My horse may have cancer

[KimB]

I was told yesterday by a friend who has been riding my horse for me that she (my horse) has rectal cancer. She checked under her tail and sort of went "oh no". I will get her to a vet but has anyone else had this happen and what were the results??

I'm not happy with it as I've only had her for 12 months (saved her from the doggers) and haven't been able to ride her yet as she had severe seedy toe in all hooves. We have just gotten her right with that and then this happens. By the way she is a few spot appaloosa but mainly white/grey. Thanks for any responses.

[miss.cinders]

Just wanted to send you hugs Kim

[ss_storm]

hope she's ok...

[feeb]

Hugs hun I hope all is ok.

xoxo

[human bean]

No experience here but just wanted to say I hope everything is okay and your friend is wrong. What a lucky horse to have you to care for her, keep us posted.

[~Stoked~]

Hi Kim,

I am sorry to hear about your horse. I haven't had any experience with rectal cancer but the horse my daughter learned to ride on had cancer of the penis. He had it for many years and it was managed by the vet, kept very clean etc. He was put down last year at age 43 years. Just wanted to give you a positive story that in some cases cancer can be left alone and not cause too much of an issue. I have been told that about 90% of grey horses will get cancer at some point. We have a grey palouse who has eye problems and is almost completely blind now. She is 32 this year so she has had a good innings!

Good luck xxxx

[KimB]

Thanks everyone. This has been freaking me out a little (well more than a little lol) but when I checked today it looks like she might have melanoma lumps. Will still have them checked but after a bit more research I have found them to be quite common in my colour horse. The vets recommend leaving them alone as any treatment ie cutting them out or lasering them can release the cells to spread through the system. I will have my vet determine the best approach though. Am so upset that it has taken so long to correct her feet and then I get pregnant and still can't ride her and then this happens.

Good to hear about your horses Stoked, gives me hope.