Have a mare that we can't figure out what is wrong. 9yr old, Paint mare. was pasture kept until fall, now lives in a stall. Has tumors coming up on face and between back legs. sudden loss of weight in November. Tumors tested, benign. Bloodwork done, normal, accept shows anemia. coliced 3 times this past summer (first time), always during riding, not drinking enough, dehydration. No change in mood, no soreness. So......what's wrong with her?:

guessing you've had a vet to her what have they had to say???

He is at a loss. Says all the tumor report said was "inflamation" - which is the answer whenever they don't know what it is.
That is why we are tryin other avenues. The vet they are using, has no answers.
I had a student with a horse with all the same symptoms last year. I am waiting to hear back from her if they remember what it was the vet said it was. Had something to do with a blood transfusion, may or may not work.
But we don't know.
Was hoping someone else had an idea.
Thnks

see if you can find out the name of her vet and speak to them directly

Go to a University or a second Vet.

If she was healthy out, and now isn't turn back out until you get a diagnosis.
You need another specialized opinion.
Herda- May be a possibility.


Mississippi State University has taken a step to facilitate that process. Horse owners can send pedigrees involving potential matings to Rashmir and she will analyze them and seek to determine the degree of probability of the offspring inheriting either the gene or the disease itself. A fee of $25, which goes directly into the HC Research Fund, is charged. The address is College of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 6100, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

HERDA Test Now Available
Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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what is Herda????

Today, it is primarily through Poco Bueno's bloodline, say researchers at Mississippi State University and Cornell University, that the recessive gene that causes hyperelastosis cutis (HC) has passed
When a horse has HC, there is lack of adhesion within the dermis, the deep layer of the skin, due to a collagen defect. Collagen serves a form of glue that holds the skin layers together. In horses with HERDA, the "glue" is inferior and the skin layers separate.

Most likely not what she has, but easily ruled out with a Pedigree check or a DNA test.

thats sounds painful??? poor horses

Sorry to hear about your mare's turmors. Is your mare mostly grey or have large parts of her body that are grey with pink skin? You can see this best when wet? Sarcoids are the first thing that comes to mind. They most often first appear around the ears, muzzle, under the tail, anus and high between the back legs. Most often, of course there are always exceptions. These slow growing tumors are connective tissue based and can also be internal. If they are on parts of the intestines they can cause blockages and colic. Sarcoids are often raised, but can also be flat. They bleed easly and often return if removed. Procedures that boost the ammune system are often helpfull. Tagamet has also been used with some success in getting the tumors to reduce in size. Drugs that help the bodies natural immune system may be of some help. HERDA is most often seen in horses that are younger, 3yrs or so.
Are these growths under the skin, easy to move, irregular in shape or more round?
Your states Vet University may be a great place to start. They are often on top of the latest treatments, often fees are very reasonable, care is most often excellent and you get the top minds. There are many things that can cause growths or tumors, many types of tumors and many different treatments. Everyday advances are made in medicine. Schools are often more open to trial's and non-convential treatment. Anything your horse is able to teach teachers and students will benefit the horse community. I wish you luck? Does your horse sweat normally? Good Luck