09/10/2025
🐴💡 What Are Sarcoids in Horses? 💡🐴
Sarcoids are benign tumors that arise from the skin and connective tissue. They can look like warts, scabs, or sores, and may appear anywhere on the horse's body, but are most common around the head, ears, face, and groin.
🧐 Types of Sarcoids:
There are several types of sarcoids, and how they look can vary:
Occult: Flat and hairless, often mistaken for a healing wound or infection.
Verrucous: Warty or scabby growths that look similar to warts.
Nodular: Hard, raised lumps beneath the skin.
Fibroblastic: Larger, ulcerated growths that can bleed easily.
⚠️ What Causes Sarcoids?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) has been linked to the development of sarcoids in horses. This can be spread by flies and insects These tumors tend to be more common in younger horses, particularly in lighter-skinned breeds like Arabians, Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds.
🩺 How Are Sarcoids Diagnosed?
Sarcoids are usually diagnosed on their appearance but occasionally we may take a biopsy or remove the mass and send it to a lab for diagnosis. Sarcoids can sometimes be mistaken for other skin issues, so having them properly diagnosed is essential.
💉 Treatment Options:
While sarcoids aren’t typically life-threatening, they can cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns, especially if they grow large, become ulcerated or interfere with movement. Common treatment options include:
Surgical removal ; often done under standing sedation but some require gneral aneasthesia, they can be removed by sharp excision or laser ablation
Cryotherapy (freezing)
Topical treatments (such as immune-modulating drugs or creams)
Radiation or chemotherapy
💡 Proactive Management:
Regularly check your horse for new lumps or growths, especially if they’re in areas where tack or fly masks may cause irritation. Early detection can lead to more successful treatment options.
📞 If you spot a new growth or notice any changes in your horse’s skin, don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice.
