Two lumps under jaw area.

Q

Quartz

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OK, my horse has had a soft lump for a few weeks now. Thought cause of fly bite, but can see no obvious bit and lump not going but also not growing. Now further down his jaw there is another lump which looks more swollen and slightly harder. Not sure if this is irritation from having headcollar on for fly mask. If he is still fine in self and eating and drinking is it a cause for worry? Should I just keep an eye on him? Have just changed vets and it is now a bigger surgery so not one I can just talk to vet, will actually have to call out. About 6 weeks ago he did have his two wolf teeth taken out. Have also put this is New Lounge where I got some good replies, just wondered if I got anything different here. Thanks
 
Here are some pics, if this helps


P1050676.jpg


http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac160/quartz85/lump/P1050671.jpg

http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac160/quartz85/lump/P1050680.jpg
 
I'm assuming you are refering to the lumbs in the middle which are the submandibular lymph nodes. They enlarge when they are playing an active role in the immune system fighting of infection somewhere in the head or upper respiratory tract. I cannot tell from your picture whether they are enlarged or within normal limits. suggest you check your horses temperature twice a day to make sure no active infection.
 
Put a thermometer in his rectum and hold it against the rectal wall till it bleeps.
DO NOT GET KICKED!! Get someone to hold your horse and stand to the side or over a stable door. If in doubt don't do it. A horse with a high temp will feel hot to touch so get use to feeling the base of the ears and what normal is.
Normal is 36.7-38.5C or less than 101F. Do not worry if it is lower.
It is very common for the lymph nodes (commonly and misleadingly called "glands") to be enlarged in young horses as they are exposed to many diseases in the environment and their immune system is just busy developing protection. You only need to worry if you see other signs of disease like high temp/ off food/ nasal discharge/ cough. These are some of the lymph nodes that develop abscesses and burst out with pus when horses get strangles so don't be suprised if you find nasty stories about them. If a horse has a tooth abscess then it is unlikely both nodes would be swollen, just the one on the same side as the infection would be enlarged. Most likely nothing to worry about at all just be vigillant for other signs, sending your vet the photo would be a good idea and hopefully they will tell you what I just have.
 
Thank you for your advice. He has not got temp, is eating, exercising, playing and is his general happy self. Good to of learnt how to take his temp though!!! Thanks again
 
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