When melanomas go bad:
Every lump on your horse should be noted and examined. Get into the habit of examining your horses routinely when you are grooming them. Some tumours (cancerous growths) can grow very rapidly, so early detection and treatment is the key.
We commonly see melanomas on Grey horses. They are different to the human melanoma and often nothing to worry about. They are usually benign (stay localised without spreading around the body), but they often develop multiple tumours. Grey horse’s tend to continue developing them throughout their lives. Despite them commonly being benign, they can cause issues because of their location: This can be under the saddle area which can rub on tack, or around the anus which can cause cracking when they pass poo. Rarely melanomas on Grey horses can be nasty (become invasive in their area or spread around the body). Monitor all growths and contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns.
Early removal when they are small is the key for those that are located in a problem spot. A medication has been shown to reduced recurrence and development of new tumours but requires multiple daily treatments for the rest of the horses life. This is often not practical or financially viable.
Today I want to describe a melanoma on a non-Grey horse:
This is less common and unfortunately for the horse, often more concerning. This horse was middle to older aged, and a fast growing lump developed on the tail. It was noticed originally because it would be bleed at the smallest of knocks.
A tissue sample sent to the lab provided the diagnosis of a melanoma that was highly aggressive, and likely to spread around the body very quickly. Local excision (removal) was not warranted as it was spreading under the tissues. The only option to save this horses life was to amputate his tail.
For those of you with strong stomachs I have attached some photographs of the surgery itself.
This surgery was done under a standing sedation with an epidural nerve block. This horse has shown a fantastic recover with no signs of pain. In fact he was rolling and playing in the paddock the afternoon after his surgery.
We wish him a long and happy life. He is one of the kindest natured horses I have met. Good luck big guy 😍