Mesothelioma in a calf.

A 5-month-old Holstein heifer was hospitalized because of progressive abdominal distention and decreased growth rate. It had continued to eat and was alert until 5 days before hospitalization. High BUN and serum aspartate transaminase values, hypoproteinemia, and a stress leukogram were ascertained from clinicopathologic evaluation. Oral electrolyte therapy was begun, but the calf died. Necropsy revealed multiple nodules (0.5 to 6 cm diameter) attached to the peritoneum, throughout the abdominal cavity. The histopathologic diagnosis was mesothelioma.