Equine Sarcoid Sarcoids are benign
tumors that are locally aggressive. Sarcoids are the most common neoplastic disorder in the horse accounting for thirty three percent of all equine tumors, and sixty seven percent of all equine skin tumors. infection, though the etiological agent is idiopathic . Recent studies have shown links between sarcoid formation and bovine papilloma virus types I and II. It is thought that sarcoids are related to
In the host cells, the virus causes the alteration or inactivation of genes controlling growth or cell type resulting in neoplasm formation.
Higher incidences of sarcoids are reported in
horses and Thoroughbreds while
Standardbreds seem to be less susceptible, suggesting some genetic link.
Sarcoid tumors are generally found on the lower limbs, the head, neck and ventral abdomen or in sites of previous injury. Tumors are found in multiples and present in 6 distinct forms. sarcoids are flat, hairless areas that may be darker in colour and may have scale or crust. Occult sarcoids are described as looking like cigarette burns in the haircoat. sarcoids are horny papules that are friable and may ulcerate. Verrucose sarcoids are described as wart-like. sarcoids are raised, firm nodules covered by normal skin and hair. sarcoids are raised areas of fibrous granulation tissue that is prone to ulceration, exudation and crust. Fibroblastic sarcoids look similar to areas of proud-flesh. sarcoids are a combination of two or more of the above types. sarcoids are rare. These lesions invade deep into tissues and are metastatic.
Diagnosis of equine sarcoids can be made through signs and symptoms and through biopsy and histology.
Treatment of sarcoids is varied depending on the type and location of the tumors. For many cases of sarcoids no treatment is needed, and treatment may be as disturbing the tumors may trigger increased growth or metastasis. For those tumors requiring treatment excision, cryosurgery, radiation, chemotherapy, topical ointments or the application of bands to cut off the blood supply may be used to remove or diminish the tumors.
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