I have been putting this off for several weeks in hopes that
this problem would go away.Alas,
it has not and I am in need of some advice.My 23 year old Quarter Horse mare, Sierra
has turned yellow.The vet
discovered it on her annual horse dentistry marathon day about 6 weeks ago.A CBC (complete blood count) and chemistry
panel were drawn. However only the bilirubin was elevated; the liver enzymes and CBC were all
normal.I have been watching Sierra
and find her yellow hew changes daily and she has an increased in belly size.She eats, drinks, pees, poops normal.However she is easily winded by mild exercise and is “crappy”
off and on.About 3 weeks before
the initial discovery I gave Sierra a double dose of “plain wrap” Strongid wormer.She also had a spot on fly treatment about the same time.Both treatments have been given in the
past without any ill effects.
As an old ICU nurse, I suspect she has cancer that is affecting
her liver. I realize if this is true Sierra is at a much higher risk for a
deadly colic.I understand there is
an equine tumor marker, but I can not recall the name.Any insight or
suggestions on tests or potential treatment?Anyone out there who has dealt with this
before?
To make this endurance related Sierra has not only taught my
daughter and many other children to ride, she has patiently baby sat and
mentored Lyric and now Jazzy. She has
taught countless horses how to cross our creek and how to go down the trail. Sierra has made many of my horse dreams
come true and I could never have taken on Lyric without her.Any information is greatly appreciated.Sadly,
