sarcoids

[klb]

Hi has anyone had a horse that has had two small sarcoids that have remained unchanged for a number of years, I'm looking at 4.5 years, which have suddenly changed into something more problematic or other ones have appeared. many thanks

 

[meleeka]

My boy came with one small sarcoid which after a few years multiplied into 11 siddenly. I had them treated with Liverpool Cream and after 5 years the original one has grown back but is still small and not growing.

The trouble is once they have one they are more likely to get more as it is thought they are spread by biting flies.

 

[Red-1]

Yes, as I understand it, sarcoids are caused by a viral infection. So, once the horse is infected he/she will always be liable to any more as they have the virus, even if sarcoids are removed. The virus can be spread by flies if both host and victim have open wounds, although there is also some controversy about flies round eyes.

Many horses have more come up, commonly when under stress, where, like many viruses, the virus will overcome the immune system.

Sadly, this also means that if someone buys a horse who has had a sarcoid successfully treated, or who has had a sarcoid that has not changed in years, if they move home and are stressed then they can start again.