DID YOU KNOW?
A Alistair Love answers: Melanomas are variably progressive tumours seen primarily in grey horses. Sometimes the masses can’t be removed, or can only be made smaller, while in other cases they can be completely excised. The location, size and extent of the masses are the main determining factors when assessing suitability for surgical intervention.
Melanomas can occur anywhere in the horse’s body.
The most common location for melanomas is along the underside of the tail, in the perineal region and around the anus. Unless they’ve become very large or extensive, tumours in this region are generally quite amenable for surgery, which is usually done under standing sedation and local anaesthesia or epidural. Laser surgery is preferable to minimise bleeding and increase the likelihood of complete excision, in cases where this can be achieved. This type of surgery can also reduce the risk of spread, or issues associated with the size and progression of the masses.