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Discussion on Biopsy or Removal

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Nancy E. Hodges
Member
Username: Redwood

Post Number: 81
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 - 2:20 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

One of my donkeys has two bumps on the outside of her ear. The bumps are under the skin and don't appear irritated, and she's had them for at least six months. One is around a half inch in diameter and stands up about a quarter inch. The other is much smaller. One vet said not to worry about them. Another vet said I should consider removing them because they might get larger (and then harder to remove). The vet suggesting surgical removal thought they might be sarcoids though he wouldn't know until they were removed. After reading the sarcoid article, I worry that if it is a sarcoid, removing it might make it return in a more aggressive form. Perhaps I should just have it biopsied and not removed. Any recommendations?

I was thinking that the bumps were just cosmetic blemishes and was just going to leave them. However, if they could cause problems later, I'd like to have them removed.

Nancy
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 8123
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Saturday, Apr 12, 2003 - 10:21 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Nancy,
Can you describe them Nancy, or perhaps get a photo posted? Color and general characteristics like texture, and history might be helpful. Removal vs biospy is not really a good choice, biopsy can activate sarcoids in the same way.
DrO
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Nancy E. Hodges
Member
Username: Redwood

Post Number: 82
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 - 2:17 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

The bumps are covered by skin so they are the same color as the donkey's hair. They are hard. The vet pricked one to see if it was a soft cyst, but it was hard inside. Maybe I can get a picture this weekend.

Nancy
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Nancy E. Hodges
Member
Username: Redwood

Post Number: 83
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 8:05 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Here is a closeup picture of the bumps on my donkeys ear.

Nancy
bumps1
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Nancy E. Hodges
Member
Username: Redwood

Post Number: 84
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Wednesday, Apr 23, 2003 - 8:07 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Here is a picture from farther away.

Nancy

bumps2
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 8203
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Thursday, Apr 24, 2003 - 6:34 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Yes I agree this could be a sarcoid but chronic reaction to fly bites and many other possibilities exist. I would remove them for sure if they are showing any signs of growing, otherwise it is your call. I think if you decide to treat removal and histopath would be sensible. If they start to regrow you could then inject with Regressin.
DrO
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Nancy E. Hodges
Member
Username: Redwood

Post Number: 86
Registered: 4-2001
Posted on Friday, Apr 25, 2003 - 12:55 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

If they are caused by a chronic reaction to fly bites (and this donkey does have such problems on her legs) would applying cortisone ointment to the bumps help?

Nancy
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 8224
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Friday, Apr 25, 2003 - 4:05 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

It might Nancy but I would not do that unless they are similar to our description in the article on bumps: in particular that central pit that is so characteritic. Treatment for these is also described in the article. If you put steroids on sarcoids it may allow them to spread.
DrO
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