Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with multiple skin growths and cancer from virus - what to know
By Peters-Kennedy, J et al.·Published in Equine veterinary journal·2019·Department of Biomedical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Equus caballus papillomavirus 8 (EcPV8) associated with multiple viral plaques, viral papillomas, and squamous cell carcinoma in a horse.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 16-year-old mixed breed horse developed dozens of raised, crusty lesions over four years, which were diagnosed as viral plaques, viral papillomas, and squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer). Despite multiple surgeries and treatments with cisplatin (a chemotherapy drug), new growths continued to appear. Testing confirmed the presence of Equus caballus papillomavirus 8 (EcPV8), which is linked to these skin issues. This case highlights the challenges of treating viral infections in horses, especially when they lead to cancer.
People also search for: horse skin cancer treatment · horse papilloma virus symptoms · equine squamous cell carcinoma care
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Equus caballus papillomavirus 8, a recently discovered virus, has been reported to cause generalised papillomavirus in horses. OBJECTIVES: To describe a case in which multiple viral plaques, viral papillomas, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (ISCC) were associated with EcPV8 in a horse. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 16-year-old mixed breed horse presented with dozens of raised crusted papular to nodular lesions over a course of 4 years. Masses had been surgically excised four times and cisplatin beads and emulsion were implanted on three different occasions; however new masses continue to develop in sites of previous masses as well as new sites. RESULTS: Multiple viral plaques, viral papillomas, SCC in situ and ISCC, localised to the inguinal region, were diagnosed via histopathology. EcPV8 DNA was detected via PCR. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Since only a few cases have been reported, we do not know the incidence of EcPV8 nor how often it may be associated with SCC in situ or ISCC without further study. CONCLUSIONS: This is the fourth reported case of viral papillomatosis in the context of an EcPV8 infection in a horse. This is the first case in which SCC has been associated with EcPV8.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30456819/