Can sarcoids lie dormant?

[Archiesmummy]

Following an earlier post, it got me thinking (oh no, I hear you cry)

For many sarcoids are a definite no no and they would not contemplate buying a horse with one. FYI, I bought Archie, had a 5 stage vetting, which failed to pick up a small sarcoid on his sheath. I discovered is a few days after he arrived but did not feel compelled to pursue with vet and let things lie. It has proved insignificant and not a problem (touches wood).

Sarcoids, as I understand them, are viral and usually triggered from a virus at a young age ? Not sure if I am correct, sorry.

Can they lie dormant and appear when a horse is a lot older or do they usually appear when a horse is relatively young? Can bloods be tested for potential carriers?

It seems such a shame that many people would write off a suitable horse if it has a sarcoid when it could prove of no consequence, ever. I know if you take a chance with a sarcoid and it can go the other way, they spread and can cause problems, but like anything else in our world of equines, nothing is a certainty and many things that are insignificant in many horses have could exasurbate into a major problem.

Perhaps I should stop thinking ... life seems so complicated when I do

 

[lindsayH]

Yes, my boy grew one on his eye (at age 4) which we removed. Then nothing for nearly a year when it re grew. Then a funny patch of skin appeared on his dock about a year ago (aged 14). Which stayed the same for a year before growing to the size of a golf ball in 2-3 weeks. They seem to be very unpredictable.

 

[brighteyes]

Not sure about dormant, but if a horse gets genuine sarcoids as a youngster (I think two/three/four) then they go of their own accord, then the horse is likely to have developed immunity. I read this somewhere, can't remember where. A rising 4yo I had, got three in the classic armpit - chest area. I gave him thuja and left them alone and they disappeared. He has been sold since then and as far as I know, they have not returned.

Older horses can have treatments which work then they get further outbreaks in other areas, or some lie 'dormant' and unchanging only to spring into life and grow massively for no apparent reason.

I personally dread them.