Ridge

Swamp cancer and horses
The term swamp cancer is used to describe a growth on horses that are not a cancer but in fact a fungal infection phycomycosis caused by the organism hypomyces destrens. This infection probably acquired this name because they commonly occur on horses in swampy areas of the tropics and grow rapidly invading the tissue and developing a large fibrous reaction around them. Although they more typically occur in swampy, muddy or flood conditions they are also seen on horses in dry dusty paddocks. The fungus is a normal soil organism that gains access through an injury, leech bite or possibly also insect bites. A firm swelling develops, ulcerates and exudes a blood-tinged fluid from holes [sinuses] in the growth. Characteristic granular yellow bodies called kunkers are found in the tumour. Surgical excision is the most common treatment and ridge underwent extensive surgery to have the growth removed. Though not expected the lesion should be watched closely for signs of re-growth