Kidney tumour

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littlebranshill

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I have put a thread on here before about blood in my horses urine. Anyway she has now been diagnosed with a tumour in her right kidney and the vet says she has only weeks left as there is nothing that can be done for her. As yet the cancer hasn't spread to her lungs as they were x rayed and were clear. She is loosing a load of blood now and for the past 3 weeks in her urine and is anaemic. The levels of blood loss remain the same and have not increated. She is on an iron supplement and vet suggests blood tests every 2 weeks to see if the tonic is doing anything for her anemia. The thing is she is as bright as a button. Her coat is glossy and she is alert and watching what is going on and to look at her you wouldn't think anything was wrong with her! I thought I would put up this thread in the vague hope that someone has had experience of this before? Apparently it is very, very rare for this in horses (just my damn luck).
 
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I'm afraid I have no experience of this, I just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear how ill she is. A friend of mine's old mare had a tumour (not sure what part of body). It all happened very quickly and while they were waiting for lab results the tumour ruptured and the horse died in a lot of pain, so please don't let it get to that stage (I'm sorry if reading this is upsetting )
 
Reacher said:
I'm afraid I have no experience of this, I just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear how ill she is. A friend of mine's old mare had a tumour (not sure what part of body). It all happened very quickly and while they were waiting for lab results the tumour ruptured and the horse died in a lot of pain, so please don't let it get to that stage (I'm sorry if reading this is upsetting )
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It is so difficult to judge. At the moment it would feel like murder to have her PTS now but if it ruptures and she is in pain I couldn't forgive myself. I think as soon as she gets that "look" in her eye I will call it a day. It is just so difficult to judge at the moment. Perhaps you could find out where abouts your friends tumour was might be helpful? Thanks.
 
I've just checked - my friend's pony had a tumour on the liver, and it grew causing an artory to burst (sorry got it slightly wrong before).

I guess all you can do is allow her to enjoy a good quality of life while she can and be guided by the vet. Can you take her pulse - it might be worth checking regularly.

Good luck - I feel for you
 
So sorry to hear this. I'd keep her until she shows any indication of pain or until the blood results show the anaemia is at a level where it must be affecting her, then have her PTS. Better a week too early than a day too late.
 
Reacher said:
I've just checked - my friend's pony had a tumour on the liver, and it grew causing an artory to burst (sorry got it slightly wrong before).

I guess all you can do is allow her to enjoy a good quality of life while she can and be guided by the vet. Can you take her pulse - it might be worth checking regularly.

Good luck - I feel for you
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Would the pulse elevate if the tumour was near bursting? Thanks for your help.
 
An elevated pulse can be a sign of pain so a good indicator of how the horse is feeling. I would not think the tumour will burst, they usually grow and will cause the organ to stop functioning properly, which is why there is blood in the urine. I would monitor her water intake and ensure she always has plenty to keep her well hydrated.
It is a very difficult time for you, do not be worried about calling your vet for advice, he will understand that you have many questions and that the answers will not always register when you are so worried.
It is a good idea to have a plan in place so when the time comes you do not have to make decisions when your mind is not able to think properly.
 
be positive-kidney tumours don't burst as such but cause blood vessels to rupture.
Sorry to hear about your horse, is it only one kidney? Was surgery discussed at all?
 
hi
another with no real help for you just wanted to say what a horrible thing to happen and i'm so sorry

years ago i had a mare that had tumors and the vets thought she also had lukemia ,we were advised to give her red cell but sadly it didn't make any difference ,it just made her miserable as there was nothing we could have done to help her :(

she sounds bright though so just spoil her rotten as i'm sure you already are and she'll let you know when its time x
 
be positive said:
An elevated pulse can be a sign of pain so a good indicator of how the horse is feeling. I would not think the tumour will burst, they usually grow and will cause the organ to stop functioning properly, which is why there is blood in the urine. I would monitor her water intake and ensure she always has plenty to keep her well hydrated.
It is a very difficult time for you, do not be worried about calling your vet for advice, he will understand that you have many questions and that the answers will not always register when you are so worried.
It is a good idea to have a plan in place so when the time comes you do not have to make decisions when your mind is not able to think properly.
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Thank you for your advice. She is drinking more but I suppose that could be due to the Cushings as well. I will keep track of her pulse. Vet coming out Thursday so will have a good chat to her then.
 
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