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Review
. 2019 Aug;35(2):311-325.
doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2019.04.003.

Treatment Options for Melanoma of Gray Horses

Robert J MacKay  1
Affiliations
Review

Treatment Options for Melanoma of Gray Horses

Robert J MacKay. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

All gray horses inherited a single gene mutation, STX17G, that unbalances melanocyte behavior to cause graying and propensities to develop vitiligo and melanoma. The coat color genes ASIPa and MC1RE add risk such that relative likelihood of melanoma based on pregraying coat color is black > bay > chestnut. Melanomas begin at about 4 years. Locoregional control of melanoma masses depends on surgical removal and/or intralesional chemotherapy (possibly with adjunctive hyperthermia or electroporation). Systemic treatment is not evidence based but immunomodulators (cimetidine, levamisole) and vaccines can be tried.

Keywords: Gray horse; Immunotherapy; Melanoma; Treatment; Vaccine.

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