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Arterial Calcification in Race Horses

Departments of Pathobiology (LGA, MAH), Clinical Studies (LV), Ontario Veterinary College, and Animal Health Laboratory (JD), University of Guelph, Guelph; Forensic Pathology Unit, Hamilton Health Science Campus, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton (CR). Ontario Racing Commission (BD), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Calcification of large arteries has been sporadically reported in horses. The pathogenesis is still unknown, but recent studies in humans suggest that this is a regulated biomineralizing process. This study surveyed the prevalence, distribution, and severity of vascular calcification in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses. Histopathologic, ultrastructural imaging, and energy dispersive X-ray elemental analyses were used to examine the lesions. Calcification of the tunica media, predominantly the pulmonary artery, was found in 82% of horses (83/101). Young adult horses (mean [SD] age in years, 4.44 ± 2.17) of both breeds and sexes were similarly affected. Lesions appeared as white-to-yellowish, hard, and gritty plaques of variable size. On microscopic examination, elastic fibers within the tunica media were thinned, fragmented, and calcified, and surrounded by dense collagen matrix. Elemental analysis showed distinct peaks for calcium and phosphorus, consistent with hydroxyapatite mineral. The frequent occurrence of calcification in the tunica media of large pulmonary arteries of young racing horses indicates the need to investigate its pathogenesis and potential clinical implications.

Key words: Arteries; calcification; electron microscopy; histology; horse; vascular diseases.

Request reprints from Dr. Luis Arroyo, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1 (Canada). E-mail: larroyo{at}uoguelph.ca

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