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Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde2026; 168(9); 157-163; doi: 10.17236/sat00484

[Cutaneous vascular hamartoma in a foal].

Abstract: Vascular hamartomas are rare malformations in foals that typically present as painless masses of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. This case report describes a newborn foal with a vascular mass over the right shoulder. Complete surgical excision was performed at seven days of age. Histologically, the lesion was found to be a well-defined dermal vascular proliferation consistent with a vascular hamartoma. The healing process was uneventful, and no recurrence occurred six months postoperatively. This case adds a rare location on the scapula to the literature and confirms surgical removal as an effective treatment option. Vaskuläre Hamartome sind seltene Fehlbildungen bei Fohlen, die typischerweise als schmerzlose Umfangsvermehrungen der Haut oder Subkutis auftreten. In diesem Fall wird ein neugeborenes Fohlen mit einer vaskulären Masse über der rechten Schulter beschrieben. Die vollständige chirurgische Exzision erfolgte im Alter von sieben Tagen. Histologisch zeigte sich ein gut umschriebenes, dermales vaskuläres Proliferat, vereinbar mit einem vaskulären Hamartom. Der Heilungsverlauf war komplikationslos, und sechs Monate postoperativ trat kein Rezidiv auf. Dieser Fall ergänzt die Literatur um eine seltene Lokalisation am Schulterblatt und bestätigt die chirurgische Entfernung als effektive Therapieoption. Les hamartomes vasculaires sont des malformations rares chez les poulains qui se manifestent généralement sous la forme de masses indolores au niveau de la peau ou du tissu sous-cutané. Ce rapport de cas décrit le cas d’un poulain nouveau-né présentant une masse vasculaire au niveau de l’épaule droite. Une excision chirurgicale complète a été réalisée à l’âge de sept jours. Sur le plan histologique, la lésion s’est avérée être une prolifération vasculaire dermique bien délimitée, compatible avec un hamartome vasculaire. Le processus de cicatrisation s’est déroulé sans complication et aucune récidive n’a été observée six mois après l’intervention. Ce cas ajoute à la littérature une localisation rare sur l’omoplate et confirme que l’ablation chirurgicale constitue une option thérapeutique efficace. Gli amartomi vascolari sono rare malformazioni che nei puledri si presentano generalmente come masse indolori della cute o del tessuto sottocutaneo. Questo caso clinico descrive un puledro neonato con una massa vascolare localizzata sopra la spalla destra. L’asportazione chirurgica completa è stata eseguita a sette giorni di vita. L’esame istologico ha evidenziato una proliferazione vascolare dermica ben delimitata, compatibile con un amartoma vascolare. Il processo di guarigione si è svolto senza complicazioni e non sono state osservate recidive a sei mesi dall’intervento. Questo caso aggiunge alla letteratura una rara localizzazione a livello della scapola e conferma l’asportazione chirurgica come un’opzione terapeutica efficace.
Publication Date: 2026-09-01 PubMed ID: 42677965DOI: 10.17236/sat00484Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Cutaneous vascular hamartomas are rare, benign vascular malformations that appear as painless skin masses in foals. This report details the diagnosis, treatment, and successful surgical removal of such a lesion on a newborn foal’s right shoulder.

Background and Definition

  • Vascular hamartomas are uncommon congenital malformations involving abnormal proliferation of blood vessels within the skin or subcutaneous tissue.
  • They typically present as painless masses in foals, a rare occurrence documented primarily in veterinary pathology.
  • The lesions are benign and non-cancerous but can be noticeable and warrant clinical attention.

Case Description

  • The subject was a newborn foal displaying a visible vascular mass located on the right shoulder region (scapular area).
  • The mass was observed soon after birth and did not cause pain or discomfort.
  • Clinical examination indicated a localized skin lesion suggestive of a vascular origin.

Diagnostic Approach

  • The decision was made to surgically remove the lesion when the foal was seven days old.
  • After excision, histological analysis was performed to confirm the nature of the mass.
  • Microscopy revealed a well-defined dermal vascular proliferation, consistent with a diagnosis of a vascular hamartoma.

Treatment and Outcome

  • Complete surgical excision was performed, removing the mass fully.
  • The healing process was uncomplicated, with no infections or adverse reactions.
  • Follow-up examinations over a period of six months post-surgery confirmed there was no recurrence of the lesion.
  • This underscores surgery as an effective treatment for such hamartomas.

Significance

  • The lesion’s rare location on the shoulder blade (scapula) adds new information to the veterinary literature.
  • Reports like this are important to inform veterinary surgeons and pathologists about the condition’s clinical presentation and management.
  • The success confirms that early surgical intervention can completely resolve these lesions without recurrence, promoting good outcomes.

Cite This Article

APA
Schönbächler D, Schurna L, Fürst A. (2026). [Cutaneous vascular hamartoma in a foal]. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd, 168(9), 157-163. https://doi.org/10.17236/sat00484

Publication

ISSN: 1664-2848
NlmUniqueID: 0424247
Country: Switzerland
Language: ger
Volume: 168
Issue: 9
Pages: 157-163

Researcher Affiliations

Schönbächler, D
  • Universität Zürich, Vetsuisse-Fakultät, Klinik für Pferdechirurgie, Zürich, Schweiz.
Schurna, L
  • Universität Zürich, Vetsuisse-Fakultät, Klinik für Pferdechirurgie, Zürich, Schweiz.
Fürst, A
  • Universität Zürich, Vetsuisse-Fakultät, Klinik für Pferdechirurgie, Zürich, Schweiz.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Hamartoma / veterinary
  • Hamartoma / surgery
  • Hamartoma / pathology
  • Hamartoma / diagnosis
  • Horses
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Skin Diseases / veterinary
  • Skin Diseases / surgery
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis

Citations

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