Treatment of a poorly differentiated sarcoma in the oropharynx of a horse

A 10-year-old Thoroughbred mare was referred to Tennessee Equine Hospital for evaluation and treatment of a subepiglottic mass. Physical and laboratory examinations revealed no other abnormalities. The tumour was excised through a laryngotomy site using transendoscopic laser and sharp excision. Histological evaluation revealed a poorly differentiated sarcoma with features of a leiomyosarcoma, a rarely identified neoplasm in the oropharynx of the horse. The mare developed intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (iDDSP) after surgery but was able to resume full training. There was no evidence of regrowth 8 months post-operatively.