Horses can develop several different types of sarcoids

There are four main types of equine sarcoids: occult, verrucous, nodular and fibroblastic. Each has a different appearance, and what is visible on the surface may be only the tip of the iceberg, as the roots of the sarcoid can extend into deeper tissues. Veterinarians are trained to distinguish between the different types of sarcoids — consult a veterinarian before starting treatment! Horses may have more than one type of sarcoid at the same time, and several types may occur in the same area (mixed-type sarcoid).

Apply the best treatment

Approximately 40 different treatment methods are used worldwide for the management of sarcoids. Many so-called “sarcoid remedies” lack a scientific basis to support their use.

Our ointment is based on extensive scientific research and traditional folk knowledge, with the aim of providing horse owners with an effective, non-surgical solution for the treatment of sarcoids that relies on natural ingredients and is grounded in both science and traditional experience.

Similar lesions in the same anatomical region may respond differently to the same treatment. It is therefore important to obtain correct treatment advice as soon as a sarcoid-like lesion is noticed.

The use of inappropriate treatment frequently makes the sarcoid more aggressive and may lead to the development of new sarcoids across the entire horse. Repeated unsuccessful treatments make subsequent management more difficult; for this reason it is essential to select the best possible treatment from the outset.

Sarcoids should be treated at an early stage, while the lesions are still small. This increases the likelihood of effective treatment, particularly in horses under six years of age.

Other treatment options for equine sarcoids

Radiation therapy 

Radiation therapy involves the placement of radioactive material into or around the sarcoid and generally produces the best results. It is highly specialised, expensive and available only at a small number of centres worldwide (currently in Germany and France). It is typically used for complex lesions, for example around the eye or over joints, when owners are prepared to make a significant financial investment.

Surgical removal 

Surgery is suitable for certain sarcoids, but it can increase aggressiveness or lead to recurrence, sometimes only after several years. Success depends on careful case selection — ideally small, well-demarcated lesions in appropriate locations.

• Smart Surgery employs a strict “one cut, one blade” principle to minimise the risk of contamination with tumour cells and can achieve a good cosmetic outcome in suitable sites.
• Laser surgery reduces the risk of contamination with tumour cells and is generally preferred over conventional surgery, although primary wound closure is often not possible and healing may be prolonged.

The procedure may be performed under standing sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on location and size; the latter substantially increases costs. Leaving the wound open is frequently preferred, but this carries a risk of infection or recontamination and slower healing. Surgery is often combined with other treatment modalities to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Cryosurgery (freezing) 

Cryosurgery is suitable only for small, superficial lesions and requires repeated freeze–thaw cycles. It can cause damage to surrounding tissues and extensive scarring, and the recurrence rate is high. Combining cryosurgery or hot cautery with conventional excision may result in faster recovery.

Ligation (banding) 

Ligation is appropriate only for certain pedunculated lesions (primarily A1- and B1-type nodular sarcoids and some small fibroblastic forms) after veterinary assessment has confirmed the absence of deep roots. The mass dies and separates over several weeks, frequently leaving an open wound larger than expected. It is most effective when combined with topical treatments that also act on the root. Never attempt ligation without veterinary supervision, as the presence of a deep root can significantly worsen the situation.

Important principle 

The best outcome is achieved by selecting the optimal primary treatment for the individual lesion. Incorrect or delayed treatment can increase aggressiveness and the number of sarcoids. Early and minimally invasive intervention on small lesions, particularly in horses under six years of age, offers the best prognosis.