The

Veterinary Journal
The Veterinary Journal 174 (2007) 344–350
www.elsevier.com/locate/tvjl

Cattle with thymic lymphoma and haematoma of the ventral neck:

A comparison of findings
a,*
U. Braun , B. Hauser b, S. Meyer a, B. Feller a

a
Department of Farm Animals, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
b
Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Abstract

The goal of the present paper was to establish criteria for the differentiation of thymic lymphoma and haematoma of the ventral neck
in cattle. Four cattle with thymic lymphoma and seven with haematoma of the ventral neck underwent physical, haematological, bio-
chemical and ultrasonographic examinations as well as histological evaluation of a biopsy specimen. All of the animals had firm non-
painful swellings, which were no warmer than normal and extended from the pharyngeal region to the thoracic inlet. A diagnosis could
not be established based on the results of physical examination and palpation of the swellings. Animals with a haematoma had a shorter
history of being ill compared to those with thymic lymphoma. In patients with a haematoma, anaemia was present, the heart rate was
elevated and the haematocrit was decreased, but not in cattle with thymic lymphoma. A tentative diagnosis was made on the basis of a
macroscopic evaluation of the biopsy samples, which were dark red and firm in cattle with a haematoma. All cases of malignant thymic
lymphoma were confirmed by histological examination of a biopsy sample. Ultrasonography did not help to differentiate between
haematoma and thymic lymphoma. All animals with thymic lymphoma and three of those with a haematoma were euthanased. The four
remaining animals with a haematoma were treated successfully.
 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Cattle; Thymus; Malignant lymphoma; Lymphosarcoma; Haematoma

1. Introduction tumours on the ventral aspect of the neck cannot be accu-

There are various causes of diffuse swelling in the ventral
neck region in cattle. A differential diagnosis would include
phlegmon (an acute suppurative inflammation affecting the
subcutaneous connective tissue), abscessation, oedema,
haematoma and neoplasia (Radostits et al., 2000a; Stöber,
2002). Examination and palpation of the swelling are often
helpful: a warm painful swelling is usually phlegmon
(Gründer, 1990); a circumscribed fluctuating swelling could
well be an abscess; and a swelling that pits with pressure
indicates oedema (Radostits et al., 2000b).
In many cases, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made
based on clinical examination alone because certain diseases
have similar findings. In our experience, haematomas and
*
Corresponding author. Tel.: +41 44 6358241; fax: +41 44 6358904.
E-mail address: ubraun@vetclinics.unizh.ch (U. Braun).
rately differentiated by physical examination and palpation
alone. Moreover, the prognosis varies: that for thymic lym-
phoma is grave, whereas for a haematoma the prognosis is
good. The goal of the present paper was to provide criteria
that would aid in the differentiation of the two disorders.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Animals
From 1st January 1985 to 31st March 2005, 11 cattle
were referred to the Department of Farm Animals, Univer-
sity of Zürich, for further diagnostic work-up. All of the
animals had a firm non-painful swelling on the ventral sur-
face of the neck. The swelling was no warmer than normal
and extended from the pharyngeal area to the thoracic
inlet. Based on our findings, a diagnosis of malignant

