How serious is eye cancer for a horse?

Question

i got a new horse last week.we did not have a vet check him before we bought him, he was really cheap.we were worried about his eyes so today we got them checked by the local vet. he said probably cancer.he's an appy, so he has the pink in the corners of his eyes.the pink part is lumpy.my vet said it looked pretty bad, but it has gotten better in the last week. when we got him, his bottom lids were hanging down, now they do not.so we were thinking it might be an infection?if it is cancer, how much does it usually cost to get it removed?what are the chances he will lose his eye?what are the chances it is not cancer?i am really freaking out, and i feel bad because people warned me to get a vet check before buying him.i didn't because i am not really serious into competing and stuff, but our budget is really low and i am afraid i will not be able to keep him, though he is really great for me to ride.if we get it removed will i still have some years of riding on him? or not? please help!

Answer 1

As far as cost, please consult with the vet.

Answer 2

The key word is "probably" cancer.  Maybe not.  If it's cancer he will lose his eye.  Horses are prey animals so the loss of the eye could cause him to be more skittish, but maybe you'll get lucky.

The big worry for the cancer is it's spreading.  That is the big unknown.  The horse could live for 10 years or die in 3 months.

Not every person who gets cancer elects to get radiation and chemotherapy.  Some opt for a "watchful waiting" approach because they are looking for "quality of life" rather than extending their lifetime.  So you don't have to pay $10,000 for your horse; there is no guarantee of success in cancer treatment.

Answer 3

If your horse really has cancer, if it gets really bad than your horse will have a change of losing its eye. Its expensive.

Answer 4

You need to have him checked by an equine ophthalmologist. A regular vet does not have the equipment, or the resources to do a biopsy. I am surprised that the vet didn't explain that to you and recommend one to you. I would call him and ask him where there is one he would recommend for you. That is really the only way you will know for sure.

Answer 5

Very depending on the type. The easiest thing to do is to remove the eye if cancer is the diagnosis. It tends to be cheaper and can eliminate the cancer all together but you will need to talk to a vet with experience on the subject.

As for telling you how he will react with out his eye, it really depends on the horse. Some do really really well and others turn into whack jobs.

I wish you the best of luck with your boy.

Answer 6

It sounds like the lumps are not on the eyeball itself, but on the mucous membrane tissue that surrounds it.  Many cancers like this are localized, meaning that they stay in that area and may enlarge, but don't spread via the blood or lymphatics.

Cost will depend on what the vet in your area charges, and on what procedure is used.   They usually are cured with treatment. Many times these cancers tend to recur, but you'll have to find that out from your vet.  Did he/she take a tissue biopsy?

There is no reason to believe he will lose his eye since it doesn't sound as though the eye is affected.