Sarcoids are the most common tumor in equids worldwide. However, no perfect treatment exists, writes Elizabeth Collar, DVM, PhD, DACVS-LA. She reviews possible treatment options for the wide range of variables that are present with each tumor. The article includes pictures that demonstrate tumors, treatments and treatment complications.
Source: DVM 360, May 2023. Link. Sarcoids are cutaneous, fibroblastic neoplasms with a proliferative epithelial component and are classically grouped into six types, as follows:
- Occult: flat and hairless, often circular
- Verrucous: scab or wart-like appearance, possibly containing small nodules
- Nodular: discrete, solid nodules that may ulcerate and bleed
- Fibroblastic: irregular growths with a wet, hemorrhagic, ulcerated surface that typically bleed easily
- Mixed: a combination of 2 or more types
- Malevolent: a rare, aggressive tumor that spreads extensively
Also see: Novel equine sarcoid treatment, EquiManagement, May 15, 2023. Link. Anna Hollis, DACVIM, DECEIM, MRCVS, discussed treating equine sarcoids with tigilanol tiglate at the 2022 British Equine Veterinary Association. Tigilanol tiglate is a medication used to treat mast cell tumors in dogs.