Melanomas

[Jo C]

Just wondering really how many people have actually had to put their horse down due to melanomas. I realise that in the majority of cases apart from looking unsightly they cause no problems whatsoever but was just interested really as to how much of a problem they really are, if you read the internet (not advisable I know) it seems they usually result in the death of the horse but I guess that is just the reported ones, the horses that die of other causes are not mentioned in this case.
Does it make a difference where the melanoma is sited ie are melanomas on the sheath area likely to become more of a problem than those located around the eyes for instance?
Just wondering if anyone on here could help.

 

[coedcae]

From what I have read, I think there is some difference between fast growing melanomas and a slower type. The fast growing type obviously being the more fatal.
I wouldnt have thought the site of the melanoma would make any difference to causing death, except of course as to whether the horse is pts because of where it is.
From my 'limited' experience horses that develop them in later life seem to die or be pts before the melanomas actually cause death. But the horse would be suffering for quite a while and the chances are that they would be pts before being made to suffer. As the symptoms of the melanomas being extensively involved in the internal organs would be inability to hold weight, colicing etc
My own mare had a melanoma under her tail at 4, which I had biopsied and removed. It was malignant. She now has extensive melanomas on her parotid gland, a few under her tail but none elsewhere, shes 11. My vet who has treated her since she was 4 thinks she may have a couple of years left, judging by how quickly they have progressed

 

[Jo C]

Thats interesting, thanks coedcae. I'm sorry about your mare fingers crossed she has longer left than you think.
My gelding had about 5 or 6 appear around the dock and under the tail when he was 6 or 7 I think, these didn't change for many years but now he has them growing in his sheath and on his penis (he is now 14) so I think we may be in a similar position to you.

 

[coedcae]

Oh I'm sorry to hear that. I think if you do a search you may find of other HHO's who have had horses with them on the sheath.
I think all you can do is not worry about it and treat the horse as normal. Afterall, other people have horses with long term lameness ect which would be far worse

Having said that, I wouldnt buy another grey, it is a lot of heart ache

 

[Jo C]

He is absolutely fine in himself so I think the next time the vet is out I will get him checked over and I am determined to enjoy him and treat him as normal for the time being.
I love greys but I admit it does put me off buying another.

 

[Happy Horse]

My horse was put down due to internal melanomas at 18. Since he was 4 he had a huge one behind his ear which caused no problems but as he grew older they developed under his tail, in his sheath and also in his rectum (and as it turns out internally as well) All you can do is monitor them and look for any changes in health or behaviour. In my boys case the final problem demontrated itself as diarrhoeah and lethargy as well as large swellings around his muzzle all caused by malabsorbtion as a result of the melanomas.

The vast majority of horses don't have such problems though. I do think this experience would put me off another grey though as 18 is not a good age to lose a much loved horse.

 

[Jo C]

I'm sorry Happy Horse, 18 is no age to lose your horse. It just seems that there is no rhyme or reason as to whether melanomas turn malignant or not and as coedcae said there is nothing you can do except monitor them.

 

[oliverspal]

my pony had them under her dock age 7 .age 12 a couple fly bite ones on her neck.every year another. but slow growing and not in a place to cause major discomfort ,no internals.but eventually the dissision was made to pts as there were too many .were getting worse and in more places and other health conserns she died age 24 worst day ever