Skin Lump

Question
Hi Lana: I have a 12 year old TB mare  that I have owned for 3 years. She has been up to date on all shots since I have owned her and has never been sick . She seems to be in good health and has never looked better. Last fall I removed a tick from her head, just under her left jaw area. At that time the area seemed a bit swollen, but I attributed it to a reaction from the bite. This Spring while clipping her I noticed that she still has a lump under the skin, same spot. All skin and hair appears normal, the area is just raised. I have manipulated it a few times with my fingers, pressed on it  quite hard with no reaction from the mare. I have looked up info on the internet concerning sacoids but the descriptions just don't fit. Now that this mare is getting a bit older could it just be fatty tissue? The only other thing I can think of is her habit (while in her stall) of stretching out her head & neck, baring her teeth at the other mares she is next to. She tends to do this quite alot. She cocks her head towards the right and stretches out her neck, grabbing at the bars between the stalls with her teeth. Could this action have built up the muscle under her jaw on the left side where the "lump" appears? Trainer has suggested keeping an eye on it for the time being. I had never noticed it until I found the tick. Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Anne;

Without seeing it for myself, I can only guess what it might be.  My initial reaction is that it's nothing to worry about.  Maybe some fibrous or scar tissue from the tick.  Or she banged that spot at one point.  Not likely fat or muscle, and you've already investigated sarcoids.  Is it in the location of a gland, and perhaps indicating a swollen gland?

I agree with your trainer in that you should just keep an eye on it for changes, for it to start to cause pain etc..

But, if you're really concerned, then don't hesitate to have your vet out to look...maybe you have a routine check-up, teeth or vaccinations coming up soon and that would be an opportune time to have it looked at.

Kudos for being such an observant caregiver, Anne.  I'm sure not much gets passed you and you obviously care deeply about your mare.  As we and our horses age, we get all sorts of bumps and lumps and things just don't seem to heal as well.  For the most part they are benign and nothing to worry about.  But always, if your gut sends up warning signals, then listen and seek professional consultation right away.  Better to over-react, then to not react at all.

Best wishes!

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt