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Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association2012; 242(1); 99-104; doi: 10.2460/javma.242.1.99

Cutaneous neoplastic lesions of equids in the central United States and Canada: 3,351 biopsy specimens from 3,272 equids (2000-2010).

Abstract: To identify epidemiological trends in cutaneous neoplasms affecting equids in central North America and compare them with previously reported trends. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 3,351 cutaneous biopsy specimens from 3,272 equids with a neoplastic diagnosis. Methods: Diagnostic reports from 2 diagnostic laboratories (Colorado State University and Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc) were reviewed for frequency of specific lesions and epidemiological trends. Variables included in analyses (if known) were age, sex, breed, geographic location, date of diagnosis, location of neoplasm on the body, and presence or absence of ulceration. Results: Sarcoid, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma were the 3 most common tumors diagnosed. Tumors associated with UV radiation (SCC, SCC in situ, hemangioma, hemangiosarcoma) were 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 3.0) times as common in biopsy specimens received by Colorado State University than in specimens received by Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc. Appaloosa horses and American Paint horses, respectively, were 7.2 (95% CI, 5.6 to 9.2) and 4.4 (95% CI, 3.6 to 5.4) times as likely as other breeds to have tumors associated with UV radiation. Thoroughbreds were predisposed to cutaneous lymphoma, whereas Arabians were more likely to have melanomas. Draft and pony breeds were 3.1 (95% CI, 1.9 to 5.1) times as likely as other breeds to have benign soft tissue tumors. Morgans and pony breeds more commonly had basal cell tumors. Tumors in the perianal region were significantly more likely to be SCC or melanoma while tumors on the limbs were more likely to be giant cell tumor of soft parts. Conclusions: Signalment, anatomic location of the mass, and geographic location of the horse can be used to help equine practitioners formulate differential diagnoses for cutaneous masses. Further research is necessary to identify the biological basis for the development of many equine cutaneous neoplasms.
Publication Date: 2012-12-14 PubMed ID: 23234288DOI: 10.2460/javma.242.1.99Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The study aims to identify trends in skin cancer in horses in central North America, comparing these trends with previously reported ones. The study examined 3351 skin biopsy specimens from 3272 horses diagnosed with cancer, finding melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcoid to be the most common types of tumor.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers used a retrospective case series method where they reviewed diagnostic reports of biopsy specimens from two diagnostic laboratories – Colorado State University and Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc.
  • They collected a range of data for each case. Variables included age, sex, breed, geographic location, date of diagnosis, location of neoplasm on the body and the presence or absence of ulceration. This allowed them to assess various epidemiological trends associated with equine cutaneous neoplasms.

Research Findings

  • Sarcoid, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma were identified as the three most common tumors diagnosed in horses.
  • The researchers discovered a link between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and certain types of cancer. These tumors were 2.3 times as common in samples sent to Colorado State University than those sent to the Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc.
  • The study identified certain breeds of horses that were more likely to develop certain types of tumors. For example, Appaloosa and American Paint horses were significantly more likely to have tumors associated with UV radiation. Other breeds, such as thoroughbreds and Arabians, were more likely to develop cutaneous lymphoma and melanomas respectively. Draft and pony breeds were more likely to develop benign soft tissue tumors. Basal cell tumors were more common in Morgans and pony breeds.
  • The location of the tumor on the horse’s body also correlated with the type of cancer. Tumors in the perianal region were more likely to be melanoma or SCC, and tumors on the limbs were more likely to be giant cell tumor of soft parts.

Conclusions

  • The researchers concluded that the data such as the horse’s breed, the location of the mass, and the horse’s geographic location can be used by vets to help determine potential diagnoses for skin masses.
  • The study also highlighted the need for further research to better understand the biological basis behind the development of many equine skin neoplasms.

Cite This Article

APA
Schaffer PA, Wobeser B, Martin LE, Dennis MM, Duncan CG. (2012). Cutaneous neoplastic lesions of equids in the central United States and Canada: 3,351 biopsy specimens from 3,272 equids (2000-2010). J Am Vet Med Assoc, 242(1), 99-104. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.242.1.99

Publication

ISSN: 1943-569X
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 242
Issue: 1
Pages: 99-104

Researcher Affiliations

Schaffer, Paula A
  • Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology and the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Wobeser, Bruce
    Martin, Laura E R
      Dennis, Michelle M
        Duncan, Colleen G

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Biopsy
          • Canada / epidemiology
          • Horse Diseases / classification
          • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
          • Horse Diseases / pathology
          • Horses
          • Retrospective Studies
          • Skin Neoplasms / classification
          • Skin Neoplasms / epidemiology
          • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
          • Skin Neoplasms / veterinary
          • United States / epidemiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 15 times.
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