SID - We had to have our mare’s blood examined manually to get the whole story. The automated counters were not picking up the main anomalies correctly. Not that it really changed anything, but it did give us a better idea of what we were dealing with.
Oh girl was on a “management program” of front loaded, diminishing doses of Dex and Banamine as needed/required. It didn’t fix anything, of course, but did extend her good time (and helped her appetite). Maybe that could help her feel better in the mean time?
I am so sorry for you both, but happy you’ve had each other. I know how much it hurts.
With tears in my eyes I read your posts~! I have nothing to add except my jingles that your girl can get better! Hugs to you and all involved!:sadsmile:
Wow, I’m so sad for everyone on this thread that has lost a beloved animal. I lost my first dog to lymphoma:(. Also lost my beloved childhood pony to melanoma. He was gray, but he did live to 29. He was diagnosed with the melanoma on his sheath when he was about 15. I too believe that cancer is probably more common in horses than we think, unfortunately!
Our 27 year old pony came down with a severe case of laminitis this last winter. Just to be safe our vet wanted bloodwork done. Came back cancerous. This pony has had a cough that makes me suspect the cancer is in her throat.
We treated the laminitis with stall rest in deep bedding. Then 1 shoeing cycle without shoes. Next we put plastic glue on shoes on. She trots around now like there is nothing wrong with her.
With the exception to the occasional cough, there is nothing that would indicate this pony has cancer. She will probably die of natural causes before the cancer gets her.
Just have to give it one day at a time. They will tell you when it is time.
That’s true. Actually, I had a 19 yr old IR/laminitic horse who was losing weight and condition who was treated at the hospital for the bad laminitic case. I asked for a complete medical work up and his belly tap showed a significant number of abnormal cells. I would take him back every 4 weeks for shoeing and they’d do another belly tap…more and more atypical cells. Basically, they said he had cancer somewhere. He lived 4 more years and never got “worse” as far as what one might expect of “cancer”. He eventually did succumb to laminitis. He was IR and managed well all his life. Chicken or egg…who knows?
What we have in front of us is a whole different thing. Prior to this and my other mare, I never knew that a melanoma on a dark horse were so much more invasive and aggressive than those on greys.
My vet called me from out of town today and he said that on ocassion some horses with diagnosed cancer can “plateau”. But of course, we’re way beyond that now with my gal.
Cachexia ( ca- kex -e- ah ) is a common waisting syndrome of cancer and it is see in people as well as animals. It will not likely reverse with increased feeding. It is, however , important to provide her with plenty of interesting tasty meals
Cancer that metastasizes always retains the identity of the original cancer. Melanoma might go to the liver or spleen but the cells recovered from the secondary site with still be melanoma cells.
It is entirely possible a second, unrelated cancer has struck , or this is metastatic. Cancer can be a slow disease and with management an old friend can remain comfortable.
I am sorry for your sad story. These issues are never easy and the choices you make for your friend will all be done with love and knowledge.
Hoopoe, that was really informative and what my vet was trying to explain to me yesterday. Melanoma doesn’t just turn into lymphoma…which was my original question. The melanoma we see on the outside, coupled with her chronic wasting and other symptoms over the last 5 months, indicate melanomas are present inside…most prominently the spleen, liver or lung.
OTOH, the lymphosarcoma that took my other mare years ago was pretty “straight up” and understandable. You could see the cancer that filled her chest cavity all the way up her throat on radiographs. She was gone within a week of the first symptoms (which was not weight loss at all).
This one can really only be “presumed” from outward clinical signs, with no diagnostic proof. I think that is what is so frustrating about some cancers in the horse. They’re so darned BIG we don’t have the tools to see every part of what’s going on inside.
This is what is happening to my kids old pony. Vet suspects squamous cell carcinoma (she’s had growths for years). Pony is slowly losing condition, but otherwise has enough ponytude. We think she’s in her 30’s, and other than the fact that my kids are going to be devastated, I’m okay with putting her down when she gets very thin. Feeding rice bran pellets has really helped her keep weight on this year, but she refuses to eat some of the other feeds that would be good for her.
