Use of a carbon dioxide laser for surgical management of cutaneous masses in horses: 65 cases (1993-2004)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of horses treated for cutaneous masses with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The records of 65 horses were examined. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia or standing under sedation and local anesthesia. Excision was performed freehand using a focused beam with power settings ranging from 10 to 32 Watts in a continuous mode. Following en bloc removal of masses the subcutaneous tissue and wound margins were photovaporized using a defocused beam. Follow-up information was obtained via telephone interview with owners or referring veterinarians Cutaneous masses were divided into three groups: sarcoid (29), neoplasia including squamous cell carcinoma (15), melanoma (6), schwanoma (2), fibroma (1), and fibrosarcoma (1), and non-neoplastic masses (11). Mass reoccurrence developed in 8 of 29 (28%) sarcoids and 4 of 14 (29%) squamous cell carcinoma. No reoccurrence was reported for horses diagnosed with melanoma, schwanoma, fibrosarcoma, fibroma, or any of the non-neoplastic masses. Sixty of 63 owners (95%) reported that they were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. This study demonstrates that the CO2 laser is an effective means of treating cutaneous masses in horses.