Neoplasia within the equine foot: A retrospective case series of four horses

Background Trauma to the foot and distal phalanx are common presenting complaints. In contrast, neoplasia of or hoof region is rarely reported. Within foot, keratomas most frequently reported neoplasm. The gross radiographic appearance well documented; however, this less established for other neoplasms capsule. Objective This paper presents four cases which had clinical similarities keratomas; key differences were observed. We aimed highlight in imaging findings progression. Study design Retrospective multicentre case series. Methods Cases identified between 2015 2019 with pathological diagnoses within at Purdue University Veterinary teaching hospital Langford Equine Hospital. Clinical records examined, physical examination, imaging, surgical presented. Results presented present. Marked lameness was noted all three aggressive neoplasia, whereas one not lame presentation but still a diagnosis benign Radiographic examination showed significant lucent areas poor delineation margins suspected invasion into phalanx. For two melanomas squamous cell carcinoma, deterioration marked rapid, ultimately leading euthanasia. neoplasm managed successfully 2 years lost follow-up. Conclusions Although rare, than keratoma do occur foot. Careful interpretation findings, consideration additional such as vascular studies cross-sectional submission tissue biopsy strongly recommended if there any suspicion lesion being anything keratoma.