The keratoma is classified as a benign keratinized abnormal mass, generally situated between the hoof wall or sole of the horse’s foot, that has the potential to negatively impact the horse’s physical activity and performance. The condition has an unknown etiology and is considered rare. A keratoma can result in lameness which is indication for radiographic examination, which is used to identify the lesion before surgical treatment. Surgical treatment is based on partial resection of the hoof wall, for complete removal of the mass and surrounding affected tissues.
This retrospective study aimed to characterize equine keratoma in ten horses submitted to lameness investigation between July 2011 and August 2019 at the Running ‘S’ Equine Veterinary Services (New Jersey, United States of America). Thus, available data from clinical presentation, diagnostic approach (radiographic and histopathological findings), surgical treatment and clinical outcomes were considered.
In the present study, keratomas appeared mostly in geldings (90%) and in Thoroughbred-crosses or pure Thoroughbreds (70%), with the left hindlimb being the most affected. The postoperative outcomes were mostly favourable, with complications in 2 of the 10 horses (20%). The complications were solved with a second surgery. In balance, these outcomes suggested, as described previously, that the surgical technique used to remove the keratoma was useful to achieve resolution of the condition, with a low complication rate.
Additionally, considering the scarce data and few studies involving keratoma in horses, more studies should be carried out with a larger number of cases contributing to a better understanding of the conditions for its appearance