1090-0233/$ - see front matter  2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.07.024
 U. Braun et al. / The Veterinary Journal 174 (2007) 344–350
thymic lymphoma was made in four animals (Nos. 1–4).
These ranged in age from six months to three years and
of the Swiss Braunvieh, Holstein–Friesian, Simmental
and Jersey breeds. The remaining animals (Nos. 5–11),
which were diagnosed with a haematoma, ranged in age
from 3–16 months and were of the Swiss Braunvieh (5),
Simmental (1) and Limousin (1) breeds.
2.2. History
The animals with thymic lymphoma were referred
because of swelling in the ventral neck region, which
according to the owners had been present for one day,
two, six or 14 weeks. In all of the animals, the swellings
progressively increased in size. Two of these cattle also
had ruminal tympany. All animals had been treated with
various topical medications, two had also received antihis-
tamines, and one had been given procaine penicillin and
dexamethasone.
Six of the seven animals with a haematoma had been
referred because of a swelling on the ventral neck which
had been present for 1–2 days. One other animal was
referred with a tentative diagnosis of cardiac disease
because of marked distension of the jugular veins but no
swelling had been seen. In five animals, the main sign
was ruminal tympany with a dorsal gas cap that recurred
after passing a stomach tube. Five animals were anorexic.
All of the animals had been treated with various medica-
tions such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, metamizole, ami-
nophenazone, antihistamines and topical creams.
2.3. Clinical, haematological and biochemical examinations
Each animal underwent a thorough clinical examination
as described by Rosenberger (1979). In addition, the hae-
matocrit and leukocyte count, and the serum concentra-
tions of total protein, fibrinogen, bilirubin, urea, sodium,
chloride and calcium, and the activities of the enzymes c-
glutamyl transferase (c-GT), aspartate aminotransferase
(AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and sorbitol
dehydrogenase (SDH) were measured. The haematocrit,
total leucocyte count and concentrations of total protein,
and fibrinogen were determined in EDTA blood (Braun
et al., 1989). The concentrations of bilirubin, urea, calcium,
inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride and
potassium, and the activities of c-GT, AST, SDH and
GLDH were determined in serum using a Cobas Integra
700 Analyzer (Roche Diagnostics) and Roche reagents
under conditions defined by the International Federation
of Clinical Chemists at 37 C. Blood gas analysis was car-
ried out on a jugular venous blood sample. Cow 2 was
examined for enzootic bovine leucosis (ELISA).
2.4. Ultrasonographic examination
Ultrasonography of the swelling was carried out in two
cattle with thymic lymphoma and four with a haematoma.
345
A 3.5 MHz linear transducer (Hitachi Medical Systems)
was used for the examinations.
2.5. Histological examination
With one exception (No. 6), a biopsy sample of the
swelling was collected from each of the animals. The swell-
ing was scanned ultrasonographically to choose a biopsy
site with no blood vessels. The skin over the site was anaes-
thetised using 2% lidocaine containing hyaluronidase (Stre-
uli, Uznach). A Bard magnum core high speed biopsy
punch with an appropriate size needle (Bard Truguide
Coaxial, 14G · 16 cm; Bard Media S.A.) was used to col-
lect the biopsy sample, which was immediately placed in
10% formalin solution for 24–48 h. Histological sections
were prepared, stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain
and examined microscopically.
2.6. Treatment, euthanasia and post-mortem examination
Animals with thymic lymphoma were euthanased and
underwent a post-mortem examination. Of the seven ani-
mals with a haematoma, three (Nos. 5–7) were also euthan-
ased at the owners’ request and underwent post-mortem
examination but the remainder (Nos. 8–11) were success-
fully treated and discharged.
2.7. Statistics
Statistical calculations were carried out by means of the
calculation program SPSS/PC+ 4.0, according to the meth-
ods of Norusis (1990). Frequencies, mean and SD were cal-
culated. The heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature
and all haematological values were compared with
ANOVA.
3. Results
3.1. Clinical findings
The general condition was normal or mildly abnormal in
six animals (Nos. 1, 3, 5, 9, 10 and 11) and moderately to
severely abnormal in five (Nos. 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8; Table 1).
The body condition was good in six animals (Nos. 1, 5,
7, 8, 9 and 11) and moderate in four (Nos. 3, 4, 6 and
10). One animal (No. 2) was emaciated and milk yield
was severely decreased to a few litres per day.
All animals had a firm non-painful swelling on the ven-
tral surface of the neck, which was no warmer than normal
and extended from the pharyngeal region to the thoracic
inlet. Thymic lymphoma and haematoma could not be dif-
ferentiated based on the results of physical examination
and palpation (Figs. 1 and 2). There was marked distension
of both jugular veins in two animals (Nos. 10 and 11) and
one jugular vein in one (No. 7). Ruminal tympany and
atony were seen in all the animals with thymic lymphoma
(Fig. 3), whereas only five with a haematoma (Nos. 5, 7,
346 U. Braun et al. / The Veterinary Journal 174 (2007) 344–350

