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  Discussion on Neck lumps on 2 yr old mustang gelding
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Member:
galager

Posted on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 1:19 pm:

Dr. O,

I noticed two lumps within the skin on the neck of my mustang. I tried to illustrate the nature of these masses with two attached photos. The lumps are elongated essentially parallel to the "jugular channel". They are hard, >2 cm in length and have a dry flaky crust develop on the surface with some hair loss. Somehow I missed these masses (under the mane) and do not know how long they have been present. The lumps can be identified in the first photo by the loss of hair. The cross-sectional view (photo 2) shows the dumbbell shape of the first lump (presumably two closely spaced masses), which is located nearer the head. These do not seem to bother the horse and his behavior is normal. Thanks.

GeorgeFront view pic of neck lumpsSide view of neck lumps showing dumbbell structure
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 7:07 pm:

At least some of these lumps are likely horsefly bite reactions, the ones with the crust and hairloss in the picture on the left are pretty characteristic. The more irregular ones under the neck are less characteristic but may still be such reactions just grouped together. However these are just guesses based on probability and exam and biopsy may be required for proper diagnosis. For more on diagnosis and treatment of fly bite reaction and for other diagnostic possibilities see Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Bumps / Nodules / Warts / Tumors » Overview of Bumps, Nodules, Warts & Tumors
DrO
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