Horse sale falling through because of melanoma - WWYD????

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DMX

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I am totally thrown as I thought the sale of my horse was ticking along perfectly! The buyers came top see him on Sunday and he was perfect for their needs. They are such lovely people which made the whole experience so much easier.

We agreed the price and the vetting was arranged for yesterday morning. I was present and it was all going very well. The vet picked up on one under the tail and 4 small ones near the anus but she said this is extremely common in Grey horses of a certain age. I had not spotted them before so was taken by suprise. She said that it could not be an issue in the future at all so I stopped worrying about it. She was extremely positive throughout the vetting and her flew through a 5 stage vetting with her saying how well it went after.

The vet made contact with the buyers explaining the risks of melanomas, etc. This has put them off. I had no knowledge of the melanomas and have since had to research on them to know more. The information is unclear. I really didn't want to loose these buyers so called around for further advice and decided to drop the price by £1K to factor this finding into price.

I have called them back to say I understand their reasons but perhaps the drop in price would be some food for thought. I am just so gutted as the home was perfect for my horse but he is in such good condition and not worth giving away!

Any experiences with the above? Would would you do as buyer or seller?

Gutted!!!
 
I would personally be very wary about buying a horse with melanomas. They do progress and can be very nasty. I know some melenomas get to a certain size and don't progress much, or only progress very slowly, but it is a gamble. Sorry :( it is a bit of a dilemma. I only hope the lovely buyers accept the price drop.
 
How old is your horse? It wouldn't put me off if the horse was older, as they grow very slowly, but I might be concerned if he was younger.

My old shetland x has melanomas under his tail, they have hardly grown in the last 10 years and don't cause any problems whatsoever.
 
Hi

I think you did the right thing reducing the price - whilst no one would choose a horse with any medical condition someone may be tempted if the horse is cheaper (given the health risk) than similar horses with similar talents. For me it would boil down to how much I am prepared to lose - given the melanoma's will not be insurable as it is a pre existing medical condition.

I dont know whether your £1k drop is enough or not - it will depend on what similar horses sell for and what % drop this is. However in every other aspect your horse passed a 5 stage vetting - the potential purchasers may have to spend a lot of money to find another suitable horse without melanomas.

Whilst the melanoma may never be an issue the only reason I would take the risk is if it was substantially cheaper than comparable horses (otherwise I would just buy the other horses!).

If you found a website which gave a positive overview of melanoma's you could direct them to it.

Good luck
 
they bought the horse as a reduced price. i am so pleased as he is going to a lovely home and I don't need to put up with all the nonsense involved in dealing with other buyers.

The horse is 11 so the chances of the tiny bumps getting much bigger are probbaly slim - I think they have just got a fabulous deal!
 
Sorry as a buyer i wouldnt touch a horse with melanoma, my friends and v small ones externally but internally was a different story, ended up PTS when they were pressing on her brain :(
Sorry but you comment
I don't need to put up with all the nonsense involved in dealing with other buyers.
Seems a little harsh.
 
I'm glad the buyers agreed the price and bought him :D they are now fully informed by the vet who completed the vetting and the horse has a new good home. Very positive outcome.
 
When I bought my grey mare she was a 6you & had 2 under her tail. She's 16 now & they haven't caused her any problems. Pleased your horse is going to people you like
 
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