Papillomaviral skin diseases of humans, dogs, cats and horses: A comparative review. Part 2: Pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases.
Authors: Munday John S, Knight Cameron G, Luff Jennifer A
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Papillomaviruses represent a significant oncological concern across multiple species, yet their role in equine disease remains less thoroughly characterised than in human medicine, where viral mechanisms driving malignant transformation are well established. Munday and colleagues undertook a comparative review examining papillomavirus-associated pre-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions across humans, dogs, cats, and horses, focusing particularly on cutaneous plaques, cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, and mucosal SCCs. The analysis reveals that whilst dogs and cats develop PV-induced skin lesions, horses present a distinct pattern of mucosal involvement—a distinction with important implications for screening protocols and clinical monitoring across equine practices. Beyond characterising disease pathology, the authors critically evaluate therapeutic potential, particularly regarding vaccination strategies that have shown promise in preventing PV-induced disease in companion animals and humans. For equine professionals, these findings underscore the need for heightened awareness of PV-associated mucosal lesions as potential precursors to SCC development, and suggest that preventative vaccination protocols—currently under investigation—may offer a future avenue for reducing squamous cell carcinoma incidence in at-risk populations.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Equine practitioners should recognize papillomavirus as a significant etiological agent in mucosal squamous cell carcinomas and implement biosecurity measures to limit transmission
- •Vaccination programs may offer preventive benefits for PV-induced diseases in horses and should be considered as part of preventive health protocols
- •Recognition of pre-neoplastic PV-induced lesions in early stages may enable intervention before progression to malignancy
Key Findings
- •Papillomaviruses are well-established causative agents of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases in humans, dogs, cats, and horses
- •PV-induced neoplasms in companion animals show similar mechanisms to human PV-associated cancers, particularly cutaneous and mucosal squamous cell carcinomas
- •Comparative analysis of PV pathogenesis across four species provides insights into mechanisms of viral oncogenesis
- •Prophylactic vaccines represent potential preventive strategy for PV-induced diseases in dogs, cats, and horses