Sarcoid removal

[Marigold4]

Pony has sarcoid at the point where the underside of his neck meets his jaw. It was missed at the vetting as covered by thick fur, so I still have insurance. It's about the size of a 50p. This summer I applied Germolene daily and the top layer came off! So it is now same size but almost the same thickness as his skin. I want it removed now the flies have gone.

Would it be best to remove it by laser or surgery? Because of the position it's unlikely to get muddy. Cosmetically, it's position means a scar won't be very noticeable. Main concern is that it doesn't return.

Photo is of sarcoid before it lost top layer.

 

[meleeka]

Your vet will be able to advise which method is best. I think they’d probably go for laser on that.

 

[Marigold4]

Your vet will be able to advise which method is best. I think they’d probably go for laser on that.

Vet coming to look today. Just looking for people's experiences. I sometimes find vets see things from a different perspective to horse owners who do the aftercare and see the long term results.

 

[Tiddlypom]

If it's suitable for banding, that is the best and cheapest way to remove it, but that's a tricky location and banding might not be advisable. I've had one banded off the jowel before, and it never recurred.

For successful banding, the sarcoid should be a discrete lump without being adhered to tissue underneath, it needs some spare loose skin underneath it to get the bands on (sorry, not very technical talk there!).

It's worth asking your vet about, though, even if it's to rule banding out.

 

[ycbm]

My first thought was also that there's enough loose skin in that area to band it. The advantage is that there should be no open wound if it's banded.

 

[Marigold4]

It's pretty flat though - particularly now the top layer has come off. There is a lotof loose skin but it's also in a place where he's going to be moving that skin a lot while grazing. Anyone had success with banding flat ones?

 

[ycbm]

Never seen one done, I suspect your vet will suggest laser, it's got good results these days.
.

 

[Tiddlypom]

If it's not suitable for banding, then lasering does work well. My vets do lasering in clinic only, not ambulatory, but it's the right time of year for it (no flies).

Good luck.

 

[asmp]

Some years ago this was banded. Looks pretty similar to your one.

 

[live2ride]

Another option which can work if enough loose skin is smart surgery. The skin is sutured together under the sarcoid and then the sarcoid is lasered off.
With it sutured before removal, lessens the risk of sarcoids popping up along the suture line

Had this method done for a sarcoid removal in April from his girth Line.

Has healed flat.

 

[live2ride]

Forgot to say.. there is a high risk of sutures popping/breakdown, but that’s a high risk for any sutures in a horse apparently .

 

[Marigold4]

So ... vet has been and we are going for laser treatment. Fingers crossed that it works as part of me says leave it alone!

 

[Marigold4]

Update: surgeon came yesterday. Laser surgery performed in his stable. It's a big hole but hopefully good margins. Lump will be sent to lab for analysis and to make sure that there are clear margins. If not, he will get more treatment.

 

[ITPersonnage]

And in four weeks it will be half the size and you'll be so pleased you had it done

 

[ycbm]

That's a neat job. They're always better gone if it can be done easily. It will heal well, hopefully.
.