Update Regarding Hippo's Lump

SusieT said:
It wouldn't necessarily be a case of taking her to england (I agree that would be ridiculous) but of getting an expert in soft tissue surgery to give an opinion on whether melanoma removal is a good or bad idea. Not sure where that is in Ireland I have to say, sorry!
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If there is no sign of improvement in six months, or if the lump gets even slightly worse, then I will see if I can get an expert in soft tissue surgery's opinion.

I went to my current vet as he has treated several other horses that had similar conditions in my area. I know that he did perform surgery successfully on several of them, but another one ended up not being suitable for the procedure and had to be retired. So he seems to know his stuff.

I'm confident that he would be willing to help me contact one of the experts for a more detailed analysis. But he did seem very sure when he examined the lump. His face kind of dropped and then he got that look vets get when it's bad news.
 
I'm sorry, I don't know the horsepital situation in Ireland either. :( What your vet has said might be spot on but when your horse is looking at six months off, possible retirement and, I'd be worrying, at possible risk of more problems if you do leave this thing alone, I'd want to be absolutely sure that your vet's advice is spot on. Maybe you can do some research and find out who the leading vet is in Ireland dealing with problematic melanomas and get in touch with them yourself? Email them some photos then they can tell you if its worth them taking a look and you getting a referral?
 
Flame_ said:
I'm sorry, I don't know the horsepital situation in Ireland either. :( What your vet has said might be spot on but when your horse is looking at six months off, possible retirement and, I'd be worrying, at possible risk of more problems if you do leave this thing alone, I'd want to be absolutely sure that your vet's advice is spot on. Maybe you can do some research and find out who the leading vet is in Ireland dealing with problematic melanomas and get in touch with them yourself? Email them some photos then they can tell you if its worth them taking a look and you getting a referral?
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I will do some research, of course. In the meantime, the cortisone cream may cause it to heal over and make it more comfortable for her. So it's worth trying that whilst I hunt for soft tissue specialists. It's not being left alone; just trying to avoid surgery until I can be sure it will help and not harm her.

I owe her. I will let her live out her days in retirement if need be. See, I'm epileptic and one day when I was riding her I had a minor absence. I was totally unaware of my surroundings. Hippo slowed down to a very slow careful walk and made her way back up the side of the arena to the gate. She then stood there and whinnied until she got the attention of my OH and another livery, who realised I didn't look right and came and led Hippo back to the yard area. They helped me off Hippo and I came to my senses after a few minutes.

I know it isn't a big deal, but she got me the help I needed as opposed to stopping to graze or worse taking off with me barely awake! So I'm really attached to her:o
 
One other idea - would side saddle be an option - ie if you rode side saddle on the other side of her would that avoid the melanoma?

It would only be an option if the girth issue could be addressed, but it would avoid your body/legs putting direct pressure in the area....
 
So sorry it wasn't good news. She is one lucky horse to have an owner that will think about her long term health and not just go for the option that means she will be ridable quickly.
I have everything crossed that the cream works for you both. xx
 
lachlanandmarcus said:
One other idea - would side saddle be an option - ie if you rode side saddle on the other side of her would that avoid the melanoma?

It would only be an option if the girth issue could be addressed, but it would avoid your body/legs putting direct pressure in the area....
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I was wondering about this last night actually. I'm going to discuss it with my vet and my saddler. Maybe there would be a way to design a side saddle that has a different shaped girth with like a split in it to avoid rubbing the affected area:)

Thanks again everyone x
 
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