Melanoma??

[Foxford]

I'm really worried about the horse I've been riding/looking after for nearly a year. Tonight his owner pointed out 2 hard lumps to me. One almost at the centre of the top of his chest, the other in the perineal area. Both about the diameter of a 5p, but covered in normal hair. I've just googled equine melanoma, and now I'm really worried, as these seem to be the most likely sites for a melanoma. He is a 6yo dapple grey.

Let's just say if the vet had a loyalty card we would have a lot of points from this year already. Should we get the vet out straight away and investigate? I feel sick, I can't believe the bad luck I'm having at the moment.

I know nothing about this so any experiences or thoughts would really help. Thanks.

 

[PapaFrita]

Have done a google image search to compare your horse's lumps with melanoma?
I don't think melanomas have hair on them, but I'm not positive. I knew a grey who was covered in wart-like bumps. Vet said it wasn't anything to worry about.

 

[Happy Horse]

They could well be melanomas in the areas you describe and yes they can be covered in hair. My old horse had loads! The good news is that the best treatment unless they cause trouble is to leave well alone. I'd watch them closely but unless they change quickly or appear sore then I'd just get the vet to have a look the next time they are out.

 

[Foxford]

Thanks! It just sounds so alarming when you say "melanoma". They don't seem to be sore, but I will keep a very close eye on them, and next time the vet comes out (probably next week at the rate we get visited) I'll get her to have a look. I really hope they come to nothing. He's already had laminitus this year

 

[coedcae]

Melanoma sounds scary but melanoma in horses is not like melanoma in humans. Horses can live perfectly happily with melanomas for many years and will usually die of something else before the melanomas are an issue.
If they grow rapidly or become weepy then I'd get the vet out, otherwise try not too worry

 

[mollymurphy]

Hiya Anne! Dont worry - Murph was a grey and he also had a couple of these. Both were under his tail (the most common place apparently). The vet said that unless they become a problem (opening up, rubbing, etc), they're best just left alone. I did read that once they're visible on the outside, they're normally already on the inside, but i dont know how true that is. Just keep an eye on them and watch they dont suddenly grow or change in any way.

Hope he's ok.

See you both tomorrow!!

x

 

[Charlie77]

I wouldent worry to much my old Mare is 32 now and she has had them since she was 7 they have never caused a problem, They have grown over the past few years but they still dont seem to bother her, and at 32 she looks better than some 12 year olds!