Table 1
Clinical findings in four cattle with thymic lymphoma (Nos. 1–4) and seven cattle with a haematoma on the ventral neck (Nos. 5–11)
Animal Breed/age
1 Swiss Braunvieh/11 months
2 Holstein Friesian/3 years
3 Jersey/6 months
4 Simmental/1.5 years
5 Swiss Braunvieh/3 months
6 Swiss Braunvieh/3.5 months
7 Swiss Braunvieh/10 months
8 Limousin, 3 months
9 Swiss Braunvieh/7 months
10 Swiss Braunvieh/16 months
11 Simmental/3 months
Only those findings that deviate from physiological conditions are presented.
RT = Rectal temperature, HR = Heart rate, RR = Respiratory rate.
Clinical findings
RT = 39.7 C, HR = 84, RR = 20, reduced ruminal motility, ruminal tympany with dorsal
gas cap, positive withers’ pinch, both iliac lymph nodes markedly enlarged on transrectal
palpation
Moderately abnormal general condition, bruxism, thin body condition, dull coat,
enlargement of both prescapular lymph nodes, RT = 39.3 C, HR = 60, RR = 24,
distension of jugular veins, ruminal atony and tympany, reduced intestinal motility,
distension of rumen on transrectal palpation
Moderate body condition, RT = 38.9 C, HR = 80, RR = 24, stenosis sound on inspiration,
ruminal atony and tympany, distension of jugular veins
Moderately abnormal general condition and moderate body condition, RT = 39.2 C,
HR = 68, RR = 44, increased breath sounds and crackles, enlarged left prescapular lymph
node, distension of jugular veins, ruminal atony and tympany, regurgitation of ingested hay
Mildly abnormal general condition, RT = 39.0 C, HR = 120, RR = 20, injected scleral
vessels, left popliteal lymph node enlarged, ruminal atony and tympany
Severely abnormal general condition, moderate body condition, shaking, enophthalmus,
RT = 40.0 C, HR = 136, RR = 28, abdominal lift during respiration, dyspnoea, very pale
mucous membranes, wheezes, ruminal atony
Severely disturbed general condition, dry muzzle, uraemic breath, RT = 38.6 C, HR = 112,
RR = 32, very pale mucous membranes, distension of left jugular vein, left prescapular
lymph node enlarged, ruminal atony and tympany, positive tests for reticular foreign body
Moderately abnormal general condition, stenotic sounds on inspiration, RT = 39.6 C,
HR = 120, RR = 28, pale mucous membranes, normal ruminal motility
Mildly abnormal general condition, arched back, RT = 39.7 C, HR = 84, RR = 28,
ruminal atony and tympany
Mildly abnormal general condition, moderate body condition, mild enophthalmus, reduced
skin turgor, RT = 39.2 C, HR = 88, RR = 20, ruminal atony and tympany, positive
withers’ pinch test, distension of both jugular veins
Mildly abnormal general condition, RT = 39.2 C, HR = 88, RR = 32, strong ruminal
contractions, ruminal tympany, distension of both jugular veins

Fig. 1. A 1.5-year-old Simmental heifer (No. 4) with swelling of the

ventral neck due to thymic lymphoma. A metal clip was used to close the
biopsy site.

9, 10 and 11) had ruminal tympany with normal or no

ruminal motility. In three animals with thymic lymphoma
and two with a haematoma, there was enlargement of cer-
tain lymph nodes, which included both iliac lymph nodes
(No. 1), one popliteal lymph node (Nos. 5 and 7) and
one (No. 4) and both prescapular lymph nodes (No. 2).
Fig. 2. A three-month-old Limousin calf (No. 8) with swelling of the
ventral neck due to a haematoma. The left jugular vein is markedly
distended.
 U. Braun et al. / The Veterinary Journal 174 (2007) 344–350 347

