Penile and preputial tumours in the horse: literature review and proposal of a standardised approach.
Authors: Van Den Top J G B, Ensink J M, Gröne A, Klein W R, Barneveld A, Van Weeren P R
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Penile and Preputial Tumours in the Horse Penile and preputial neoplasms represent a significant clinical problem in equine practice, yet no standardised diagnostic or treatment framework has previously been established. Van den Top and colleagues conducted a comprehensive literature review to characterise the prevalence, aetiology and management of these tumours, identifying squamous cell carcinoma as the predominant type, particularly in older horses, whilst documenting associations with castration status, coat colour, poor preputial hygiene and infectious agents. Their analysis demonstrates that treatment outcomes—especially recurrence rates—depend critically on accurate tumour characterisation, including assessment of invasiveness, differentiation grade, size and metastatic status, with management options ranging from topical chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil) to radical surgical techniques such as penile retroversion. The authors propose a standardised diagnostic protocol to guide treatment selection, emphasising that completeness of neoplastic removal directly correlates with recurrence risk and long-term prognosis. For equine practitioners, this framework offers a structured approach to a condition that, whilst not uncommon, has historically lacked clear clinical guidance—enabling more consistent diagnosis and evidence-based selection between conservative and surgical interventions based on individual tumour characteristics rather than arbitrary choice of therapy.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Early identification and careful assessment of penile tumours is essential—evaluate invasiveness, differentiation grade, size and metastatic status to guide treatment selection
- •Squamous cell carcinoma should be suspected in older horses with penile lesions; maintain high hygiene standards and consider castration as a preventive measure
- •Treatment choice significantly impacts recurrence risk; ensure complete tumour removal regardless of whether you pursue conservative or surgical approaches
Key Findings
- •Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common penile and preputial tumour in horses, primarily affecting older animals
- •Castration status, coat colour, poor hygiene and infectious agents are suggested predisposing factors for tumour development
- •Treatment options range from minimally invasive therapies (topical 5-fluorouracil) to radical surgical interventions (en bloc resection with penile retroversion)
- •Completeness of tumour removal and histopathological features are critical factors determining recurrence risk