Melanoma's

[dannyboy]

Murphy has melanoma's (sp) under his tail area. I know these can be common on greys but can anyone explain them to me please?

[brigadier]

Greys are prone to them, they can be insignificant or serious- only a vet can tell you and give you a prognosis. Its a common area for them, as is any of the thin skin areas. Ive seen greys with huge lumps being ridden so it doesnt affect their ridden ability providing they are not in any area where they would interfere.

[dannyboy]

Thanks Brig, I'll wait for the vetting on Friday.

[racaille]

They are very common down here, where the horses are exposed to such strong sunshine. Under the dock is a classic place for them to start. However, (at least down here) they are usually associated with older horses.

They can be no problem at all, or they can spread to all sorts of inconvenient places. I knew a little Camargue mare once with them all over her girth area and in her mouth. Despite experiments with different saddles and girths, and bitless bridles, it was clear that she could no longer be ridden because of the lumps and was retired. She was 22.

This was an extreme case but you must get the vet to take a look at Murphy's - and if I were buying the horse (he's not old, I seem to remember?) I would want the melanoma reflected in the price.

If you go ahead you'll have to be vigilant with sunshine. Paco is also grey and has an area of pink skin on his nose. I lather suncream on it - yes, really! I've seen a horse with sunburn and it wasn't pretty.

[racaille]

I've just caught up with your other thread in which you say Murphy may be older than previously thought. This makes more sense.

But it doesn't have to be the end of the fairytale. A melanoma under the tail is common and may present no problem at all. Your vet should be able to give you a clearer picture.

And if Murphy is older, he may still be a great horse for you. You're not ready for the Olympics yet, so he could be a great confidence-giver. But do bear in mind that you will have to retire him sooner rather than later (in theory, but you can never tell) and add the cost of that into your budget.

[fleabitten]

Yes, Connie had melanomas but then again we didnt get a vetting to see whether they would be serious. I know a horse who had them and he found it difficult to poo.

Theyre like tumours I think and I think there could have been some inside her that made her go downhill so quickly.