Radical surgical resection of locally invasive oro-cutaneous tumors in the buccal region of 2 horses.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report treatment and wound healing after radical surgical mass excision in the equine buccal region. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case reports. ANIMALS: An 11-year-old Warmblood gelding and a 9-year-old Norwegian Trotter gelding. METHODS: Large tumoral masses were removed from the buccal region by radical electrosurgery, creating large defects into the oral cavity. Wound ultimately healed by second intention. RESULTS: Buccal defects in both horses healed well by second intention without tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Locally invasive tumors involving the cheek region of the horse can be successfully treated by radical electroexcision alone, creating transmural defects up to 14 cm length x 8 cm height. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Large transmural defects in the cheek region of the horse, formed by radical surgery can heal satisfactorily by second intention healing without undue discomfort to the patient or major complications.