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Discussion on Mammary Tumor
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New Member:
suecrane
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Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 8:46 am:
I have a 16 year old Arabian mare that has a large nodule near her right mammary gland. I have managed to keep its size controlled through the use of Cimetidine and herbal mixtures. However, the mammary gland itself is unilaterally swollen and now has an area that is oozing a yellow liquid. My vet doesn't seem to think that the mammary swelling contains the same type of mass as the melanoma. I have read about mammary tumors and infections, and the prognosis doesn't look good. My vet is referring me to UGA, where I expect they'll take biopsies. Another worry is the chance of spread as a result of biopsy or surgery.
Three issues for which I'd like advice:
1. Risk factors of biopsy/surgery
2. Identification of apparent secondary swelling in the mammary gland
3. Referral to a good vet in North Georgia (I am in Clarkesville)
Any advice greatly appreciated
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Member:
stek
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Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 10:47 am:
Hi Sue, welcome to HA. I can't offer any advice as I'm not familiar with mammary tumors and am on the west coast, but wanted to offer best wishes for your mare. How long has she had this mass?
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New Member:
suecrane
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Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 11:15 am:
Thank you for your post, Shannon. I appreciate it. Katie has had this mass for about 4 years now. The first melanoma we observed was around her anus. I have a blog which I have been keeping for a few years now, that chronicles all the treatment I've tried, as well as Katie's progress. It is at https://www.equusdreams.com/Equus_Dreams/Katies_Blog/Katies_Blog.html
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 4:32 pm:
Welcome Sue,
Taking your questions one at a time:
1. Risk factors of biopsy/surgery
The big risk is if this is malignant that you don't remove it before it metastasizes. even if not malignant the fact it may be setting off secondary inflammation would be a indication for more aggressive treatment.
2. Identification of apparent secondary swelling in the mammary gland
Most likely edema from inflammation and maybe even infection. For more on identifying swellings see HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Swellings / Localized Infection / Abscesses » Diagnosing and Assessing Swellings in Horses.
3. Referral to a good vet in North Georgia (I am in Clarkesville)
That I don't know.
DrO
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