News and Events
November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, and at Woodside Equine Clinic, we’re raising awareness about cancer in horses. Early detection and modern treatment options — including electrochemotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy — are helping horses live longer, healthier lives than ever before.
Common Types of Equine Cancer
Horses can develop a variety of tumors, both benign and malignant. The most common include:
-
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Frequently seen around the eyes, eyelids, penis, and vulva, especially in light-skinned horses exposed to sunlight.
-
Sarcoids: The most common equine skin tumor. Although typically non-metastatic, sarcoids can be locally invasive and often recur if not treated properly.
-
Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system that may affect the skin, lymph nodes, or internal organs.
-
Melanoma: Common in gray horses, often appearing under the tail, near the lips, or around the eyes.
Signs of Cancer in Horses
Early detection starts with daily observation. Keep an eye out for:
-
Unusual lumps, bumps, or swellings
-
Non-healing wounds that persist or change in size
-
Changes around the eyes, sheath, or vulva such as swelling, discharge, or irritation
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Even small changes can signal something more serious.
Equine Cancer Treatment Options at Woodside Equine Clinic
Woodside Equine Clinic offers a range of advanced cancer treatments for horses in Virginia, allowing us to tailor care to each horse’s needs and comfort.
Surgical Removal
When appropriate, surgical excision is often the most effective way to remove tumors. Many procedures can be performed with the horse standing, reducing anesthesia risk and recovery time.
Electrochemotherapy
Our clinic proudly offers electrochemotherapy for horses, an innovative treatment that combines localized electrical pulses with chemotherapy drugs to destroy cancer cells. This technology allows us to treat many cutaneous and external tumors — including sarcoids, melanomas, and squamous cell carcinoma — while the horse remains standing.
Chemotherapy
Certain cancers respond well to topical, injectable, or intralesional chemotherapy. These therapies may be used alone or alongside surgery or electrochemotherapy to improve outcomes and minimize recurrence.
Our veterinarians will develop an individualized treatment plan based on your horse’s tumor type, size, and location to provide the best possible prognosis.
Why Early Detection Matters
Regular grooming, observation, and veterinary checkups are the best tools for catching cancer early. Identifying tumors in their early stages means less invasive treatments, shorter recovery times, and a better long-term outlook for your horse.
If you’ve noticed a new lump or skin change on your horse, contact Woodside Equine Clinic today.
Our experienced team is here to provide thorough evaluations and advanced treatment options to keep your horse healthy, comfortable, and thriving. Call us at 804-798-3281 or visit www.woodsideequineclinic.com to schedule a consultation.
Our experienced team is here to provide thorough evaluations and advanced treatment options to keep your horse healthy, comfortable, and thriving. Call us at 804-798-3281 or visit www.woodsideequineclinic.com to schedule a consultation.