Equine Melanoma Treatment

Although generally slow-growing, equine melanomas have afflicted horses---usually gray horses---for centuries. Tumors should be watched carefully. Any unusual growth should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. These growths can, in rare cases, metastasize and spread to other parts of the body and cause internal injury.

  1. Surgical Removal

    • If the growth is small enough, it can be removed under local anesthesia using surgical excision. The horse may need to sedated during this procedure.

    Laser Surgery

    • Larger growths or growths in difficult-to-remove locations may be removed with laser surgery. This procedure usually requires general or epidural anesthesia.

    Cimetidine

    • Use of this anti-ulcer medication is controversial. Some good results have been obtained, but continued, long-term use can cause resistance and reduce the tumor-shrinking effects.

    Cisplatin

    • Studies have shown promise using Cisplatin to shrinking tumor size. This therapy is not common, but its use is growing.

    Frankincense Oil

    • Applied topically, frankincense oil has been shown to reduce tumor size. Testing continues on this promising therapy.

    Vaccines

    • There are immune-stimulating vaccines available for treatment or prevention of melanoma. Horses with a predisposition for melanoma may benefit.