Equine Physio question

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the appropriate section for my question but I would appreciate anyones advice on the following - a friend has a young gelding that he competes with at a high level. The horse has a one year history of a large palpable lump (about the size of a melon / he doesn't react on palpation) just lateral to his dock. Because it is has been there for a year I assume it isnt an abscess - could it be associated with the hamstring (although it doesnt seem to affect his performance)?? My friend did get a vet to have a look but nothing to report. I know an ultrasound is probably the best bet to get to the bottom of it but I was wondering has anyone seen this before?

Is it possible for you to post a picture so that we can more clearly see what you are referring to? Many thanks

If the rules in Ireland are the same as in England any Equine Physio work has to be allowed and pre-assessed by a vet.... Why not let an equine physio look at him. To assess it needs palpation of structures, joint testing, movement evaluation, symetry asymetry observation and history taking to involve work done, training and experience of horse and rider, past minor or major incidents etc. A melon sounds a bit big to be "nothing". Is it only on one side? Has the horse been lame, slightly lame or show irregularities in gait? is the tail often on one side?. An online diagnosis is a bit difficult really. There are web sites for finding equine therapists in the UK (but is this horse in Ireland?) People competing to "high level" in whatever disipline usually find physios suitably qualified to assess and treat if neccessary.

regards JM