# Equine Veterinarian Perspectives on Mucocutaneous Tumors in Horses: A Survey-Based Study in Portugal

## TL;DR

This study explores how Portuguese equine veterinarians diagnose and treat skin tumors in horses and highlights gaps in knowledge and practice.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into clinical practices and perceptions of equine tumor management among Portuguese veterinarians.

## Key findings

- Veterinarians showed greater concern for SCC during routine exams than sarcoids or melanomas.
- Histopathology was used less for melanomas, mainly due to cost concerns.
- Buyers were more concerned about sarcoids and melanomas during pre-purchase exams than regular owners.

## Abstract

Through a survey, this study analyzes how Portuguese equine veterinarians diagnose and treat common mucocutaneous tumors and their perceptions on owner and buyer concerns. Veterinarians showed greater concern about squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) during routine exams compared to sarcoids and melanomas. Sarcoids were of greater concern during pre-purchase evaluations compared to routine clinical exams, and a trend toward increased concern for melanomas was observed during pre-purchase evaluations compared to routine exams. A significant association was found between the use of histopathology and tumor type, with fewer histopathological exams performed on melanomas. The primary reason for not performing histopathology was cost. Buyers showed greater concern regarding the presence of sarcoids and melanomas during pre-purchase evaluations compared to regular owners. This study identifies several gaps in clinical practice related to equine oncology, as well as in the knowledge and awareness of horse owners. It highlights the need for improved training for veterinarians and greater awareness among owners regarding the diagnosis and management of equine tumors.

This study explores equine veterinarians’ clinical practices regarding mucocutaneous tumors, based on a survey conducted among members of the Portuguese Association of Equine Veterinarians, and examines their perceptions of owner and buyer concerns regarding these tumors. Veterinarians expressed significantly greater concern about squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) during routine examinations (p < 0.001) compared to sarcoids and melanomas. Concern over sarcoids was significantly greater during pre-purchase evaluations compared to routine clinical exams (p = 0.03). For melanomas, a trend toward increased concern in pre-purchase evaluations compared to routine examinations was observed (p = 0.07). There was a statistically significant association between the use of histopathology and the type of tumor (p < 0.001). Histopathology was performed less frequently in cases of melanoma compared to other tumor types. The cost was the main reason for not performing histopathology. During pre-purchase exams, buyers appeared to show greater concern regarding the presence of sarcoids (p = 0.001) and melanomas (p = 0.002) than regular owners. This study highlights the need to bolster training and education in equine oncology for veterinarians and owners to promote better diagnostic and therapeutic practices.