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Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association2004; 225(1); 94-96; doi: 10.2460/javma.2004.225.94

Excision as treatment of dermal melanomatosis in horses: 11 cases (1994-2000).

Abstract: To determine whether excision was an acceptable treatment for dermal melanomatosis in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 11 horses with dermal melanomatosis involving the perineal, perianal, or perirectal region or ventral surface of the tail in which treatment consisted of tumor excision. Methods: Medical records were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained from owners through telephone interviews. Results: 9 of the 11 horses were alive at the time of follow-up interviews. None of the horses had regrowth at the surgery site where the primary tumor was removed. There were no confirmed clinical signs of internal metastasis. Conclusions: Results suggest that excision of dermal melanomatosis in horses may be a reasonable treatment option.
Publication Date: 2004-07-09 PubMed ID: 15239480DOI: 10.2460/javma.2004.225.94Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research article discusses a study on 11 horses suffering from dermal melanomatosis – a skin disease, where the main treatment was surgical removal of the tumor. The study found that this form of treatment was successful in most cases, with no cases of regrowth at the surgery site or signs of internal spreading of the disease.

Objective of the Study

  • The study aimed to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of surgical excision as a treatment method for horses diagnosed with dermal melanomatosis. This skin condition typically manifests in the perineal, perianal, or perirectal region or the underside of the horse’s tail.

Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a retrospective study, examining the medical records of 11 horses diagnosed with dermal melanomatosis and treated through surgical tumor excision.
  • The information regarding the aftermath of surgery and survival of the horses post-treatment was collected mainly through telephonic interviews with the owners.

Findings

  • The results revealed that out of 11, nine horses were alive at the time of follow-up interviews, suggesting a favorable survival rate post-surgery.
  • None of the cases reported regrowth of the tumor at the surgical site, indicating successful removal and curbing of the disease locally.
  • The absence of confirmed clinical signs of internal metastasis suggests that the disease didn’t appear to progress or spread to other parts of the body in these cases.

Conclusion

  • Based on the findings, the research concludes that surgical excision of dermal melanomatosis in horses appears to be a reasonable treatment option. It showed promising results in terms of survival rate, prevention of local recurrence, and suppression of disease metastasis.

Cite This Article

APA
Rowe EL, Sullins KE. (2004). Excision as treatment of dermal melanomatosis in horses: 11 cases (1994-2000). J Am Vet Med Assoc, 225(1), 94-96. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2004.225.94

Publication

ISSN: 0003-1488
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 225
Issue: 1
Pages: 94-96

Researcher Affiliations

Rowe, Emma L
  • Marion duPont Scott Equine Center, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Leesburg, VA 20176, USA.
Sullins, Kenneth E

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Female
    • Follow-Up Studies
    • Horse Diseases / surgery
    • Horses
    • Male
    • Melanoma / surgery
    • Melanoma / veterinary
    • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
    • Retrospective Studies
    • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
    • Skin Neoplasms / veterinary
    • Treatment Outcome

    Citations

    This article has been cited 12 times.
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