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
Bump or Swelling around Anus, Vulva or Tail Base, Non-Gray Horse
Summary
Skin lumps and bumps around the anus, vulva or tail base are not common in non-gray horses. Like bumps in other areas, they can be tumors, cysts, abscesses, granulomas, foreign bodies, bruises, hematomas, seromas, or result from a variety of other conditions.
In gray horses, by far the most common (and usually benign) condition causing bumps in this area is melanoma. In non-gray horses, this is a rare diagnosis. Thus in non-gray horses lumps and bumps in this area raise greater concern.
In gray horses, by far the most common (and usually benign) condition causing bumps in this area is melanoma. In non-gray horses, this is a rare diagnosis. Thus in non-gray horses lumps and bumps in this area raise greater concern.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If the swelling is large, painful or growing rapidly.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp >101F/38.3C) or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
- If the horse appears to be straining to pass manure.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
- If the swelling is mild or moderate, and not increasing rapidly.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to their temperature, attitude and appetite. Evaluate the lump or bump. Is it firm or soft? Singular or multiple? Is there heat in the skin around it or pain to pressure? When did you notice it and is it growing larger? Is it "angry" (inflamed, red, painful), or is it oozing blood or other liquid or material?Contact your vet promptly if the swelling is deep and large or painful, or if the horse has a fever, is depressed or not eating. Consider taking a photo of the mass and sending it to to your vet for discussion.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet uses physical examination, ultrasound and needle aspiration or biopsy of the mass to determine the diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Do you notice other masses or swellings?
- Can you tell whether the mass is painful to your horse?
- Is the horse a gray horse?
- Is it changing in size or appearance over time?
- What is the size, shape and feel of the mass?
- When did you first notice this problem?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- Do you see signs of any other problems?
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)
