Hi Dr. Getty...you have been a huge help to me in the past and I'm hoping you may have some advice for me once again. My 14 year old gelding has the infamous melanoma lumps. Most are fairly small (dime and penny sized) but there is one near his tail head that concerns me. The vet has seen it and recommends just cleaning it good when it drains. I am hoping you might have suggestions about it....It looks like a cluster of grapes so I think the "big" tumor is actually a bunch of smaller ones. The whole thing is probably softball sized. It oozes black, oily fluid (which I'm assuming is melanin) about once a month. I am currently cleaning it with providone/iodine solution and keeping neosporin on it when this happens. Any suggestions you have about cleaning it or supplements or anything you can think of would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much!

Where are you from? King William

How did you locate this forum? co-worker

Hi Ashley,

I'm assuming that this melanoma has been diagnosed as benign. Malignant melanoma can be life threatening.

I would do whatever possible to boost your horse's immune function. Consider a double dose of PreOx per day. You would discontinue feeding any other multiple vitamin/mineral supplements while on PreOx.

I came across a very interesting research study where frankinsence was used successfully to reduce the nodules you describe. Here is the website: http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2006&itemno=66 It is worth considering.

Keep me posted on how he is doing.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

I have come across that article before...I want to give it a try. It's unfortunate that there's really no treatment for melanoma. If Frankincense oil will reduce the tumor's size, I am all for it. Any idea where I can buy it? I can't seem to find it in the pharmacies around here. Thanks again!

Where are you from? King William

How did you locate this forum? co-worker

Hi Ashley,
You should be able to find frankensense at a Sprouts or Sunflower Market. You could also try Trader Joes (I would call first). Not sure where you are located but I am also sure you can order it online and have it shipped if you do not have a sprouts or sunflower market nearby. If there are any "New Age" bookstores nearby you can also find it there. Good Luck!

Where are you from? Arizona

How did you locate this forum? Friend

Thank you, Cynthia, for the wonderful suggestions. I expect that on line shopping will be successful if Ashley cannot find it locally.

Keep me posted, Ashley, on how things are going!

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO