In the abdomen of a horse or pony they are invariably round, encapsulated, fairly soft tumours and can cause obstructions. Animals over the age of 12 are susceptible and may appear depressed rather than in severe pain. Abdominal sounds may be absent. On rectal examination, a vet may be able to feel loops of enlarged small intestine. If the lipoma is growing on a stalk in the abdomen it may wrap around the intestine causing strangulation.
Surgery is essential to take out the lipoma and affected intestine.
Some vets have been recommending the use of organic sulphur for horses for several years. Racehorse trainers feed it before races to prevent muscle soreness and to lessen the risk of cramping. Other uses are for stiff joints and inflamed feet. MSM is a relative to DMSO or dimethyl sulfoxide and has many of the same properties but without the obnoxious odour. DMSO is used to treat sore shins, splints and other inflammatory conditions in the horse and pony.