Animal Disease, Pathology and Immunology Research ProjectLymphosarcoma in HorsesHorses generally do not get cancer. When they do it is usually lymphosarcoma and, unfortunately, it is usually fatal. Cancer generally strikes anywhere between 4 and 10 years of age. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells that develop into masses or tumors. These tumors can hide anywhere on such a large animal. There are four typical types of lymphosarcoma in horses. They are generalized (multicentric), intestinal, mediastinal and cutaneous. The generalized form is the most common. Tumors can be found throughout the lymph node system, including multiple internal and peripheral nodes. The most common locations include between the jaw, around the throat closure, at the base of the neck, in the pectoral region, in the superficial inguinal region, and in the mesenteric region. These are identified by large masses in these places. Weight loss and ventral edema are also noted. The most serious form of lymphosarcoma is ulcerative dermatitis. In this form the skin literally explodes with crusty sores that do not heal. The survival rate is generally a few weeks or months. Intestinal lymphoma involves widespread tissue within the intestinal wall. This leads to malabsorption problems in the intestine. Signs include weight loss, diarrhea, and sometimes colic. Mediastinal lymphoma refers to the lymph nodes inside the chest between the lungs. Tumors in this area can cause coughing, increased heart rate, fluid in the chest, and even fluid inside the chest. The least deadly and best form, if your horse is to get lymphoma, would be cutaneous lymphoma. This form turns lymph nodes into tumors under the skin. It generally looks like a multifocal skin lesion... in the center of the paper... directly on the affected areas and/or vegetable oil or antibiotic creams. Treatment with ivermectin is generally effective, however, lesions may persist for weeks or months and regress as new skin growth occurs; corrective trimming of the beak may be necessary (trimming may be necessary throughout life if the germ cells of the beak have been affected). This disease process is slower to respond to treatment in canaries and finches than in budgies. Budgies have this mite on their bodies most of the time, but it usually remains asymptomatic until certain conditions that lower the bird's immune system (stress, malnutrition, disease, etc.) allow the mites to multiply (become active ?). Treating any underlying conditions that predispose a bird to have an inadequate immune response, such as reducing stress and improving nutrition, will reduce the risk of mite activation???