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
Drainage from Anal or Tail Base Areas
Summary
Black drainage from the tail base and around the anus is fairly common in gray horses with advanced melanoma. Injuries and infections can occur here, and abscesses can form too.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) and share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Less Common
your vet's role
Your vet determines the cause of the drainage often by physical examination but also using microscopic evaluation of the drainage itself.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Is the horse gray in color and if so, are there firm bumps in the area or elsewhere?
- How is your horse's attitude and appetite otherwise?
- Does the horse show any signs of lameness or resistance to move?
- Do you notice swelling in the area?
- Does the horse have a fever?
- 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
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)
Very Common
