Due to its appearance, the neck lump is also known as a talpa, which means mole tumor. It describes all inflammatory enlargements of the soft tissues in the neck area of the horse. The majority of cases are due to inflammation of the bursa located under the neck band.
To better understand how the neck bump develops, it is necessary to take a brief look at the anatomy of the horse's neck. Above the first and second cervical vertebrae is a bursa, which serves to cushion and absorb shocks. From the back of the head, the nuchal ligament extends over these two bursae and continues across the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. The size of the two bursae varies from horse to horse, as they change over the course of a lifetime due to pressure.
The causes of neck bulges are mostly traumatic in nature. Blowing the neck against the manger, strong pressure or rubbing from a bridle that is too tight, a head-neck posture that is too tight when riding, or a fall can lead to bruising of the skin and the bursa. The resulting swelling can be caused by bruising, muscle contusions or, as in most cases, bursitis.
Infected puncture wounds can lead to purulent bursitis and abscesses, which can result in necrosis (cell death) of the neck ligament and a neck fistula.
Abrasions may be visible on the skin, which can develop into purulent skin and subcutaneous inflammation. Contusions or inflammation of the neck ligament cause swelling of the bursa, which is visible externally (through the neck strand) as a two-part, roundish-elongated circumferential enlargement on the first or second cervical vertebra. In some cases, the swelling is only visible on one side. Depending on the extent and cause, the swelling is warm and painful. Affected horses keep their heads low and are reluctant to be touched in this area.
In the case of infected inflammation with subsequent abscess formation, lumpy, slimy pus may be observed when the abscess opens. The affected area is clearly warm and painful.
Even though the clinical appearance of a neck lump is relatively clear, a veterinary examination should always be carried out. With the help of ultrasound diagnostics, the veterinarian can get an overview of the tissue damage and any fluid accumulation. Furthermore, purulent bursitis is not always immediately recognizable and can only be confirmed by puncturing and examining the contents. A further X-ray examination may also be useful to rule out bone changes in the occipital bone or the first cervical vertebra and diseases of the neck ligament origin.
The first important step in treatment is to remove any pressure from the inflamed area. Halters and bridles should not be used for the time being. Non-infectious bursitis or contusions can be treated initially with anti-inflammatory, decongestant local preparations. However, skin irritants should be avoided. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, the veterinarian may also inject anti-inflammatory agents directly into the bursa. Discuss the exact procedure in each individual case with your veterinarian.
In the case of purulent bursitis with abscess formation or fistula formation, local cleaning by the veterinarian usually does not bring the desired success. In severe cases, it may therefore be necessary to surgically remove the bursa and parts of the dead neck cord. Despite a relatively long healing phase, this operation has good prospects of success. The missing supporting function of the neck cord can be compensated for by strengthening the neck muscles. Please discuss the necessity of the procedure with your veterinarian in each case.
Non-infectious cases have a relatively favorable prognosis, although chronic thickening may remain. However, only significant changes at the origin of the neck band will restrict the use of these horses. In the case of infectious neck lumps, surgical treatment can also achieve a cure, but the healing process itself takes significantly longer. If the destruction of the neck band continues despite surgery, the prognosis is unfavorable.
Thanks to improved preventive care, senior dogs are no longer a rarity. Similar to humans, they suffer from classic age-related ailments such as osteoarthritis, cataracts, and dementia. Around 20% of nine-year-old dogs and almost 70% of 15-year-old dogs suffer from dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS or "dog Alzheimer's").
Winter affects humans and animals differently than summer. The body has to adjust to the cold, darker season. We can also help our dogs get through the winter very well.
Did you know that color rats have a pleasant calmness and can bring a lot of joy to those around them with their friendly nature?
There are many reasons why a mare that has previously been a riding horse might be turned into a broodmare. There are a few factors to consider on the way to your first foal.
The dog, which is descended from the wolf, has teeth that are designed for hunting, killing, and tearing food apart. However, the search for food has changed for our four-legged friends: today, we open a can or even cook for our beloved furry friends. Breeding different breeds has also changed the length of dogs' noses and the spacing between their teeth. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to dental problems.
A dull coat, hairless, inflamed areas of skin and often very severe itching are characteristic of this parasitic skin disease, which occurs worldwide and can affect dogs of all ages. It is triggered by a mite, Demodex, which is also found on healthy dogs. Why it multiplies at an above-average rate in certain cases and leads to the skin changes mentioned above is still not fully understood. The disease is not considered contagious.
It happens in the paddock or even in the stall: your horse injures itself and may be bleeding. What should you do? Is it just a small scratch, a bump, or even a huge, gaping wound? Do I need to call the vet, or can I treat it myself, and if so, how? How can I minimize the risk of injury in the future? Kicks, bites, falls, or foreign objects can cause cuts, puncture wounds, abrasions, bruises, contusions, or burns in horses, which may require veterinary treatment depending on their severity. The severity of an injury always depends on its location and the involvement of surrounding structures, such as muscles, tendons, or joints. As with humans, a distinction is made between covered and open injuries in horses. In covered injuries, the horse's skin is undamaged, which is why this type of injury is not always easy to detect. For example, a kick may have caused a bruise that we as owners may only notice when grooming or when the horse is lame. Damage to the skin is referred to as an open injury or wound. This results in bleeding of varying severity, but even here, smaller wounds can be overlooked due to the coat.
Borna disease, also known as contagious encephalomyelitis or head disease of ungulates, is a rare viral disease of the nervous system that mainly affects horses and sheep. However, other animals and humans are also susceptible to the Borna virus. The disease was first described in 1813, when a whole group of cavalry horses fell ill in the town of Borna.
Periodic eye inflammation has been known for over 2000 years and is the most common eye disease in horses. It describes a recurring inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea) in horses. In veterinary medicine, the term "equine recurrent uveitis" (ERU) is now used. The disease occurs repeatedly, initially at longer intervals and later at shorter intervals, and can lead to significant visual impairment. Since the affected horses often went blind from this disease and it was suspected that it was related to the phases of the moon, it was also commonly referred to as moon blindness.
Skin diseases are one of the most common reasons for visits to the vet, alongside gastrointestinal disorders. Pyoderma refers to purulent infections of the skin caused by various bacteria. In healthy animals, the skin provides good protection against infections through various defense mechanisms. There is a balance between the normal microflora of bacteria, yeasts, and parasites on the one hand, and the formation and breakdown of skin cells and their waste products on the other. The microflora feeds on the waste products of the skin and at the same time prevents the colonization of infectious germs.
Is your dog moving more stiffly, reluctant to go down stairs or jump into the car? Is he limping or does he have a swollen joint? Around 20% of all dogs develop joint diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis during their lifetime. But what is the difference between them?
Ear infections in dogs are one of the most common reasons for visits to the veterinarian. However, the condition is often detected too late and not treated consistently. The anatomical structure of the ear canal in dogs and its length make it prone to inflammation. Due to various factors, some dog breeds are even more susceptible to inflammation in the ear area. Outer ear infections, also known as otitis externa, are the most common type. Middle and inner ear infections are less common. However, if not detected early, these can develop into chronic conditions that require intensive treatment.
