Ouch! Laser! £££

[SpotsandBays]

I do think OP needs to understand what it is that the vets think they are removing and I would want specialist advice before proceeding .

Vets told me that they would remove it - (it needs to come off regardless) and that they would test it afterwards. Lasering being their preferred choice due to the location

 

[ycbm]

It can make a very big difference to the size of the hole if what they are removing is or isn't malignant, and in that place I would want the smallest hole and the smallest scar possible.
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[SpotsandBays]

It can make a very big difference to the size of the hole if what they are removing is or isn't malignant, and in that place I would want the smallest hole and the smallest scar possible.
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I agree, mouth being the least sterile place I’d want the hole as small as possible. She talked about the possibility of I having a “root” which I think is why she wasn’t keen on cutting it out?

 

[SOS]

I completely understand it may need to be removed regardless however I do think knowing what you are removing in that area would be important.. and for any potential regrowth.

It’s worth noting that if it is a ‘nasty’ lump or MST that biopsy or FNA can aggravate the cells and cause spread in the blood stream. However in small animal practice that’s normally a calculated risk between the ease of removing the lump/bother to the animal and pre testing.

 

[SpotsandBays]

I completely understand it may need to be removed regardless however I do think knowing what you are removing in that area would be important.. and for any potential regrowth.

It’s worth noting that if it is a ‘nasty’ lump or MST that biopsy or FNA can aggravate the cells and cause spread in the blood stream. However in small animal practice that’s normally a calculated risk between the ease of removing the lump/bother to the animal and pre testing.

Yeah. Praying that it’s not something that’s going to cause us issues in the long run, but I do want to know what it is. I’m going to shop around and see what other vets course of actions for it would be. Whilst it’s not “changing” I’ve got some time to actually do some research etc which is good!

 

[SpotsandBays]

Thanks all! I’ll do some digging/emailing/calling and research!
I’ll pop an update up when I’ve actually figured out what we’re going to do!

 

[teddypops]

My vet has to hire the laser in, so he does a day with everyone who needs laser treatment. They all come to the clinic so he isn’t travelling all over the place. Prices are cheaper because they are sharing the hire cost. Maybe your vet has to hire the laser and your horse is the only one having treatment, that would possibly explain the high price. Good luck with everything!

 

[SpotsandBays]

My vet has to hire the laser in, so he does a day with everyone who needs laser treatment. They all come to the clinic so he isn’t travelling all over the place. Prices are cheaper because they are sharing the hire cost. Maybe your vet has to hire the laser and your horse is the only one having treatment, that would possibly explain the high price. Good luck with everything!

Thank you! I think my vet was actually referring me directly to the laser people as I would have had to take him to horspital but it wouldn’t be the usual location at my vets?j don’t know ?. A friend has mentioned her vets do as yours do so I’ve popped them an email. ?

 

[marmalade88]

My horse has 2 lasered off in May this year. One behind the girth and one between the front legs. Holes are quite large are they don’t to want leave any margins. Don’t underestimate how long it takes to heal and how gross it will look. Like you his had to come off, not because it was cancerous but because the one by the girth would have rubbed eventually. They were then sent off to see if they were malignant. ive Just checked my statement and with sedation, drugs, lasering two sarcoidosis in “easily accessible” location (says on statement) , flamazine for healing, pain relief and lab testing etc it was about £700. I hope that helps.

 

[SpotsandBays]

My horse has 2 lasered off in May this year. One behind the girth and one between the front legs. Holes are quite large are they don’t to want leave any margins. Don’t underestimate how long it takes to heal and how gross it will look. Like you his had to come off, not because it was cancerous but because the one by the girth would have rubbed eventually. They were then sent off to see if they were malignant. ive Just checked my statement and with sedation, drugs, lasering two sarcoidosis in “easily accessible” location (says on statement) , flamazine for healing, pain relief and lab testing etc it was about £700. I hope that helps.

Ok great thanks that’s really helpful! Can I ask how big they were and then how big the wounds were afterwards?

 

[marmalade88]

both probably large pea size not attached deeply and very lose. Probably 3cm diameter circles and quite deep. done 18th may and back on 22nd June with girth sleeve to protect scar.

 

[PaintPonies]

Could it be cut out and sent off for histopathology then if it comes back as a nasty go back in and do more aggressive treatment? Probably more expensive in the long run if it does turn out to be nasty but cheaper/easier if all is well - just a thought....

 

[SpotsandBays]

Could it be cut out and sent off for histopathology then if it comes back as a nasty go back in and do more aggressive treatment? Probably more expensive in the long run if it does turn out to be nasty but cheaper/easier if all is well - just a thought....

So vet mentioned cutting out as like the lesser preferred option but wasn’t particularly happy with it in case it has a root?

 

[Goldenstar]

Is the vet a specialist ?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Is the vet a specialist ?

I guess no? Vet mentioned lasering or cutting out as both viable options when she was here - but conferred with the person who deals with the lasering and then called me back later and said that laser would be the better option. I’ve contacted another vet, am awaiting a response from them too ?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Quick update 1:
Had a chat with a different vet today. He said that it looks like it won’t be too difficult and agrees lasering. £300 including call out, medications and histology report too (see if it’s cancerous etc)! He’s popped me on the list, Likely to be done Mid November, I will do another update once it’s done!

 

[ycbm]

Fantastic!

 

[SpotsandBays]

Fantastic!

My bank account let out a little sigh of relief ?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Update:
Had the lump/wart removed by laser today at home. It was pretty quick and the vet was happy with it. He was under sedation, and had a local in the area also. It’s been sent off so hopefully we can identify what it is, vet said it looks just like a simple wart but I want to be sure. Fingers crossed that is what it is.
We’re on a weeks course of antibiotics. Its swollen (as expected) but he seemed in good spirits this evening and has no trouble eating.

 

[ycbm]

Great. Please let us know what it is?

 

[SpotsandBays]

Great. Please let us know what it is?

Of course!

 

[SpotsandBays]

Sarcoid.
Not the result I was hoping for, but it is healing really well despite the setback we had where he decided to eat a stick! (Absolutely fine, was a small nick and the vet came out urgently to clean it and was happy with it - good thing he was on antibiotics! Although the most blood I’ve ever seen in my life so did scare me!)
They’re going to send me the test results so I can see, although I likely won’t know what it all the numbers mean!

 

[ycbm]

Good job it's gone then! Well done on taking action quickly.
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[SpotsandBays]

Good job it's gone then! Well done on taking action quickly.
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Thank you!