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  Discussion on Bump from Fly Bite on Ear - Nodular Necrobiosis?
Author Message
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Saturday, Aug 23, 2003 - 3:33 pm:

Dear DrO,

My mare developed a large bump on her ear about a month ago that I think was from a fly bite, it appeared instantaneously, was itchy, etc.

It's about 1/2 inch wide, is hard, not warm, sensitive, or itchy, and feels like it's part of the skin tissue, not something deeper. It hasn't reduced on its own. Should I treat it (per the recommendation in the article) or just be patient? Here's what it looks like.

Thanks!
Melissa
ear bump
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Aug 25, 2003 - 7:40 am:

Usually we don't recommend treatment for fly bite bumps unless they persist for several months but I am uncertain from your picture that is a fly bite reaction, it is much larger than any I have seen.
DrO
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Monday, Aug 25, 2003 - 1:03 pm:

Thank you DrO. The photo is a closeup, about 2x actual size. The bump is 1/2" across. Here's another picture, for scale.
Melissa


ear bump 2
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2003 - 8:47 am:

Its still a big one.
DrO
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2003 - 9:00 am:

Yes, still a big one. The article says "these bumps are as large as a half inch, round, smooth, hard, usually hairless, and frequently have a small pit or hole in the center usually with a scab over it." I think that's how it looks, and it's 1/2". Does it look like nodular necrobiosis to you?
Thanks,
Melissa
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2003 - 10:31 am:

The pit (I can see it in the top picture) is very strong evidence of nn. Unless it is a melanoma that was bit by a big fly.

Why don't you have your vet look and if he agrees go ahead and slip 5 to 10 mg methylpred (Depo-MeDrOl) under it. It looks like one that will persist if you don't treat it.
DrO
Member:
Mwebster

Posted on Friday, Oct 10, 2003 - 3:32 pm:

Yes, one big fly all right!

Well, I had a vet look at it the week after posting when my mare had to be seen to for her hock, and the vet suggested I give her 1m Ledum pills (homeopathic remedy)(!) Amazingly, within a week, the thing started to substantially decrease in size, and now it's nearly gone.

Of course, I never gave her any Ledum pills, though if I were a "believer" in homeopathic stuff, and had given her some, it would've seemed like "proof"... Maybe the SMZ for her hock infection had some effect. Or maybe her system was finally ready to deal with this big ole bite!

M
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