PRICING

• Please book a consultation with our Veterinarians for an estimate

Lumps and growths are relatively common in horses and can range from harmless skin masses to more serious tumours. While not every lump is cause for alarm, some may require surgical removal to prevent discomfort, complications, or to rule out more serious conditions.

At our clinic, we offer equine lump removal surgery as part of our comprehensive surgical services. Depending on the size, location, and nature of the lump, we can perform this procedure at our purpose-built clinic or at your property if the case is straightforward and conditions are appropriate.

What Is Lump Removal Surgery?

Lump removal surgery involves the surgical excision of an abnormal growth from the horse’s skin or underlying tissue. The procedure is typically done under sedation and local anaesthetic, though general anaesthesia may be recommended for more complex or sensitive areas.

We recommend surgical removal when a lump:

• Is growing rapidly or changing in appearance

• Interferes with tack or movement

• Becomes ulcerated, infected, or bleeds

• Is located in a sensitive area (e.g., eyelids, girth area)

• Is suspected to be cancerous or pre-cancerous

Prompt surgical removal can help prevent complications, reduce discomfort, and—if necessary—enable accurate diagnosis through laboratory testing.

Benign vs Malignant Lumps

Benign lumps are non-cancerous and generally do not pose a serious health threat. Common benign growths in horses include:

• Lipomas (fatty tumours)

• Cysts

• Granulomas (inflammatory swellings)

• Some sarcoids (though these can behave unpredictably)

Benign lumps may still require removal if they are in high-friction areas, interfere with the horse's comfort or performance, or become irritated or infected.

Malignant lumps, on the other hand, are cancerous and can be more aggressive. These may invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Examples of malignant growths in horses include:

• Squamous cell carcinoma

• Melanoma (especially in grey horses)

• More aggressive forms of sarcoids

• Fibrosarcoma or lymphosarcoma

Early identification and removal of malignant tumours can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence or further spread.

The Role of Histopathology

Following surgical removal, we often recommend submitting the lump for histopathology—a diagnostic process where a veterinary pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope. Histopathology can:

• Confirm whether the lump is benign or malignant

• Determine if the entire lump was successfully removed (i.e., clean margins)

• Identify the specific tumour type

• Help guide ongoing care or monitoring

Histopathology provides valuable insight that cannot be gained through visual examination alone, making it an important part of responsible veterinary care—especially when dealing with fast-growing or unusual lumps.

What to Expect

Consultation

During your initial consultation, we will:

• Conduct a thorough examination of the lump

• Discuss your horse’s medical history and any changes in the growth

• Offer diagnostic options such as fine needle aspiration, biopsy, or imaging if required

• Advise whether surgery is appropriate and explain the process

Surgical Admission

If surgery is scheduled:

• Your horse will be sedated and the area clipped and cleaned

• Local or general anaesthesia will be used, depending on the case

• The lump will be carefully excised, and sutures placed if needed

• The surgical site may be bandaged or left open to heal, depending on location

For in-clinic cases, your horse will be admitted to our facilities, which include:

• Secure stables for pre- and post-op care

• Equine vet crush for safety during procedures

• Purpose-built equine yards for easy and safe handling

Aftercare

Post-operative care typically includes:

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication

• Antibiotics to prevent infection

• Wound cleaning and monitoring for swelling or discharge

• Follow-up appointments to assess healing and remove stitches if necessary

• Histopathology results (if submitted) and further treatment recommendations if needed

Most horses recover very well and are back to their normal routines within a short period.

We’re Here to Help

Whether your horse has a small skin growth or a suspicious mass, our team is here to provide experienced, compassionate care. From diagnosis to surgery and post-operative follow-up, we are committed to your horse’s health and comfort.

📞 Contact us today to book an examination or discuss a lump you’ve noticed. We’ll help you determine the best course of action and ensure your horse gets the care they need.

Why We Bundle Our Surgical Pricing

We believe quality veterinary care should be affordable and stress-free. By bundling the full surgical journey into one straight-forward price:

      💡 You avoid unexpected add-on fees

      💰 You get excellent value for a comprehensive surgical care package

      💬 You know exactly what to expect—before, during, and after your pet’s procedure

This unique approach allows us to provide high-quality care at a fair, accessible price, without compromising on the comfort or safety of your pet.