My horse has cancer what can I do?

Question

I have a 26 year old appaloosa gelding. He has had cancer for at least 6 years. When I got him I didn't know he had it, but when I talked to his old vet he said he had worked on it. My vet said it is to late for cemo. We have had it removed 3 times and it keeps coming back. Dose anyone have any ideas.

Also if it matters it is on is seath

He is a great horse. Was an event jumped over 5 feet but now we just ride for the fun of it.

Answer 1

You really need to talk this over with your vet and with your family. For one, the vet knows best. Two, your family can help make the ultimate decision which people like i would rather not talk about. my mom's friend has to put down her 28 year old QH this summer, she just has to decide when... it's really hard when they get to be this age. sorry i had to bring that up, it's probably a very hard time for you.... i went through this when my cat had Leukemia, and it was a tough decision.

Answer 2

Is it a local skin cancer or a systemic cancer affecting other areas of the body?  If it can be removed and not affect him otherwise, and if the removals are not more than you (or he) can tolerate, he can go on for as long as you feel it's worth it.  I have a niece-in-law (is that what it's called?) who's horse has been like yours for many years and still she finds it worth keeping him going. She has always said that if the time comes when he tells her he is in pain and having no more fun, she will have him euthanized.