| dc.description.abstract | SUMMARY
Background: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent form of genital
tumours in horses. There are several factors among the possible causes of its
occurrence, including smegma accumulation, UV-radiation, and Equus caballus
papillomavirus.
Objectives: Through the case of a 24 years old German sport pony the author
review about the aetiology, development, clinical symptoms, surgical treatment
options and survival expectations in cases of squamous cell carcinoma on the
male external genitalia.
Materials and Methods: The pony was presented by the owner at the Zalai
Állatgyógyászati Centrum for examination of a bleeding lesion found on the penis.
After iv. sedation (xylazine, butorphanol) of the horse, a bleeding, ulcerated, ele vated mass originating from the glans penis was visible on the protracted penis.
By the clinical appearance a case of equine squamous cell carcinoma was sus pected. With consent of the owner the pony was put under general anaesthesia
(xylazine, ketamine, diazepam); and in dorsal recumbency the penis was ampu tated using the William-technique. The post-operative treatment consisted of
phenylbutasone given po. for 4 days and Cobactan inj. given im. for 7 days. After
returning home the pony was kept in box rest for 1 week and then in a small pen
for 10 days before joining the others on pasture. With haematoxylin and eosin
staining of the amputated tissue a well-differentiated form of squamous cell
carcinoma was confirmed. The patient survived without any symptoms for sev eral months, but eventually was euthanized 16 months after the surgery due to
recidivation and deterioration of the general condition.
Results and Discussion: In elderly gelding horses there seems to be an
increasing prevalence of penile squamous cell carcinomas. According to stud ies, a better prognosis is achievable with early diagnosis and treatment; thus,
in the prevention and therapy of this condition, sustaining a good genital and
praeputial hygiene is vital, as is a regular clinical examination of the penis and
praeputium by the veterinarian. | en_US |
