Equine Sarcoids

Sarcoids are common skin tumors, most of the time they are benign but their growth can eventually interfere with a horse’s life. They can appear on any part of the body as single or multiple growths, but are more common on the head, especially the ears, and the legs.

There are five types of sarcoids:

Fibroblastic – The most aggressive and fleshy-looking sarcoids often caused by skin injuries. There are sub-types of the Fibroblastic Sarcoid, which a vet would have to determine. Early treatment is essential with this sarcoid since it can spread between horses and become less manageable during the fly season.

Malignant – The rarest and most aggressive form, it widely spreads over the skin and the underlying tissues. It appears as lesions and nodules on the skin.

Nodular – There are two types, one which can be moved freely on the surface and another which cannot be moved. They appear grape-like, with lesions on the skin, and are usually located on the eyelids, axilla, inner thigh, and groin area.

Occult – The most benign form, which typically will not change from its flat and scaly appearance

Verrucous – Another benign form, it appears as a thickened, scaly, furless, and wart-like appearance.

It should be noted that oftentimes, sarcoids are a mixture of the types above.