patients with thymic lymphoma. In the fourth animal

Fig. 3. An 11-month-old Swiss Braunvieh calf (No. 1) with swelling of the
ventral neck due to thymic lymphoma, and ruminal tympany.
The heart rate in animals with a haematoma was signif-
icantly higher (mean [SD] 107 [20.2] bpm) than in animals
with thymic lymphoma (73 [11.0] bpm; difference
P < 0.05, ANOVA). Of the animals with thymic lym-
phoma, only one (No. 1) had a mild increase in heart rate
(84 bpm), whereas all the animals with a haematoma had a
mild to marked elevation in heart rate (84–136 bpm). The
respiratory rate was normal or mildly increased in all ani-
mals, and did not differ significantly between the two
groups. There was no significant difference in rectal tem-
perature between groups. The rectal temperature was
increased in three animals with thymic lymphoma (Nos.
1, 2 and 4; range, 39.2–39.7 C) and in five with a haema-
toma (Nos. 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11; range, 39.2–40.0 C). Other
signs included pale mucous membranes in three animals
with a haematoma (Nos. 6, 7 and 8) and regurgitation in
one patient with thymic lymphoma (No. 4). The faeces
were normal in all the animals. Urine samples assessed
using a test strip (Combur9-Test, Roche) were also normal.
(No. 4), there was a leukocytosis (15 100 leukocytes/lL)
with absolute neutrophilia (11 250 segmented neutro-
phils/lL) and a left shift. Of the animals with a haema-
toma, five (No. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11) had a neutrophilia
and left shift. In these, the total leukocyte count ranged
from 18 800 to 43 500 leukocytes/lL with 12 784–
39 585 segmented neutrophils/lL. The remaining blood
variables did not differ significantly between the groups
and were in the normal ranges with the exception of
one animal with thymic lymphoma (No. 4). That animal
had increased activities of c-GT, GLDH (234 U/L; nor-
mal range, 15–25 U/L) and SDH (164 U/L; normal range,
3.0–7.5 U/L). In one animal with a haematoma (No. 6),
the total protein was slightly reduced (58 g/L; normal
range 60–80 g/L). Serological testing for enzootic bovine
leucosis was negative in cow No. 2.
3.3. Ultrasonographic findings
In the two patients with thymic lymphoma (Nos. 3 and
4) that underwent ultrasonography, the swelling appeared
as a heterogeneous hypoechogenic mass with irregular
echogenic focal lesions (Fig. 4). There were no pockets of
fluid within the mass. In all animals with a haematoma
(Nos. 4–11) that were examined ultrasonographically, there
was at least a trace of a capsule around the swelling. The
swelling appeared heterogeneous with hypoechogenic and
echogenic areas. In three of the animals (Nos. 9, 10 and
11), there were a number of anechogenic foci of varying
diameter (Fig. 5).

3.2. Haematological and biochemical findings

With the exception of two animals with thymic lymphoma

(Nos. 3 and 4), the haematocrit was decreased in all patients
and ranged from 0.20–0.31 L/L (normal range, 0.30–0.33 L/
L). Animals with a haematoma had a significantly lower hae-
matocrit (23.1 [2.73]%) than those with thymic lymphoma
(29.3 [1.71]%; P < 0.01). The serum concentration of fibrin-
ogen in animals with a haematoma was significantly higher
(7.3 [1.50] g/L) than those with thymic lymphoma
(5.0 [1.15] g/L; P < 0.05). The activity of c-GT was higher
in animals with thymic lymphoma (51.3 [36.69] U/L) than
those with a haematoma (13.7 [2.87] U/L; P < 0.05). Three
animals with thymic lymphoma (Nos. 1, 2 and 4) had higher
than normal c-GT values, which ranged from 28 to 97 U/L
(normal range, 10–25 U/L), whereas all the patients with a
haematoma had normal values.
There were no significant differences in the total leuko-
cyte count and differential cell count between the two Fig. 4. Ultrasonogram of a thymic lymphoma in a 1.5-year-old Simmental
groups. The total leukocyte count (5000–10 000 leuko- heifer (No. 4). The tumour is hypoechogenic with echogenic foci. 1 – Skin,
cytes/lL) and differential cell count were normal in three 2 – Lymphoma, 3 – Echogenic foci. Left is cranial, right is caudal.
348 U. Braun et al. / The Veterinary Journal 174 (2007) 344–350
Fig. 5. Ultrasonogram of a haematoma on the ventral neck of a seven-
month-old Swiss Braunvieh calf (No. 9). The haematoma is well delineated
from the surrounding tissue and appears heterogeneous; the haematoma is
hypoechogenic with anechogenic areas. 1 – Skin, 2 – Haematoma, 3 –
Anechogenic cavity. Left is cranial, right is caudal.
3.4. Biopsy findings
A diagnosis of malignant thymic lymphoma was con-
firmed by the histological examination of a biopsy sample
in all the animals with thymic lymphoma. Histologically,
there was a diffuse homogeneous uniform population of
lymphocytes with relatively small (Fig. 6) or, in one case,
Fig. 6. Histological section of thymic lymphoma: there is diffuse infiltra-
tion of small lymphocytes, and the nuclei have dense fine chromatin (400·
magnification, haematoxylin and eosin staining, No. 3).
large nuclei. The nuclei were round or slightly notched
and had fine, sometimes clumped, chromatin usually with-
out visible nucleoli. The mitotic rate was low in two
patients and high in two others. The biopsy samples from
the animals with a haematoma were dark red and firm
and were macroscopically indicative of a haematoma. His-
tologically, massive numbers of erythrocytes were seen
within a net of contracting fibrin. Neutrophils had an irreg-
ular distribution and sometimes pyknotic nuclei (Fig. 7).
3.5. Euthanasia and post-mortem examination of animals
Nos. 1–7
In all animals with thymic lymphoma, the thymus had
white nodular lesions with a greasy appearance (Fig. 8).
Similar lesions were also seen in the mediastinal and iliac
Fig. 7. Histological section of a haematoma: there is a dense accumulation
of erythrocytes and scattered neutrophils with slightly pyknotic nuclei. In
the upper left of the photomicrograph are bands of retracting and
intensely eosinophilic fibrin (400· magnification, haematoxylin and eosin
staining, No. 7).
Fig. 8. Thymus, lungs, heart and liver of an 11-month-old Swiss
Braunvieh heifer (No. 1) with thymic lymphoma. The thymus (to the
right) is markedly enlarged and has neoplastic changes. The liver contains
a few round white neoplastic nodules.
 U. Braun et al. / The Veterinary Journal 174 (2007) 344–350
lymph nodes and liver of patient No. 1. Neoplastic lesions
were seen in the mediastinal lymph nodes of patient No. 3
and in the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and intestinal
wall of patient No. 4.
In the three animals euthanased with a haematoma
(Nos. 5, 6 and 7) a massive amount of blood was seen in
the ventral neck region. There was no evidence of thymic
neoplasia in any of these patients.
3.6. Treatment of patients with a haematoma (No. 8–11)
Animal No. 8 was treated with a warm linseed poultice
placed onto the neck for 11 days. After this, the haema-
toma was lanced surgically, and the patient received
7 mg/kg amoxicillin (Clamoxyl, Pfizer) IM once daily for
five days before being discharged from our clinic. Animal
No. 9 received 7 mg/kg amoxicillin IM once daily for five
days because infection of the haematoma was suspected.
In addition, the swelling was treated topically with a hepa-
rin-containing cream (Hirudoid forte, Sankyo Pharma)
every 12 h for nine days after which the patient was dis-
charged. In animals Nos. 10 and 11, the swelling was also
treated topically with the same heparin-containing cream,
and the cows were discharged after six and seven days,
respectively. Treatment of animals Nos. 9, 10 and 11
resulted in a marked reduction in the size of the swelling
and normalisation of appetite and general condition during
hospitalisation. A follow-up via telephone revealed that all
the animals had an uncomplicated recovery with complete
cure.
4. Discussion
Bovine lymphoproliferative diseases include enzootic
leukosis, caused by bovine leukemia virus, and three spo-
radic forms, namely juvenile multicentric lymphoma, cuta-
neous lymphoma and thymic lymphoma (Radostits et al.,
2000a; Stöber, 2002). Recently, bovine leukaemia virus
was also detected in tissues from a heifer diagnosed with
sporadic thymic lymphosarcoma by in situ polymerase
chain reaction (Duncan et al., 2005). Thymic lymphoma
has been described repeatedly in the past 20 years (Hatfield
et al., 1986; Holmes et al., 1990; Angel et al., 1991; Mat-
thews et al., 1992; Thorp et al., 1994; Alexander et al.,
1996; De Vliegher et al., 2000).
Thymic lymphoma occurs in cattle four months to four
