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Horses/Possible Hernia on Arab Mare

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Expert: Lisa Lee - 10/1/2009


Question
We have an Arab mare, close to 20 in age, that has a growth where the top of her left back leg meets her body.  We've been told it possibly could be a hernia.  Have you seen anything like that ?  It's been growing slowly for quite a while and seems to not bother her at all.  She's playful, bucks, eats great, eager, etc...
Thank you for your time helping all of us !
Pamela

Answer
Hi - first off, that sounds more like a tumor, NOT a hernia.  A hernia is protusion of an organ or the muscular wall of an organ through the cavity that normally contains it. There is no such structure on the back of a leg.

I would have a vet take a look at it and possibly biopsy it to see what type of a growth it is.  

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Lisa Lee

Expertise

Questions on basic training, fire safety with all types of animals, transportation questions, Fire Code requirements for buildings (NYS), basic building construction, fire safety in barns and animal facilities.

Experience

Over 20 years experience in the horse industry, from working on farms to owning and breeding my own horses. Have been involved with Code Enforcement and NFPA Standard development for the past 7 years. I am also involved in the Fire Service, both volunter and professionally, for a total of 20+ years.

Organizations
NFPA

Education/Credentials
Multiple National Certifications in the Fire Service, including Fire Service Instructor, Fire Investigator Level 1, Hazardous Materials Technician; and I am curently close to the completion of my AS in Fire Science Technology. Over 20 years experience working with horses both personally and professionally, currently owner of 3 Paso Fino horses.

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