Long‐term outcome of treatment of a squamous cell carcinoma of the foot by amputation of the distal limb in a pony
Authors: Moulin N., Schramme M., François I., Castelijns G., Belluco S.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Editorial Summary Squamous cell carcinoma affecting the equine foot is exceptionally rare, making this case of a 10-year-old Shetland pony particularly instructive for practitioners encountering aggressive digit pathology. The pony presented with a chronic, ulcerating foot mass and non-weightbearing lameness; radiographic examination revealed severe osteolysis of the distal phalanx characteristic of malignant bone involvement. Initial digit amputation at the metacarpophalangeal joint via palmar flap technique failed due to stump complications (avascular necrosis, infection and dehiscence at three weeks), necessitating revision amputation at the proximal third of the third metacarpal bone; histopathology subsequently confirmed squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis. Two years post-amputation with prosthetic fitting, the pony remained systemically healthy with functional daily paddock turnout, demonstrating that whilst amputation for SCC is unconventional in equine practice, selected cases can achieve clinically acceptable long-term outcomes. This case highlights the value of pursuing definitive surgical management even when conventional treatments have failed, and underscores the importance of histopathological diagnosis to guide prognosis and aftercare in cases of suspected malignancy affecting the distal limb.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Squamous cell carcinoma of the foot is rare in equines but should be considered in cases of chronic, non-healing ulcerating foot lesions with bone involvement; amputation may be a viable option in suitable cases
- •Plan for potential stump complications (avascular necrosis, infection, dehiscence) and have revision amputation protocols ready; staged procedures may improve outcomes
- •Prosthetic limbs can successfully restore functional mobility post-amputation, allowing acceptable quality of life for companion animals
Key Findings
- •Digit amputation at metacarpophalangeal joint followed by revision amputation at proximal third of third metacarpal bone was required due to stump complications (avascular necrosis, infection, dehiscence)
- •Histopathology confirmed squamous cell carcinoma as the underlying cause of the chronic ulcerating foot mass with aggressive bone lesion
- •Prosthetic fitting enabled functional ambulation and improved quality of life, with the pony able to graze in paddock daily 2 years post-amputation