quick question about litf

[videogirl10]

i have read the reports of his cancer. why can't they just remove his spleen? i had mine removed almost ten years ago and things are fine. is it the same way with horses. i know people don't really need it, but do they? i am sure it serves the same functions in horses as it does in people.

[whorstman]

Originally Posted by videogirl10

i have read the reports of his cancer. why can't they just remove his spleen? i had mine removed almost ten years ago and things are fine. is it the same way with horses. i know people don't really need it, but do they? i am sure it serves the same functions in horses as it does in people.

I believe it serves mostly to produce insulin, and there are other organs that can do that. So removing the spleen is possible. I had a very good friend that ruptured his when we were kids and had it removed. He has never been the same. He has had many health issues over the years. Not sure with horses, I think they will know once they do the exploritory surgery to see the extent of the cancer. I think they could do it, but if the surgery is too invasive, they may not. Cross your fingers.

[chupster2]

Sorry but the pancreas creates insulin. The spleen, in a horse, is a storage unit for red blood cells. Yes, they can live without it, but he can't run. The problem is if this is lymphoma, it is probably NOT just in the spleen. Lymphoma's usually also need chemotherapy treatment as it travels by white blood cells. Spleen surgery in a horse is also uncommon. I know they will try but things ain't looking good.

[whorstman]

Originally Posted by chupster2

Sorry but the pancreas creates insulin. The spleen, in a horse, is a storage unit for red blood cells. Yes, they can live without it, but he can't run. The problem is if this is lymphoma, it is probably NOT just in the spleen. Lymphoma's usually also need chemotherapy treatment as it travels by white blood cells. Spleen surgery in a horse is also uncommon. I know they will try but things ain't looking good.

Yup, oops, I guess that's why I'm not a doctor.

I asked the same question to Dr. Allday on last nights show... best thing to do is go listen to the segment....