Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Growths on Surface Skin of Vulva (Vagina), or Near Anus
Summary
Masses and skin growths near a mare's vulva are common, especially in older mares. In gray mares of any breed, hard black nodules here are presumed to be melanoma until proven otherwise. In mares with pink vulvar skin (Paints and Appaloosas), squamous cell carcinoma is common. Occasionally, other tumors appear here, as do growths and skin inflammatory disorders caused by certain viruses.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the mass is large, painful or seems to be growing rapidly.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If a skin lesion is small, not itchy and changing slowly or not at all.
your role
What To Do
Check this area regularly when you are examining your mare. This is especially important for mares with pink skin here (pinto, Appaloosa horses) and especially in high altitude locales. Problems are relatively common in this area and unless you move the tail and look for them, you may never see them. Cancerous masses and growths of any kind are best treated early. Some cancers spread rapidly and can become hard to control.Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may have an opinion as to the nature of a specific condition, but masses here usually require biopsy for confirmation. Successful treatment will depend on an accurate diagnosis.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What breed and color is the horse?
- What, specifically, do you see?
- Can you send me a photo?
- How old is the mare?
- When did you first notice this?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
