Surgical removal of a third horn (cutaneous horn) in a ram: A case report

Articles in Press

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Cutaneous horn, also known as cornu cutaneum, is a firm, hyperkeratotic, cone-shaped projection from the skin surface that varies in size. These keratinous skin lesions may be classified as primary benign, premalignant, or malignant. The etiology of cornu cutaneum remains unclear; however, it is believed to be associated with exposure to radiation, certain tumors, and various viruses. A 2-year-old ram, weighing 60 kilograms, was admitted to Shiraz University Teaching Hospital with a primary complaint of ram fighting and horn fracture. A thorough examination of the case revealed that the ram had three horns, with the third horn (cutaneous horn) exhibiting a fracture.The cutaneous horn was located on the nose, and upon inspection, it was observed to be movable and lacked a root. The consistency of the cutaneous horn was found to be comparable to that of primary horns. The present study reports a case of third horn (cutaneous horn) of a ram treated with surgical excision, and the rationale for this intervention is discussed. A surgical excision was performed, and an elliptical incision was made, taking into consideration the cutaneous limitations for surgical wound closure. Postoperative care involved surgical wound closure, and the ram was discharged approximately two hours later. Unfortunately, a histopathological examination of the lesion was not possible. However, its location and the absence of any evidence of malignancy suggest a potential association with sun exposure.

Keywords

Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 April 2025

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