Solar keratoma: An atypical case

Abstract

This case report shows that keratomas can occur in both hind feet of equine patients and should be considered as a diagnosis for long-standing, intermittent lameness localised to the hooves. A Thoroughbred racehorse presented with long-standing abscessation of the right hind hoof. Owing to the long-standing nature, the abscess draining tract was surgically explored. A focal mass was found within the solar horn. Histopathology revealed the mass to be a keratoma. A similar mass was removed from the left hind hoof a few months later after similar presenting signs. This case shows that keratomas can occur in more than one hoof within a short period and should be considered a differential diagnosis for long-standing lameness localised to the hoof.

Standing low‐field magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic modality for solar keratoma in a horse

“…). Unusual locations of keratoma, such as the frog (McDiarmid ) or solar surface (O'Grady and Horne ; Miller and Katzwinkel ) have been documented.…”

Treponema spp. spirochetes and keratinopathogenic fungi isolated from keratomas in donkeys

“…20,48 Typically, keratomas are either spherical or cylindrical and are commonly located at the toe region, the quarter of the hoof, and less frequently at the sole or heel, with one case report describing a keratoma located at the frog. 3,11,20,31,32,36,48 Single or multiple keratomas affecting one or more hooves in the same horse have been described. 9,19,42,46,48 The cause is unknown, but the presence of keratomas is frequently associated with chronic focal irritation, focal infection such as hoof abscesses, or focal trauma.…”

Decision making with keratomas: How advanced imaging can advance your cause

“…; Mair and Linnenkohl ). Solar keratomas, albeit less common, are still recognised (Miller and Katzwinkel ) and therefore it is the use of advanced imaging to make the diagnosis in this location which forms the basis for the case report in this issue.…”

“…Therefore since the solar region can be protected more adequately, one may predict there would be a reduction in post‐operative morbidities in this location, although due to the lower frequency of solar vs. hoof wall keratomas this is only a supposition. Interestingly though in both case reports detailing solar keratomas, the horses returned to their previous level of work within 4–6 weeks after surgery (Miller and Katzwinkel ; Mageed et al . ).…”