Keratoma - any advice appreciated

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moneypit1

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A friends horse has been lame for weeks and she hasn't been able to find out why. Horse had nerve blocks and today had x-rays. Turns out he has a HUGE Keratome (tumour) in the hoof. Apparently surgery is an option with a fair prognosis but the surgery is very invasive and after care required is not minimal. Box rest could be up to a year. Has anyone else encountered this rare condition? Have to say, think horse will be pts. very sad. x
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I have heard of them but that's about it I'm afraid. You tried googling to find out more about prognosis?
 
our surgical farrier deals with these quite regularly and they do operate under local nerve blocks, so far as i know they are very successful with them. i'd say its def wirth a try.
 
Hi there. My mare was diagnosed with a large keratoma and surgery was mentioned but the vet was not particularly positive about performing it as she was 23 at the time. The surgery and aftercare did not sound straightforward, plus the added stress of significant box rest.

I decided to give her a couple of weeks at home (she had been on loan at the time of diagnosis) but she then snapped a tendon a few days later and was PTS.

Not an easy decision to make I'm afraid. How old is the horse and what sort of temperament does he have for box rest?
 
A horse on my yard had a ketaoma about 3 years ago. Not sure of the details, but it was successfully operated on, he had about 9 months off & he has hunted with the high peak ever since!
 
Charlie, mid 20s EMW rescue has one. He isn't noticeably lame from it at the moment (his conformation is dire and his legs are really wonky anyway) but my farrier spotted it when he was trimming him. He says leave it and it will either stay the same or grow - and if it stays the same he will be able to cope with it.
At his age there is no question of surgery, he is retired anyway, and I am hopeful that he can stay sound and comfortable for a long time to come.
Not a lot of help I'm afraid.
 
Thanks everyone. The horse is only 13 and is a real sweetie although is very touchy when stabled and weaves as gets real stressed. I will pass on info to owners. Such a difficult decision to make. x
 
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although is very touchy when stabled and weaves as gets real stressed.

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I wouldn't consider putting something like that on up to a year's box rest I'm afraid.

If there were no other options, it would adios for me I'm afraid.

Heartbreaking.
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