FREE EQUINE
VETERINARY ADVICE
Over the past five years, vet Stephen Ashdown has written many articles, spoken on equine matters and contributed widely to horse magazines.

Here he reproduces in the form of questions and answers about 100 topics, all of them common problems which afflict horses.

To access Topics click on Vet Advice Menu.

Mysterious Lump
Q. About six weeeks ago my three yar old gelding suddenly developed a hard lump on his stifle. It literally appeared overnight, but there was no mark and he wasn't lame. Initially it was about the size of a hard golfball, but is now a bit larger. My vet has taken x-rays and says it may be a lump of scar tissue. My horse is sound and shows no sign of pain. Would leaving the lump make matters worse?

 

A. Your own vet is placed to advise you on this problem as the lump needs to be seen first hand and examined closely. However, as a general rule, such lumps are either caused by tumour tissue or are due to a sting, insect bite or wound of some kind.

I would suggest that you leave it for another six months to see if it changes in size atall. If, after this time, there is no change then you might consider an operation. This would not be a risk, as long as the lump doesn't extend down into the joint at all.

Back to Lumps2

Free veterinary advice helpline: 01243 773363 (UK)
Free veterinary advice helpline: 0044 1243 773363 (International)
Mobile veterinary advice line: 07734 240 709 (UK)

All numbers available 9am - 5.30pm UK time.
Out of hours: try mobile number.