Sarcoids in Horses
Updated July 6, 2024 | By: Dr. Lydia Gray
What are Sarcoids?
Sarcoids are the most common skin tumor in horses. Most experts believe they are caused by the bovine papilloma virus (BPV), although there is a genetic component to tumor development. That is, sarcoids tend to run in families.
They occur in young to middle-aged horses (3-12 years) and can be found anywhere on the body, although most are located on the head, legs, and belly.
Four Types of Sarcoids in Horses:
- Verrucous or wart-like tumors
- Fibroblastic or proud flesh-like tumors
- Mixed verrucous and fibroblastic tumors
- Occult or flat tumors (hair loss, scales and crusting)
Diagnosing and Treating Sarcoid Tumors
A veterinarian should examine any skin growth, areas of hair loss, or other changes to diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Unfortunately, no single treatment is universally effective in eliminating sarcoid tumors. Treatment options for active tumors include:
- Cryotherapy
- Surgical removal
- BCG injections
- Radiofrequency hyperthermia
- Carbon dioxide laser surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Cisplatin injections
Removing Sarcoids in Horses
Although Sarcoids do not spread throughout the body (metastasize), they can be very aggressive locally, especially if disturbed. Even confirming the diagnosis by skin biopsy runs the risk of triggering growth in a dormant sarcoid into growth.
For this reason, verrucous and occult tumors especially that are not active should be left alone.
Ask the Vet Video on Sarcoid Growths
In this Ask the Vet video, Dr. Gray explains the genetic component to sarcoid development as well as areas where they commonly occur on a horse's body.