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Penile and preputial tumours in the horse: A retrospective study of 114 affected horses
Author(s) -
TOP J. G. B.,
HEER N.,
KLEIN W. R.,
ENSINK J. M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516408x281180
Subject(s) - preputial gland , penis , medicine , pathology , histopathology , horse , genitourinary system , breed , anatomy , biology , paleontology , genetics
Summary Reasons for performing study : Preputial and penile tumours are more common in horses than in other domestic animals, but no large surveys of male horses with tumours of the external genitalia are available. Objective : To present a retrospective analysis of male horses with neoplasms of the external genitalia. Methods : The penile and preputial tumours of 114 horses were evaluated. Data recorded included age, gelding or stallion and breed; type and site of lesion; involvement of regional lymph nodes; histopathology (including grading of squamous cell carcinoma); and results of radiographic examination of the thorax. Results : Mean age of horses was 19.5 years with no apparent breed predilection. Common presenting clinical signs were irregularities (e.g. the presence of a mass and/or ulceration) on the integument of the penis and prepuce, and purulent or sanguineous discharge from preputial orifice. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most prevalent neoplasm followed by papillomas and melanomas. A basal cell carcinoma, neurofibrosarcoma, adenocarcinoma or fibrosarcoma were each found on single horses. Squamous cell carcinomas with poor differentiation had a higher tendency to metastasise than did more differentiated tumours. Conclusions : Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common urogenital tumour of the male horse and occurs primarily in old horses. Horses with poorly differentiated SCCs tend to have a higher incidence of regional metastases. Pathology of lymph nodes, even when not palpably enlarged, is a valuable diagnostic exercise. Radiology of the thorax to detect lung metastases is of little value.