Sarcoid in diffiuclt place

[Muddipaws]

Hi

A friends mare has developed a sarcoid in a very diffiuclt place, on her neck exactly where a reins would normally go. She has put some cream on it and it has dried it up to a certain degree, the others have dropped off. This particulat one is large and according to the vet cannot remove it as its on a main artery. So bless her twice a day she applies this cream and its to a degree worked, but this thing is so big it has (what can only be described as) a large boil and it catches on her reins. So we put vet wrap on it when she rides out. Now the problem is the midges when turned out, and they are eating it and its becoming sore again

Any idea what the best way would be to protect it, I could only think of a complete fly rug or possibly just the neck part of it? or a made up tubi grip type thing, I just dont know. All I do know is, its horrid to see and just getting bigger but its dry rather than red and angry looking (for today)

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

First off, I'd recommend doing a search on the Forum for sarcoids. Masses of posts about them and one of the biggest problems is whether a sore or lump is a true sarcoid or just a warty lump. Google Prof Derek Knottenbelt's definitive guidance on sarcoids. He's a world expert. Secondly, I was surprised at your vet's advice because my understanding is that sarcoids are a form of skin cancer and don't penetrate beyond the skin. So they wouldn't be a threat to underlying structures including blood vessels. Thirdly, if it IS a true sarcoid then your friend is right to try to keep it covered because it's believed that flies can spread the virus that causes sarcoids when they land on the sore place then fly to another part of the horse. The cream you mention is probably Liverpool Cream and it has a good success rate. The Prof would be able to advise your vets if they send a picture of the ? sarcoid to him at Liverpool Uni.