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

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.