Equine Cancer Treatments: How Chemotherapy and Electrochemotherapy Are Shaping Modern Veterinary Care

Cancer in horses is a growing concern among veterinarians and equine owners alike. While many types of cancer in horses can be benign, some require medical intervention to prevent serious health complications. Thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine, treatments like chemotherapy and electrochemotherapy are offering new hope for managing equine cancer. These therapies are helping improve survival rates and quality of life for horses facing this difficult diagnosis.

Understanding Equine Cancer

Cancer in horses can manifest in various forms, with some of the most common types including sarcoids, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and lymphoma. Unlike in small animals, where internal tumors are more prevalent, equine cancers often develop externally, making them easier to diagnose. However, early detection remains critical to successful treatment.

Veterinarians typically diagnose cancer in horses through a combination of physical exams, biopsies, imaging techniques such as ultrasound or radiographs, and, in some cases, advanced diagnostics like MRI or CT scans. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options are explored based on the type, location, and severity of the tumor.

Chemotherapy for Equine Cancer

Chemotherapy is a well-known cancer treatment in human and small animal medicine, but it is increasingly being used in equine patients. Unlike in humans, where systemic chemotherapy is often the standard approach, equine chemotherapy is typically administered in localized or metronomic (low-dose, long-term) applications. The goal of chemotherapy in horses is to slow the progression of cancer, shrink tumors, and improve the animal’s overall comfort and well-being.

The Role of Electrochemotherapy

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is an emerging treatment that combines chemotherapy with electrical pulses to enhance drug uptake into cancer cells. This technique has gained attention in equine medicine due to its effectiveness in treating skin tumors such as sarcoids and squamous cell carcinoma.

Electrochemotherapy works by applying short, intense electrical pulses to tumor cells after a chemotherapy drug is administered. These pulses temporarily open the cell membranes, allowing the drug to penetrate more effectively. This results in greater tumor cell destruction with minimal side effects to surrounding tissues.

Benefits of Electrochemotherapy:

• Higher drug effectiveness at lower doses

• Minimized side effects compared to systemic chemotherapy

• Less invasive with a quicker recovery time

• Effective for tumors that are resistant to other treatments

This treatment is particularly valuable for horses that may not tolerate traditional chemotherapy well or for owners seeking a less invasive option.

Advancing Equine Cancer Care

Modern veterinary medicine is continuously evolving, providing equine patients with more effective cancer treatments than ever before. Chemotherapy and electrochemotherapy represent significant advancements in the field, offering improved treatment outcomes with fewer side effects.

If your horse has been diagnosed with cancer, contact Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support your horse’s health and well-being. Visit our facility in Cave Creek, Arizona, or call (480) 595-8600 to book an appointment today.