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Open veterinary journal2026; 16(3); 1947-1953; doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i3.50

Coexistence of seminoma and leiomyoma in the testis of an Arabian-Barbe stallion: A case report.

Abstract: Testicular tumors are rare in horses, with seminoma being the most frequently described in the literature. In Morocco, many stallions used for Tbourida are intentionally kept intact, as uncastrated horses are traditionally viewed as symbols of prestige and cultural pride. This cultural practice increases the likelihood of detecting testicular pathology in mature stallions. Unassigned: A 15-year-old Arabian-Barbe stallion used in Tbourida was presented for evaluation after the owner noticed a slow, progressive enlargement of the right testis over a period of more than 1 year. Clinical examination revealed a firm, enlarged right testicle, while the left testis appeared normal. Post-castration assessment revealed multiple firm, lobulated masses occupying roughly two-thirds of the right testis, and a small nodular lesion near the epididymal head on the left, associated with focal hemorrhage. Histopathology confirmed the coexistence of a seminoma and a leiomyoma within the same testis. Unassigned: This report describes the rare coexistence of seminoma and leiomyoma within the same equine testis, along with an epididymal hematoma. Together, these findings provide valuable insight into the spectrum of testicular lesions observed in stallions and highlight the importance of a comprehensive clinical assessment supported by histopathological examination for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of testicular abnormalities in intact horses.
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Publication Date: 2026-03-31 PubMed ID: 42376087PubMed Central: PMC13313883DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i3.50Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research article reports a rare case of a stallion’s testis simultaneously containing two different types of tumors—seminoma and leiomyoma—highlighting the diagnostic and clinical implications of such coexisting testicular lesions in horses.

Background

  • Testicular tumors in horses are uncommon, but among them, seminomas are the most frequently reported type.
  • In certain cultural contexts, such as Morocco, many stallions used for traditional equestrian activities like Tbourida are intentionally left intact (not castrated).
  • Uncastrated stallions hold symbolic value, serving as cultural emblems of prestige and pride, which increases the chance of detecting testicular pathologies due to prolonged testicular function and age.

Case Presentation

  • A 15-year-old Arabian-Barbe stallion, actively involved in Tbourida, was brought for medical evaluation because the owner observed a slow but progressive enlargement of the right testis over more than one year.
  • Clinical examination showed:
    • The right testicle was firm and enlarged.
    • The left testicle appeared normal on physical exam.

Post-Castration Findings

  • After surgical removal (castration), the following observations were made:
    • The right testis contained multiple firm, lobulated masses that occupied roughly two-thirds of the testicular tissue.
    • A small nodular lesion was identified near the head of the epididymis on the left side, which was associated with localized bleeding (focal hemorrhage).

Histopathological Diagnosis

  • Microscopic tissue examination confirmed:
    • The presence of two distinct tumor types coexisting in the same testis:
      • Seminoma: A type of germ cell tumor arising from the seminiferous epithelium, often malignant.
      • Leiomyoma: A benign tumor originating from smooth muscle cells.
    • An epididymal hematoma (localized blood collection) near the lesion on the left testis.

Significance and Implications

  • This case is noteworthy because it documents the unusual coexistence of a seminoma and leiomyoma within the same equine testis, a rare occurrence in horses.
  • The findings expand the understanding of the variety of testicular lesions that can develop in stallions, particularly those kept intact for cultural reasons.
  • It underscores the importance of:
    • Comprehensive clinical examination of testicular abnormalities in stallions.
    • Relying on histopathological analysis for accurate diagnosis to differentiate between tumor types and assess their biological behavior (benign vs. malignant).
    • Informed clinical decision-making and management, including the need for castration or further therapeutic interventions to maintain stallion health and performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Brini ZE, Touzani CD, Bouzidi AA, Piro M. (2026). Coexistence of seminoma and leiomyoma in the testis of an Arabian-Barbe stallion: A case report. Open Vet J, 16(3), 1947-1953. https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i3.50

Publication

Open veterinary journal
ISSN: 2218-6050
NlmUniqueID: 101653182
Country: Libya
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
Pages: 1947-1953

Researcher Affiliations

Brini, Zineb El
  • Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Reproduction, Agronomy and Veterinary Institute Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco.
Touzani, Charifa Drissi
  • Department of Pathology and Veterinary Public Health, Agronomy and Veterinary Institute Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco.
Bouzidi, Abderrahmane Al
  • Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco.
Piro, Mohammed
  • Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Reproduction, Agronomy and Veterinary Institute Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Male
  • Horses
  • Seminoma / veterinary
  • Seminoma / pathology
  • Seminoma / diagnosis
  • Seminoma / surgery
  • Testicular Neoplasms / veterinary
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology
  • Testicular Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Testicular Neoplasms / surgery
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Leiomyoma / veterinary
  • Leiomyoma / pathology
  • Leiomyoma / diagnosis
  • Leiomyoma / surgery
  • Testis / pathology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

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