Page 10 - Equine Matters - Winter 2014

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Although the exact cause and mechanism of
spread of sarcoids across a patient's body
and between animals is poorly understood,flies
are thought to play a role. Sarcoids primarily
affect the skin and tissues immediately under
the tumour, but they do not spread to internal
organs. Wounds on an animal with sarcoids
are at risk of developing into a sarcoid.
Animals can develop single or multiple
sarcoids at one or more locations,
simultaneously or over time. They can grow
slowly or very rapidly and their appearance
is highly variable. There are a number of
categories of sarcoid, including flat, hairless
patches of skin (figure 1), nodular lumps
within the skin (figure 2), ulcerated and
bleeding pendulous masses (figure 3) and
even a mixture of several types. There is no
age or gender predilection, although animals
under two years of age are rarely affected.
Certain breeds such as Arabs, along with
certain families and individuals are thought to
be genetically predisposed. Whilst they can
develop anywhere on the skin, sarcoids are
most frequently found on the head and face,
between the front legs and in the groin.
Diagnosis
It is important to make an accurate diagnosis,
as sarcoids can be mistaken for conditions
which have different treatments e.g. they can
look similar to proud flesh, warts and even
ringworm. A skin sample (biopsy) is the only
way to confirm the diagnosis, although
taking a biopsy can trigger the sarcoid to
grow. Experienced veterinary surgeons will
often treat a suspected sarcoid based on
its appearance.
Treatment
Treatment can be quite expensive as it may
involve a number of visits and repeated
applications or injections over several weeks,
or possibly even a surgical procedure.
Sedation may be necessary, along with
local anaesthetics, antibiotics and painkillers.
In some cases it might be considered
appropriate to monitor a sarcoid, rather
than treat it immediately.
Treatment of individual, relatively discreet
sarcoids would normally aim to resolve them
completely. Patients with numerous or
extensive sarcoids might instead undergo
occasional courses of treatment to eliminate
the most problematic sarcoids. Realistic
expectations avoid disappointment in cases
where a complete cure may not be possible
and avoid frustration in cases where more
than one course of treatment is likely.
There are a myriad of lotions, potions and
supplements that make impressive claims at
treating sarcoids. Unfortunately there is
frequently little good scientific data to support
these claims. If such effective products existed,
the veterinary profession would already be
using them. The University of Liverpool
Veterinary School has a department dedicated
to the research, production and on-going
development of a chemotherapy cream, a
very effective topical treatment widely used
to treat sarcoids.
Without doubt, the best opportunity to
eliminate a sarcoid is the first occasion that it is
treated. Each time a sarcoid is re-treated, the
likelihood of being able to completely remove
the tumour decreases, hence the importance of
selecting an effective first treatment. There are
a number of medical and surgical treatment
options available.
SARCOI DS
Veterinary Surgeon
Chris Lehrbach
XLEquine Practice
Chapelfield Veterinary
Partnership Ltd
Sarcoids
Lesley Barwise-Munro,
Alnorthumbria
Veterinary Group
Current Treatment Options
Sarcoids
, a type of skin tumour, have without doubt become increasingly
common in recent years and they are now one of the most frequently
recognised equine skin conditions. This may be as a result of an increased
incidence as well as increased awareness amongst owners and veterinary
surgeons, leading to a greater number of animals being diagnosed.
Figure 1
Figure 2
9
EQUINE MATTERS
Chris Lehrbach BVMS MVM Cert ES (Orth) MRCVS
Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership Ltd
Figure 3