Sarcoid - stopping flies getting at it

[jesterfaerie]

After a year of searching for the perfect fly mask for my lad I found it - within a week it has been trashed.

He has an occult sarcoid on his muzzle and I am really trying to keep it covered up with the amount of flies we have around already. However he hates this new fly mask with a passion because it covers most of his face (can still eat etc) now I am debating whether to just keep trying this mask on him until he accepts it or trying something else. I am rather reluctant to cover the sarcoid with any chemical solutions in case I make things worse.
The only options I can think of are -
1 - fly mask
2 - some sort of creme/spray based protection (no idea what though) - also struggling to find a decent fly spray!
3 - grazing muzzle (shires) but making the hole a bit bigger so it won't actual restrict his intake but covers his nose. - Could be a totally hairbrained idea

Any suggestions/help is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Bugly]

Try covering it in Hilton Herbs Virex cream....will help it to dry up and drop off and then maybe something like IV Horse Fly cream over the top....oh dear- sounds like a nightmare for you!

 

[competitiondiva]

I'd go down the cream route personally I used Net tex fly cream to keep flies off my foals umbilical stump, he didn't mind it at all, think it was quite soothing! If you're looking for products to help shrink the sarcoid, zinc is supposed to be good in fighting the virus so anything zinc based (nappy cream!) may help but possibly won't keep the flies off.

I found this product if you wanted a net to keep off the flies if he doesn't like a full face mask:
http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/sun_protection/field_reliefreg_muzzle_protector/

 

[jesterfaerie]

Bugly it isn't that sort of sarcoid, it is flat and just looks like ringworm or a patch of hair is missing so there isn't anything to 'dry up and drop off'
Competition - sorry didn't say where the sarcoid was but it is on the side of his muzzle and the nets don't go low enough down to cover them.
Since I bought him last year the sarcoid seems to have gotten smaller which is why I am not wanting to put anything on it in case it aggrivates it so just looking for protection against flies rather than to try get rid of it for just in case!


Thanks for the two cream suggestions.

 

[burtie]

Don't use creams or lotions and potions directly on an occult sarcoid as they could easily make it ulcerate. I found on my mare the best thing was to spray Avon skin so soft onto a cloth/sponge and wipe it all around the area of the sarcoids but not actually on them.

Hope that helps,

burtie

 

[jesterfaerie]

Pic of it so you get an idea of what I meant by the last post.
When I first got him.

6 months or so after - looks similar to now (recent pics too big and internet too slow to resize

)

Sorry if they are too big.

 

[jesterfaerie]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't use creams or lotions and potions directly on an occult sarcoid as they could easily make it ulcerate. I found on my mare the best thing was to spray Avon skin so soft onto a cloth/sponge and wipe it all around the area of the sarcoids but not actually on them.

Hope that helps,

burtie

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks a lot.

 

[burtie]

That is looking much better, fingers crossed it continues to shrink. I know from bitter experience these types can be the hardest to treat even though they don't look as bad as the other types.

 

[jesterfaerie]

Yeah and because it has reduced quite a bit and has stayed reduced for the best part of a year I don't want to touch it really (my vet suggested I leave it be if it isn't getting any worse). So long as I can try prevent it from spreading to any other parts of him I am happy to accept it as it isn't in the way of anything or causing discomfort.....*touch wood*.

 

[Bugly]

Ah I see your predicament! My mare has one of the those on her girth area......now the only brain wave I have is years ago you used to be able to get 'plasters' for horses.....I used one with much success when my mare's horrendous sarcoid on her chest burst- to keep the flies off. I don't think you can get them anymore so I guess a human plaster?

I'm going to a lecture on Sarcoids on Thursday...i'll let you know if I pick up any tips!

 

[jesterfaerie]

Fantastic thanks a lot Bugly. Much appreciated.