Please spare some positive thinking for Nell

[50BalesOfHay]

DH's beloved mare (Nell) is undergoing investigations. The working diagnosis is squamous cell carcinoma in her eye. She needs a biopsy, then we'll have an idea of the prognosis and how aggressive the treatment will be. Maybe the combined positive vibes from the Tack Room might help? Or has anyone got any experience of this condition? (I was Treblesallround, by the way, if anyone remembers me)

[Mirage]

Oh no! Will cross everything and send positive vibes.At least you have the best vets on the case.When will you hear anything?

[gordyslovesheep]

no experience but loads of positive vibes from me xxx

[frostyfingers]

Oh that's bad news. I've no idea about it I'm afraid but will be thinking positive for you all. Fingers and toes are crossed.

[CMOTDibbler]

Thinking of her. Is it actually in her eye, or just v close to it ?

[50BalesOfHay]

Thanks all, the growth is on her eyeball. Biopsy booked for Friday but the vet's not hopeful it's anything else. If the biopsy is positive the likelihood is that she'll have to have the eye removed and a further biopsy of her lymph nodes to see whether it's spread.

And 3 weeks ago we decided to stop insuring the 'happy hacker' horses for vet fees, as we needed to reduce our monthly outgoings. Twill be very frugal round here for a long time!

[frostyfingers]

Well if she does have to have the eye taken out don't lose heart. I know there are many horses managing perfectly well with one eye doing all sorts of things.

Our ageing spaniel had an eye ulcer and on the vet's advice we had the eye removed. Bearing in mind she was 14, deaf and as nutty as a fruitcake we thought she'd find it really hard, but amazingly it only took a couple of days before she worked out that she couldn't see on that side and how to put herself in a position to see with the other. Yes, she bumped into a few things, but actually it was miraculous to see how quickly she learned. Her companion was great too, she "herded" her when she thought she was going the wrong way (bit like a blind person being accompanied across the road when they don't want to go possibly!).

Sods law about the insurance though.

[Callisto]

So sorry to hear that 50 (and yes, I remember you as trebles). Good luck with it all.

[Mirage]

Oh Dear,if she does need to have the eye removed,they can cope very well with only one.DD1 learnt to ride on a one eyed pony and had no trouble.Fingers crossed for you all.

[ThatVikRinA22]

more well wishing vibes from camp tutu.....when will you know?

[Plomino]

Lots of positive pony vibes from us too ! Infuriating about the insurance though . I got caught out with one of our dogs , and it cost us over £3000 . That was a lesson learned .

[booksinbed]

Hi there- sending much love and many positive vibes and wishes..xxx

[frostyfingers]

Hoping today goes well 50Bales - let us know how it goes.

[Alameda]

any news? x

[50BalesOfHay]

I hope we don't have to travel with her too often! 700kg of draft horse who really really doesn't want to get on the lorry, then once eventually loaded stomps up and down all the way to the vet isn't an experience I want to repeat too often!

The vet got good samples, so we should get an accurate result, we'll know mid to end of next week, and she's recovered well from the procedure

However, it's in both eyes, they found a small lesion in what we thought was the good eye, so if it is carcinoma the likely prognosis isn't great. On the positive side though, it's not that common to get it in both eyes so that may indicate it's something else. DH swinging between optimism and devastation at the minute.

Thanks for the good vibes, they do help!

[booksinbed]

If its not that common then lets hope that it is something else.Look after yourselves and we are all thinking of you and sending positive thoughts.

[Alameda]

eeek squeamish but sending love without reading any details!

[Mirage]

Still sending positive thoughts.You know where I am!

[frostyfingers]

Fingers still crossed for you.

[50BalesOfHay]

Well we got the results of the biopsy and it is squamous cell carcinoma in both eyes. Our vets are referring her to the Liverpool University vet hospital as they've had very good results with topical chemotherapy, so there may be some hope for a positive outcome, without extensive surgery. We're trying to stay positive at the minute, and trying not to worry about the money too much. It will be better once we know what the options are.

[CMOTDibbler]

Sorry to hear that. But she's in great hands at Liverpool

[50BalesOfHay]

Not looking forward to transporting her from Leicestershire to Liverpool though! She was bad enough the 3 miles from the yard to our vets!

[frostyfingers]

That's a shame, I'm sorry to hear that. Liverpool is the best place though and if anyone can do anything they can. Does she travel better with a companion - would you be allowed to take one? If she's a greedy guts it may be worth starving her before she goes and distracting while on board with some hay - this worked for a bad traveller I had, although not always. When do you think treatment will start and how does it work? Fingers still crossed for you.

[Mirage]

I'm sorry to hear this,but the fact it can be treated is a positive.I'm not busy at the minute and if you do need any help,please let me know.

[booksinbed]

Just to say thinking of you x

[dappleton]

Just seen your post now, my heart sank for you when I got to your last update. So sorry to hear this and really wish Nell all the best, hoping Liverpool can help her make a full recovery. x