I Knew A Little More Than I Said About The Lump
I couldn't really bring myself to write the words yesterday. Also I feared writing them would make this into a 'thing'; that writing the words would somehow give life and strength to the __. I'm determined that isn't going to happen, but this is my honest journal and I may want to check back for health care purposes, so here it is.
I know more than I said. I'm just going to factually state it, then move on and go back to our training journal. The vet said the lump below is a sarcoid tumor. It was what I was so scared about when trying to research what it could be on the net. It isn't the type of cancer that grey horses are susceptible to. It's a tumor that can stay the same, or disappear. They can also get 'angry' and grow. If that happens, it isn't good. Removing them or disturbing them has a high risk of making them grow faster and spread, hence not even a biopsy (so in theory I guess the diagnosis could be wrong? the vet didn't suggest that). It looks innocuous doesn't it?
I'm carrying on completely the same as before except for the immune system support. Please don't send me any stories about this disease that have ended badly (I guess no one would do that). Only positive stories/thoughts or suggestions for immune system boosters! I've gotten some good ideas re the later already and really appreciate them. Then, right back to work :)
Now, back to our training journal. Today my wonderful nephew Alex came to ride Rogo. I wish I had pictures and video, but of course I forgot to bring a camera. Alex is such a great rider. He gets on Rogo and his position is perfect and stays perfect no matter what - legs long and lightly on the horse, heels down, hands and legs quiet,.... I really enjoy watching him ride because I get to see what it should look like. Rogo was slow to get going today, but he may have still been a little lethargic from the tranquilizer yesterday (teeth floated). He went very nicely though after a long warm up. Some days it takes twenty or thirty minutes for him to find his balance and engine.
When the ride was over I showed Alex Rogo's new skill of bending to the left and right as I call out left and right. It's his clicker 'trick' and now he can do bending exercises on his own. Every few bends he gets a piece of apple. We were in hysterics - it's beyond cute. I'll video and post it soon. Next - stretching down.Thanks for listening. Tomorrow it's all good stuff :)
Comments
I'm sorry it's a tumor. :( I don't know anything about them so I can't really offer any helpful suggestions. I'm sure someone here can give you tips. Since you can't do anything with it, just try to not think about it too much. It will probably be one of those that's just there, but doesn't change or anything. Positive thinking can do amazing things. I'll send prayers and healing thoughts. Hugs!
Anyway, thanks SOOO much for this. Sounds like they're mostly manageable.
I think you and Rogo are fine! I hope Kate weighs in on this...she knows about sarcoids and Xterra. I believe these are VERY treatable.
Good, wonderful energy and thoughts for you and your sweetie boy.
I treated both horses with herbals (arbor) and immune enhancers with no success.
Good luck, and try not to worry too much, just take some action if it starts to grow and before it gets too big.
From Mel www.devotedtodressage.blogspot.com author.
P.S. Someone told me that Australian Vegemite work... but I didn't try it.
I almost hesitat to write this as I have no knowledge of this beyond what I am telling you, but what the heck!
A vet tech owns a Thoroughbred at our barn and her horse had one on her head. Owner claims she read about applying toothpaste on it everyday and decided to try it. Well, the thing fell off! I don't know the science behind this, and like I said, I only know that much about it, but there might be something to look into?
Story - I read the post at the link you provided. Thanks! Sounds very treatable.
My advice is that, if it's not in a bad location - where the girth rubs it, say - just leave it alone and don't worry about it unless it looks like it's getting out of hand, which it probably won't.
My mother has a bay with sarcoids on his face, the only ones she treats are the ones that pop up near his eyes. She treats them with Xterra and they disappear.
The one thing I will caution you about is that the sarcoids seem to be itchy. Horses will rub them raw if they are able. My mother keeps a fly mask on her horse. Vinny can't really itch his because of where it is and the fact that our fence is electric. When he lived in board fencing he did destroy a fence or two with his scratching.
Bill has gone on to suffer Face Fungus, a bowed tendon (after the sarcoid, that was SUCH a boring injury), but he has recovered from everything and is currently injury-and-fungus-free and busy looking for other ways to get into trouble.
Long story short, sarcoids are perfectly manageable. As Jan said, you are a good owner and your vet is a good vet. If the sarcoid is not in an area where the girth rubs or there is some other issue, they are, sadly, more worrisome for the owner than the horse.
You've gotten lots of good info already so no advice from me - immune support sounds like a good strategy.
I will add that even though you're suffering with worry, you are fortunate to have found it so you can monitor the situation, and Rogo doesn't know any different.
Thinking positive thoughts for you :)
My ponies and I are sending good wishes to you and Rogo!