Sarcoids

After a long winter, spring is finally coming! It is often at this time of year that I start to see a number of new sarcoid cases. So here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to sarcoids:

Sarcoids are a type of tumour that is found on the skin and they are specific to equines only. They don’t spread to other organs of the body, but they can spread to other parts of the skin and may become much larger. They can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and can be found on any part of the body. If you find any lump on your horse’s skin, you should seek veterinary advice. Sarcoids are not warts, they are tumours, and therefore veterinary attention is always required. Very occasionally sarcoids can spontaneously resolve, but this is very rare (0.8% of cases) and it is impossible to know which cases will or will not resolve.

So my first piece of advice is – if you find a lump on your horse’s skin – call the vet!

My second piece of advice is - don’t try to treat it yourself! Over the years I have witnessed ill-advised applications of all sorts of lotions and potions including camarosa cream, Bazuka gel and even toothpaste! These preparations not only will not do any good, more importantly they may do harm. Once again, it is important to remember that sarcoids are tumours. If you aggravate a tumour by applying inappropriate topical preparations there is a strong possibility that you may actually cause that tumour to spread. Alternative therapies such as herbs and homeopathy are not likely to help either and they may potentially cause harm by delaying sensible treatment.

There are many possible different types of veterinary treatment available for sarcoids and treatment selection depends on the type, size and location of the sarcoid(s). Once we have examined your horse and the sarcoids, we will advise that photographs of each lesion are obtained. We then forward these photos to the leading expert in sarcoids, Derek Knottenbelt. An individual treatment protocol is then specifically designed for your horse and most treatments will be able to be administered by a veterinary surgeon only. The treatment of sarcoids can be costly and lengthy and there is a possibility that repetition may be required or that the sarcoids may return. In all cases however, the earlier treatment is embarked on the better – i.e. before the sarcoids become larger or spread to other areas of the body.

To summarise, sarcoids are a frustrating and difficult condition of horses for owners and veterinary surgeons alike, but if you find what you think might be a sarcoid on your horse – call us!

Nikki Brown BVetMed MRCVS