By: Bryanna Tanase
One of the most common health issues grey horses encounter is melanoma, a type of skin cancer. While it is not usually harmful for them, it could be potentially damaging depending on the size and location of the tumor. According to an article in Practical Horseman, equine melanomas behave differently than in humans, they grow slowly and almost never metastasize, or spread. However, they still should not be ignored. Up to 80% of grey horses contract melanoma.
But how do greys get melanoma? This is due to their genes, both grey coat color and high melanoma risk are linked to a mutation in the gene STX17, which is why other coat colors rarely develop these tumors, however the melanoma may be more harmful to a bay or chestnut.
Always monitor horses' melanoma for growth and take them to the vet if you notice rapid growth or anything else unusual around the area, If they begin to be problematic, melanomas can be treated by removal or chemotherapy. Again, treatment depends on size and location.
I hope that this short blog helped you to understand why greys are more susceptible to melanomas and why they occur. I absolutely love learning about horses, so if you have any suggestions for what I should learn about next, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me!
Until next time,
Bry
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