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Home / Equine Research Bank / J S Afr Vet Assoc / Solar keratoma: An atypical case.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association2015; 86(1); 1257; doi: 10.4102/jsava.v86i1.1257

Solar keratoma: An atypical case.

Abstract: This case report shows that keratomas can occur in both hind feet of equine patients and should be considered as a diagnosis for long-standing, intermittent lameness localised to the hooves. A Thoroughbred racehorse presented with long-standing abscessation of the right hind hoof. Owing to the long-standing nature, the abscess draining tract was surgically explored. A focal mass was found within the solar horn. Histopathology revealed the mass to be a keratoma. A similar mass was removed from the left hind hoof a few months later after similar presenting signs. This case shows that keratomas can occur in more than one hoof within a short period and should be considered a differential diagnosis for long-standing lameness localised to the hoof.
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Publication Date: 2015-09-18 PubMed ID: 26824342PubMed Central: PMC6138132DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v86i1.1257Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article revolves around a unique case study where a Thoroughbred racehorse developed keratomas (a type of benign tumor) in both hind feet. These keratomas were identified as the cause of the horse’s long-standing lameness and were removed through surgical procedures.

Case Presentation

  • The case report begins with an instance involving a Thoroughbred racehorse. The equine patient had been suffering from long-standing abscessation – a painful buildup of pus – in its right hind hoof.
  • The chronic nature of this abscess compelled the researchers to investigate it further by surgically exploring the abscess draining tract.
  • Upon exploration, they discovered a focal mass within the solar horn – a part of the horse’s hoof. This unexpected finding was a crucial twist in the regular course of treatment.

Investigations and Diagnosis

  • Once the focal mass was discovered, it was removed and sent for histopathological examination for a definitive diagnosis.
  • Upon examination, the focal mass was diagnosed as a keratoma. Keratomas are benign tumours formed from skin cells. In horses, these keratomas are often associated with the hooves, making them a pathological cause of lameness.
  • Unlike typical cases where only one hoof might be affected, this case involved the development of a similar mass on the left hind hoof a few months later, leading to similar symptoms.

Significance of the Case Study

  • This unique case highlights that keratomas can occur in more than one hoof within a short period.
  • As such, keratomas should be considered a differential diagnosis for long-standing, intermittent lameness localised to the hoof in horses.
  • This case adds to the body of knowledge on equine diseases and could potentially change the diagnostic approach of equine practitioners when symptoms of persistent lameness are observed.

Cite This Article

APA
Miller SM, Katzwinkel RH. (2015). Solar keratoma: An atypical case. J S Afr Vet Assoc, 86(1), 1257. https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v86i1.1257

Publication

Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
ISSN: 2224-9435
NlmUniqueID: 7503122
Country: South Africa
Language: English
Volume: 86
Issue: 1
Pages: 1257

Researcher Affiliations

Miller, Sean M
  • Summerveld Equine Hospital, Gillitts. sean@savets.co.za.
Katzwinkel, Ralph H

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Debridement / veterinary
    • Diagnosis, Differential
    • Hindlimb
    • Hoof and Claw / surgery
    • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
    • Horse Diseases / pathology
    • Horse Diseases / surgery
    • Horses
    • Keratosis / diagnosis
    • Keratosis / veterinary
    • Lameness, Animal / etiology
    • Male
    • Physical Endurance

    Conflict of Interest Statement

    The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 0 times.
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