Tumour surgery
What are tumours?
Tumours are abnormal growths caused by uncontrolled cell division. They can be benign, meaning they do not spread, or malignant, which can invade surrounding tissue and metastasize via blood or lymph.
In horses, melanomas and sarcoids are the most frequently encountered tumors.
With horses we also regularly have to deal with tumours. These tumours can be both external (sarcoids, melanomas, etc.) and internal (abdominal cavity, sinus, bone, etc.).
Melanomas develop from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). They are especially common in grey horses over the age of 7; more than 80% of older grey horses develop melanomas.
Sarcoids are the most common skin tumours in horses, caused by bovine papillomavirus infection combined with genetic susceptibility.
Other tumours in horses
- Lymphoma: Rare but serious malignant tumour of lymphatic tissue; may cause weight loss, edema, internal masses.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Often affects non-pigmented skin around eyes, penis, vulva; sunlight exposure is a factor.
- Papillomas: Benign warts in young horses, usually self-limiting.
Conclusion
Early detection and targeted treatment are key in managing equine tumors. Routine inspection of the skin, tail base, and mucous membranes helps identify problems early. Biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and guiding therapy.
