Laser surgery

Sarcoids

Sarcoids are a cancer affecting all equids although, unlike other cancers, they do not spread to the internal organs. Nobody fully understands the cause of equine sarcoids, or why some horses are more susceptible than others to developing them.

Sarcoids can occur anywhere on a horse and can be exacerbated by inappropriate treatment and management. Once a horse has one sarcoid, they often develop more. Sarcoids can affect the performance of a horse and will almost certainly affect its value.

Our equine clinic has a diode laser machine for the effective removal of sarcoids and other skin tumours. The treatment provides excellent cosmetic results with an approximate 80% non-recurrence rate. This can be done both standing or with general anaesthesia, with competitive prices and rapid appointment times. The procedure is offered to our clients as well as those referred to us from other veterinary practices in the region.

Alternative treatments of sarcoids include:

• The use of ‘AW4LUDES’ cream, produced at Liverpool University. This can only be applied by vets due to its toxic effects. This method is not suitable for some sarcoids.
• Sarcoids can be removed surgically although great care must be taken to reduce the risks of leaving some sarcoid behind, or actually spreading the sarcoid around the area at time of surgery. This risk is reduced if a laser is used instead of a normal scalpel blade.
• Other treatments include radiation, injecting the sarcoid with BCG vaccine and the application of a strangulating band.

If you are concerned about a possible sarcoid on your horse, please contact us so that we can discuss the best treatment option with you.

NEVER attempt to treat a sarcoid yourself.