Sarcoids are a relatively common skin tumour seen in horses of all kinds. Although they generally cause no major systemic health problems, the presence of sarcoids can cause local irritation, problems with tack and a loss of value if selling your horse.
It is believed that sarcoids are caused by a virus spread between horses by flies. Around the eyes, ears, armpits, groin, sheath, chest and are the most common site to find them. Some horses may only have one sarcoid whilst others may have several across their body.
How do I recognise a sarcoid on my horse?
Sarcoids have multiple appearances:
- Flat/Occult:areas of dry, thickened, hairless skin
- Verrucose: Wart like lump
- Nodular: round often hairless lumps
- Fibroblastic: can appear like a wound that doesn’t heal as expected.
- Malevolent: can spread along the skin causing a chain of lumps and ulcers.
Sarcoids can be small, but their growth is unpredictable. If in doubt, ask your vet to examine the lump and discuss treatment options.
How do I stop my horse getting sarcoids?
There is no reliable way to avoid sarcoids. Reducing contact with flies using fly repellent and fly rugs may help to reduce spread. It is also important to keep wounds clean and protected to avoid them becoming a target for flies.
How can sarcoids be treated?
Several different types of treatment exist for sarcoids and more than one may be used at a time depending on the type and location of the lesions. The tumours are easier to remove when they are small.
Options for treatment include:
- Surgical Removal: Small tumours can be removed surgically, often with a laser to reduce to risk of recurrence. Many can be done under standing sedation although a general anaesthetic may be required depending on location and number of lesions.
- Ligating With Rubber Rings: This only works on nodule- like sarcoids and doesn’t remove the whole of the tumour. A tight band is applied around the tumour cutting off the blood supply. After a few days the part of the tumour with no blood supply will fall off.
- Chemotherapy: Cytotoxic creams can be prescribed and applied by a vet onto the sarcoids. This is usually done under advice of a specialist in this field. The creams can be very effective but can cause damage to other surrounding structures. Topical chemotherapy can also be used in conjunction with surgery.
Discussing the options with your vet is very important to find the right treatment for you and your horse.