title: Squamous cell carcinoma of the urethral process in a horse with hemospermia and self-mutilation behavior.
abstract: A 14-year-old Arabian stallion was examined because of acute hemospermia. The stallion was used in an artificial breeding program and had a 6-year history of low-grade hemospermia and a 4-year history of self-mutilation behavior. During previous examinations, minor irritation of the urethral process was identified as the source of the bleeding. Physical examination revealed a mucosal ulceration in the distal portion of the urethra. Histologic examination of a biopsy specimen from this area revealed low-grade squamous cell carcinoma. The urethral process was excised, and the hemospermia resolved. Frequency of self-mutilation behaviors also decreased after surgery, suggesting that there may have been a link between irritation of the urethral process and development of self-mutilation behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square 19348, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bedford
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: McDonnell
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tulleners
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Habecker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D001769:Blood; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000209:etiology; D012661:Semen; D014523:Urethral Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*