XL Vets equine factsheets

Equine sarcoids are spontaneous, locally invasive tumours of the skin of horses, mules, and donkeys affecting all breeds, ages, colours and sexes and are the most commonly encountered of all the equine tumours. They are variable in appearance, location and rate of growth and although they seldom affect a horse’s usefulness unless they are in a position likely to be abraded by tack. They are however unsightly and may cause considerable discomfort to the horse. They are commonly seen in moist areas of skin such as the groin, chest, neck and face and particularly in younger animals (one-six years old) and geldings; they are frequently associated with wound sites and often multiply. Transfer and spread by flies has been implicated. Familial tendencies have been identified and a genetic susceptibility has been suggested.