Due to its appearance, the neck lump is also known as a talpa, which means mole tumor. It describes all inflammatory enlargements of the soft tissues in the neck area of the horse. The majority of cases are due to inflammation of the bursa located under the neck band.
To better understand how the neck bump develops, it is necessary to take a brief look at the anatomy of the horse's neck. Above the first and second cervical vertebrae is a bursa, which serves to cushion and absorb shocks. From the back of the head, the nuchal ligament extends over these two bursae and continues across the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. The size of the two bursae varies from horse to horse, as they change over the course of a lifetime due to pressure.
The causes of neck bulges are mostly traumatic in nature. Blowing the neck against the manger, strong pressure or rubbing from a bridle that is too tight, a head-neck posture that is too tight when riding, or a fall can lead to bruising of the skin and the bursa. The resulting swelling can be caused by bruising, muscle contusions or, as in most cases, bursitis.
Infected puncture wounds can lead to purulent bursitis and abscesses, which can result in necrosis (cell death) of the neck ligament and a neck fistula.
Abrasions may be visible on the skin, which can develop into purulent skin and subcutaneous inflammation. Contusions or inflammation of the neck ligament cause swelling of the bursa, which is visible externally (through the neck strand) as a two-part, roundish-elongated circumferential enlargement on the first or second cervical vertebra. In some cases, the swelling is only visible on one side. Depending on the extent and cause, the swelling is warm and painful. Affected horses keep their heads low and are reluctant to be touched in this area.
In the case of infected inflammation with subsequent abscess formation, lumpy, slimy pus may be observed when the abscess opens. The affected area is clearly warm and painful.
Even though the clinical appearance of a neck lump is relatively clear, a veterinary examination should always be carried out. With the help of ultrasound diagnostics, the veterinarian can get an overview of the tissue damage and any fluid accumulation. Furthermore, purulent bursitis is not always immediately recognizable and can only be confirmed by puncturing and examining the contents. A further X-ray examination may also be useful to rule out bone changes in the occipital bone or the first cervical vertebra and diseases of the neck ligament origin.
The first important step in treatment is to remove any pressure from the inflamed area. Halters and bridles should not be used for the time being. Non-infectious bursitis or contusions can be treated initially with anti-inflammatory, decongestant local preparations. However, skin irritants should be avoided. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, the veterinarian may also inject anti-inflammatory agents directly into the bursa. Discuss the exact procedure in each individual case with your veterinarian.
In the case of purulent bursitis with abscess formation or fistula formation, local cleaning by the veterinarian usually does not bring the desired success. In severe cases, it may therefore be necessary to surgically remove the bursa and parts of the dead neck cord. Despite a relatively long healing phase, this operation has good prospects of success. The missing supporting function of the neck cord can be compensated for by strengthening the neck muscles. Please discuss the necessity of the procedure with your veterinarian in each case.
Non-infectious cases have a relatively favorable prognosis, although chronic thickening may remain. However, only significant changes at the origin of the neck band will restrict the use of these horses. In the case of infectious neck lumps, surgical treatment can also achieve a cure, but the healing process itself takes significantly longer. If the destruction of the neck band continues despite surgery, the prognosis is unfavorable.
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