Laminar epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis in an equine hoof.

This research article investigates an unusual case of laminar epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis in a horse’s hoof, diagnosed with recurring abscesses and suspected keratoma growth in its right front foot. Using radiographic examination and computed tomography, the researchers found two symmetrical laminar epidermal growths on the hoof wall.

Background and Objective

• The research was initiated based on a health issue in a 6-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding, which exhibited recurring abscesses in the right front foot. The researchers suspected the growth of keratoma, a benign skin tumor often seen in horses, and aimed to identify and analyze the cause of the condition.

Methods and Analysis

• A radiographic examination and computed tomography, two imaging techniques used for detailed visualization of the internal body structures, were performed on the horse to confirm the diagnosis and location of the abnormal growths.

Results

• Two laminar epidermal ingrowths, or abnormal growths of the epidermal layers of the skin were found adhering to the hoof wall, specifically at the level of the lateral and medial heels of the hoof. These tend to be bilateral and symmetrical, meaning that they are mirror images of each other, occurring on both sides of the hoof.

Significance and Implications

• The article suggests this is an unusual case of laminar epidermal hyperplasia (abnormal increase in cells) and hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin) in a horse’s hoof which could be linked to or a result of recurring abscesses. The findings would help veterinary diagnosticians in recognizing and accurately diagnosing similar cases in horses. Understanding this phenomenon could lead to better treatment strategies against keratoma growth and hoof abscesses in equines.