Sarcoids: injection?

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bluemoon123

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Earlier this week, there was an article in H&H re: a potential cure for sarcoids. But it was also mentioned in that article that there's an injection (costing I think £100) that helps to treat them today. My question is: do any of you know of this injection; what is its name; and if you used it on your ponios, did it work? (Obviously this post is for research purposes and based on your feedback, we'll be discussing this with our vet)
 
Think it's the BCG injection that is also used for Cattle, but I may be wrong.

My horse has had 2 small Sarcoids in the past and my personal choice is for removal, it is quicker and cheaper and i've seen the Liverpool Cream make a mess of some horses, quite invasive and not completely cure it, also v expensive but Obv it depends on the horse, type of Sarcoid, location of it etc etc.
 
BCG injections, given as a course for example 5 times in 2 week intervals, injected into each sarcoid or just the main ones but will treat the rest as well, however it depends on the type of sarcoid and how many the horse has, usually if the horse has a lot of sarcoids of varying types then BCG injections is a good route to go down, but it your horse only has the odd one here and there then usually they suggest the other alternative treatments.

The injections can range from as little as £35.00 plus VAT per injection up to £100 depending on how much the horse requires and where your vet gets it from.
 
Thanks for your feedback. The sarcoid is right in the corner of the eye so a very delicate place. But this is great info, thanks.
 
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and if you used it on your ponios, did it work?

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TBH, that information doesn't help YOU! There are many different types of sarcoids and the type of sarcoid - coupled with its location - dictates the treatment most likely to be successful in that individual horse!

I've had sarcoids banded and frozen, treated with Liverpool Cream - and one horse was treated (successfully) with an immuno-suppressant drug - for extensive (more than 100!!) sarcoids on the inside of the thighs and lower hind leg. The latter is a fairly dangerous treatment, and works in 50% of cases, but the risk (and the cost) make it a treatment of last resort.

This is what DK (GOD!) says about BCG treatment:

" This method works reasonably well for nodular and fibroblastic lesions around the eyes but is much less effective elsewhere.

It should not be used on sarcoids on the limbs – they will often become much worse!

The method has significant risks and so careful supportive medication is required at the time of each injection. The risks relate to the chance that the horse will react adversely to the protein in the injection. The material is used for human TB vaccination and almost every child receives this injection into the skin – there is an inherent minute risk with that also according to the human data sheets!"

I have a very good vet who has taken a keen interest in sarcoids in the 20+ years he has been my vet. He still will not treat a sarcoid without taking pictures and sending pics and history to DK for advice on the BEST way to treat that particular sarcoid!

Much as I trust him, I value his willingness to seek expert opinion. Needless to say, all sarcoids I have had treated in this wya have been successfully treated!
 
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