DefinitelyDressage.com

Any first hand experience with this?

My 25yo mare has had a snotty nose for an extended time. It started as a cold (the other horse got it, too) but never stopped. In the last few weeks it got worse. Vet thought most likely sinusitis last week so she's been at the vets this week and they've come back with a cancer diagnosis, although I'm waiting for the subsequent labs to see what type.

Not cancer, but my gelding had a large cyst removed from his sinus cavity about 5 years ago. They had to do a bone flap and it was amazingly clean and healed well. He has a few white hairs there, but it never bothered him again.

Jingles for your mare that it's something treatable!

I've dealt with both types of problems - cyst and neoplasia (malignant/cancer). Prognosis is very dependent on what type of cancer it is.

Adeno carcinoma
Malignant
Not removed all of tumour.
Metastasise to other areas, very common. Occurs locally and elsewhere (lung, liver, etc). That is not common in horses, tho possible, Locally invasive - ie can destroy/damage ethmoid bones. Can go into brain. No evidence of this in Scarlett yet.

If more debriding/flushing, wont get it all.
Majority has been removed, but will come back.
Discharge unlikely to resolve completely. Partly related to infection. Should improve/lessen.

This type of tumour tends to be faster growing. No timeline. Cannot comment that this is affecting quality of life. Monitor at home. Months, if that.

I am so sorry.