I had an 18 year old chestnut mare get melanoma years ago. Vet said that wasn’t what would likely kill her, and he was right. She lived another 10 years. Had a stroke. Still miss her.
Lost another horse to a huge tumor in his head years ago (pushed his cheekbone outward). That one was the worst, since it started to suffocate him. He was only 12 and full of life.
My heart goes out to you. You are going to have a tough decision ahead of you, much sooner than you would have wanted to face it. It is so hard to see a horse you love go through this.
I’m so sorry. I went through this this last winter. My girl died jan 7th. I wanted to give her as much QUALITY time as possible. I kept her covered with a blanket when she was out, because the only one I wanted seeing her was the vet! Her appetite really dropped off, so I had gotten her western alfalfa. She had that, and some beautiful, soft , green timothy. I also gave her a variety of foods to choose from. She had Equine senior, omelene, and strategy to choose from. She was on azium every other day and daily banamine. She ate enough to keep a healthy horse fat, but she continued to drop weight. Towards the end, she got a slight distention of her belly, from the cancer. If anyone had seen her, they would have been horrified. But she was never hungry. She had food 24/7. The weight loss is just part of the disease process. In fact, the old girl felt so good from the pain management, that I started having to lead her out to the paddock with a shank over her nose. She would jump and prance around like a 2 yr old going up to the races. She was out running, bucking and snorting 2 days before she died. I never had any doubt that I did the right thing by her. She became very uncomfortable on afternoon. I gave her a shot of banamine, which did not help. The vet quickly came out, and sent her on her way. All you can do is keep her as happy and comfortable as you can. Your horse will tell you when it’s time. Again, I’m so sorry
I think pain management is very important in horses and often overlooked by vets. They are really looking to us to do this for our horses, I think. Sound like a great end for your horse. Sid, very sorry this is happening to your lovely mare. :(. Good luck to both of you.
Although sad, this is a very helpful thread. Much good information. My condolences to you who are nursing sick animals and those who have recently lost them.
I was just about to post a similar inquiry. Sid, so sorry you are having to go thru this. I’m starting to wonder if my grey gelding is heading this way. He just had his teeth done, and then about 2 days afterwards scrapped up his leg and tweaked his neck fighting over the fence with another horse. leg injury was just all scrapes/dehiding, but he seemed so sore in his neck that he couldn’t put his head down to eat. I did trigger point massage, got some good pops and he went out and was eating hay fine. He seemed better about eating his grain, but it seems tone hit or miss now… he is devouring his hay, and we have great hay, so that makes me happy. and he doesn’t seem to be losing weight, yet. IM gonna try and play around with his grain to see if maybe just feeding him a concentrated ration balancer will be easier to get in him… he just seems to act like eating his dinner is just too much for him.
He has had melanomas for some time under his tail, around his anus and in his sheeth. He still seems to be able to poop and pee fine. I’m worried that he is just starting to head towards something more serious than just being an old man. At 25,I don’t think there is much that I can do but make him comfortable. I am going to try to treat him for ulcers, and maybe start throwing in a daily equiox and see if that helps. just worried it is not going to do much and just make him happy and comfortable.
Sid, I’ve never dealt with cancer in horses but have seen many dogs and cats with severe, aggressive cancers throughout my time as a vet tech. I am so sorry you’re having to go through this with your sweet mare. I cannot imagine how hard it must be but I truly admire you doing research and trying to do what’s best for her and keeping her comfortable. Many people wouldn’t do that so I appreciate your genuine care for her best interest. I will be praying that you get answers for peace of mind and that both of you would enjoy your time together. You and Calli will be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.
Sid hasn’t been back for years. Don’t think we ever got an update. There’s probably been some advancements in diagnostics and treatment options since this was posted.
