horses.2-8 Localized a myloid deposition in the nasal cavity, however, is a condition unique to the horse2.3 This article describes the clinical features, diagnosi s, and surgical management of nasal amyloidosis in a Belgian stallion. Further, previously published reports of 15 horses with nasal amyloid osis,4-8 as well as a second case diagnosed at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, are summarized. All of these horses had experienc ed impaired breathing and/or epistaxis, and a physical examination rev ealed tumor-like nodules within the nasal cavity. The diagnosis of amy loidosis requires microscopic examination of affected tissues and conf irmation using special histologic techniques. The cause of nasal amylo idosis in the horse remains unknown.