The Threat Of Melanoma in Gray Horses

If you have a gray horse, then you need to be aware of melanoma. This skin disease is very prevalent in older gray horses, though it can be present at any age. A melanoma is considered a tumor of the melanocyte. This is a skin cell that produces pigment. They can form all over the body and enlarge with time.

Gray Horses & Melanoma

More research is still needed to identify genetic factors of this skin disease. It has been determined that nearly 80% of gray horses over the age of 15 will develop melanomas. They seem to be less frequent in gray Quarter Horses. Arabian, Lipizzaner, Andalusian, and Percheron breeds have seen greater instances of them. They can also appear in cremello and albino horses.

Melanomas usually form under the tail, in the parotid gland region, on the eyelids, lips, and genitalia. They can become a problem when they interfere with body functions like urination. There is also the threat of them spreading to internal organs. They're easy to identify and appear as small, very black nodules.

Treatment, if needed, consists of surgical excision, cryosurgery, chemotherapy, among others. Many gray horses with skin melanoma live normal, healthy lives. They can be unsightly though!

If you notice something unusual on your horse, make sure to get it checked out by your veterinarian right away.