Do treat or not to treat - Sarcoids?

[DougalJ]

I have been reading many posts about sarcoids recently and was interested to see what the general opinion as to treat or to leave these sarcoids well alone. I have a 14 year old WB gelding with many sarcoids in his groin and sheath area. He has had them for 4 years now. Some have disappeared on their own accord and some have grown. I have had 2 vets check these over the last 4 years and have been advised to leave. I am going to ask the vet to check again as on our yard next week (a new vet). I feel that they shouldnt be treated and it seems that a high percentage of sarcoids that are removed or treated with Liverpool Cream do seem to return. However what are the risks in leaving them? At the moment they do not interfere with him or affect riding and he is in general good health. I worry that a course of hard treatment might affect his immunity etc. Any thoughts?

 

[touchstone]

My mare has a few that I am leaving well alone on the advice of my vet and also gut instinct.

If they began to change or were in a place which interfered with tack and were causing problems then I might reconsider, but I think that when they have a lot anyway choosing which to treat and the soreness that goes with that may be an issue.

If I were you I'd just keep a close eye and continue as you are.

 

[Spyda]

If they are not causing a problem and are being kept an-eye-on, I'd follow the vets' advice and leave well alone. I've a filly with a long sarcoid hanging down just infront of her her teats. Looks like she's got an extra boobie! My vet has looked at it and advised leaving it be. I'd rather it wasn't there, but am glad it isn't noticeable or irritating the mare in anyway.

 

[hairycob]

My mare has so many sarcoids that I have lost count but we have only treated 5 that were causing problems. Treatment runs the risk of making them worse and for a few they can take a long time to heal. Pickle had her first course of treatment on the 5 last October/November. 2 dropped off & healed quickly. 3 had to have a 2nd course of treatment in early March & one of those (the one under the saddle

) has still not healed & it will probably be another 3 months before I can ride her.