Help! How Do I Treat these Tumors in My Horse?

Vinnie’s tumor around his anus has been growing at a rapid rate over the past few months. I’ve had a couple vets look at it but haven’t been satisfied with how they want to treat it. Both feel there is nothing that can be done because of the size of the tumors and the aggressive way it is growing. I just don’t accept that though. There has to be something that can be done.

I’ve read about different things and have tried them:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – tried and still use. I began giving this in feed when the tumor started to bust open. I’m not sure how or why it helped but it helped to keep it from getting worse.
• Cimetidine – I’ve been giving Vinnie this for 2-3 years now. This did help to slow the growth but I’m not sure it’s still helping. However, I’m to chicken to take him off it and risk them growing that much faster.
• Frankincense Oil – Just tried this tonight. I was told their are a few ways this can be used. (1) Use it with dmso and rub it all over the tumor or (2) inject it directly into the tumor. It’s suppose to kill the cells and reduce the size.
• Hemorrhoid Cream – Believe it or not, this actually did help. It didn’t reduce the size or stop the tumor from growing but it did keep his hind end from itching. It made him more comfortable so I used it.
• Surgery to remove the tumor(s) – I’m not 100% positive this is an option. A new vet I talked to is going to call VA Tech and talk to the surgoun there to see what he thinks. The problem with this option is the cost of the surgery. I don’t know exactly what it will cost at this point but I’m sure it’s $1500+ which is something I just can’t do knowing what I know. What I know and have been told by many vets is that you can remove the tumors but they will come back. Not to mention, I’m sure this would be painful for Vinnie and I just don’t know if I can put him through anything that would be hard on him.

The new vet I mentioned above is willing to try injecting the Frankincense oil after she contacts the vets at two schools who conducted studies and gets more information. Hopefully she gets the information she’s looking for and we can try this soon because I’m very worried Vinnie’s time is running out.

What has me so worried and so concerned is that I’ve been told by the two previous vets that the tumor will continue to grow until it blocks manure from passing and causes Vinnie to colic. At that point, he would have to be put down. Of course, this is not what I want to happen and the thought of having to put him down brings me to tears. I really hope it doesn’t come down to this. I’m hoping to get better news that there is something that can be done. Something that won’t cost a fortune. Something I can afford to do.

That is why I’m writing this post. I’m hoping someone who reads it can offer me some advice. Advice on something to try, something that has worked for your horse who had tumors. Anything. I’m willing to try anything as long as it’s not harmful or bad for him and isn’t very expensive. I do know they have chemo beads out that can be used but I’m not sold on that right now. I’ve only spoke to one horse owner that tried that route and she didn’t have a good experience with it and the tumor came back after treatment. Soon after treatment. So unless I hear more success stories with that and can be assured it won’t make him feel worse, it’s not an option.

So I’m asking you. Begging you, please share this post with all the horse owners you know and help me get some answers and advice on what can be done for Vinnie. There has to be someone in the world who has had a horse with tumors this large in this area and has had some type of success treating it. I’m not looking for a cure for it. I know there is not one. I’m just looking for an option that can help extend his life while keeping his quality of life as good as it can be.

Thank you!