Discussion on Two lumps on throatlatch
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| Author |
Message |
    
Nicole Tucker
Member
Username: Tuckern
Post Number: 37
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 3:50 pm: |   |
Hi Dr. O.,
I didn't want to interrupt someone else's post, so I'm starting my own, but am itching to know your answer to a question you posted in another thread.
Under Diseases of Horses > Skin Diseases > Bumps/Nodules/Warts/Tumors > Melanomas a new member posted a question about possible melanomas on her horse.
In your response to her, you asked this question: "Perchance are the swellings mobile, smooth, and roughly the shape and size of a half a golf ball and in the position of the thyroid glands indicated in the article I reference?"
Well, my 10 year old mare has two lumps that can be described exactly like in your question. She's had them for the two years since I've had her. They don't seem to bother hear, I can move them around, squeeze them, etc. I've had the vet check them out, but he doesn't know what they are. I've had bloodwork done (CBC w/ diff and Chem panel) several times, and each time they come back normal.
So, when I can answer Yes to your question above, what does that mean?
Thanks,
Nicole |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 15902
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Saturday, Jun 17, 2006 - 4:31 pm: | |
These are the thyroid glands. They are normally attached to the back of the trachea where they are difficult to feel but often one or rarely both (I have not seen both down but assume it possible) become loose and fall down where they are easily seen and palpated.
DrO |
Nicole Tucker
Member
Username: Tuckern
Post Number: 39
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, Jun 17, 2006 - 11:06 pm: | |
DrO,
Thank you for the explanation. On my mare, the one on her left side is very obvious, it is easily seen, it looks like she's swallowed a golf ball, and it's stuck in her throatlatch. The other one cannot be seen, but can be felt when palpated.
Is there any explanation as to why the thyroid glands come loose and fall? I assume it's nothing to really be concerned about now?
Have there been any cases where these "dropped thyroids" have caused problems? My vet just said to keep an eye on them and make sure they don't get larger, but is is there anything specific I need to watch out for?
Thanks,
Nicole |