years of age (Stöber, 2002), although it is most common
between the ages of six months and two years, and studies
in France have determined a hereditary predisposition for
this disease (Parodi et al., 1989; Dacosta et al., 1991). Malig-
nant lymphoma affects the thymus and adjacent lymph
nodes. The main clinical sign is a firm swelling along the ven-
tral aspect of the neck, which was also seen in our patients.
Compression of the oesophagus by the tumour may result in
ruminal tympany, which is often the first sign. When the
tumour impinges on the cranial vena cava, distension of
the jugular veins may occur. Jugular distension was seen
349
in our patients and was interpreted by one of the referring
veterinarians as a sign of right-sided cardiac insufficiency.
A haematoma is the accumulation of blood perivascu-
larly in the subcutaneous, subserosal, intermuscular or
intramuscular connective tissue due to a lesion in a blood
vessel (Gründer, 2002). Subcutaneous haematomas, which
occurred in patients Nos. 5–11, are usually the result of
blunt trauma resulting from fighting, falls, running into
obstacles or entrapment in a neck chain or head gate
(Gründer, 2002). All but one cow with a haematoma were
housed in free stalls, which provide many opportunities for
blunt trauma. However, it is not usually possible to identify
the injured blood vessel.
There were no differences between the two groups with
respect to the age and breed of the animals and the physical
appearance of the swelling. All animals with thymic lym-
phoma were between four months and four years of age.
Four of the seven cattle with a haematoma were only 3–
3.5 months old, an age that is not typical for thymic
lymphoma. With the exception of a three-month-old calf
(Hatfield et al., 1986), thymic lymphoma has not been
reported in cattle <4 months old. Three of our four
patients with thymic lymphoma had been ill for >2 weeks,
whereas all those with a haematoma had been sick for only
1–2 days. Whereas signs of a haematoma occur rapidly,
those of thymic lymphoma are more insidious. Because
of the acute anaemia in patients with haematoma, the heart
rate was significantly higher compared with patients with
thymic lymphoma. In the latter, the heart rate was
<85 bpm, whereas in 6/7 cattle with a haematoma, it
exceeded 85 bpm; in four, it was >100 bpm.
An increase in metabolic activity associated with neopla-
sia was most likely the cause of an increase in rectal tem-
perature in three animals with thymic lymphoma.
Resorptive processes after haemorrhage may have been
the cause of an increase in rectal temperature in five ani-
mals with a haematoma. In three patients with thymic lym-
phoma, but in only two of those with haematoma, one or
two peripheral lymph nodes were enlarged.
All of the animals were anaemic; however, the anaemia
was more severe in patients with a haematoma. Five of
seven animals with a haematoma had a haematocrit of
<25%, whereas none of the patients with thymic lymphoma
had a haematocrit this low. Interestingly, in three animals
with thymic lymphoma, the activity of c-GT was higher
than normal; the activity of this enzyme was within normal
ranges in the animals with a haematoma. This was possibly
due to impaired blood flow not only from the cranial but
also from the caudal vena cava to the heart, which resulted
in chronic congestion of the liver (Stöber, 2002) and an
increase in c-GT activity. Surprisingly, there was no signif-
icant difference in the total leukocyte count and differential
cell count between the two groups. None of the animals
with thymic lymphoma had haematological results indica-
tive of leukaemia (Stöber, 2002). The five animals with a
haematoma had a neutrophilia and left shift, which was
due to stress as well as resorptive processes.
350 U. Braun et al. / The Veterinary Journal 174 (2007) 344–350
It was not possible to differentiate clearly thymic lym-
phoma and haematoma based on the results of ultrasonog-
raphy; both masses had a diffuse and heterogeneous
appearance. The only difference was that the haematomas
had large anechogenic regions, indicating fluid, which
was found to be blood in our patients.
The most important diagnostic aid for differentiation of
thymic lymphoma and haematoma was collection and eval-
uation of a biopsy sample. A tentative diagnosis could be
made simply by macroscopically evaluating the biopsy
sample from the haematoma which was dark red and firm
like clotted blood. The histological evaluation yielded a
definitive diagnosis in all the patients. Thus, evaluation of
a biopsy sample is mandatory for deciding whether in such
cases the patient should be euthanased or treated. Because
of the good results achieved after treatment of our patients,
cattle referred to us because of a haematoma of the neck
are treated.
The cattle in the present study with thymic lymphoma
and haematoma of the ventral neck tended to differ with
respect to length of illness, heart rate, haematocrit and
activity of c-GT. Cattle with thymic lymphomas typically
have a history of illness for >1 week, have enlarged lymph
nodes and an increased activity of c-GT. Cattle with
haematoma of the ventral neck have an acute onset of ill-
ness of a day or two, have a heart rate of >85 bpm, anae-
mia with a haematocrit of <25% and neutrophilia with a
left shift. However, none of these features provides a defin-
itive diagnosis, and collection and histological examination
of a biopsy specimen is necessary for differentiation of
these two disorders. Differentiation is important because
animals with a haematoma can be easily and successfully
treated. An elevated rectal temperature in these animals
is probably due to resorptive processes and not infection,
thereby eliminating the need for antibiotics.
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