Use of a carbon dioxide laser for surgical management of cutaneous masses in horses: 32 cases (1993-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To determine outcome of horses in which cutaneous masses were removed with a carbon dioxide laser.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
32 horses.


METHODS
Medical records of horses with 1 or more cutaneous masses treated with a carbon dioxide laser were examined. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians.


RESULTS
Cutaneous masses were classified as sarcoids (15 horses), neoplastic masses other than sarcoids (squamous cell carcinoma [91; fibroma [1]; and melanoma [1]), and nonneoplastic masses (6). Minimum follow-up time was 6 months. Five sarcoids and 2 squamous cell carcinomas recurred. Seven (21%) horses had complications associated with dehiscence of wounds that had been closed primarily or failure of wound healing because of recurrence of the mass. Twenty-six (81%) owners were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance following surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that a carbon dioxide laser may be effective for treatment of cutaneous masses in horses.
McCauley
Charles T
CT
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1248, USA.
Hawkins
Jan F
JF
Adams
Stephen B
SB
Fessler
John F
JF
D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
D002245:Carbon Dioxide