Patient: Alice
Breed/Type: Thoroughbred
Presenting complaint: Rapidly enlarging fibroblastic sarcoid on left forelimb.
Overview – What Are Sarcoids?
Sarcoids are a common type of skin tumour in horses, thought to be caused by a virus in the papilloma family, typically one that infects cattle. They often develop where the horse has a wound or damaged skin, and flies may play a role in their spread.
Traditionally, sarcoids have been treated topically with caustic creams or imported ointments, which can be effective but may require repeated application and ongoing management. Surgical removal has typically been avoided due to the high vascularity of these tumours, the risk of slow-healing wounds, and the high rate of recurrence.
However, laser excision offers a new and exciting alternative. Unlike traditional methods, the laser cuts while simultaneously cauterising, reducing bleeding, minimising trauma, and significantly lowering the chance of regrowth. Better still, laser surgery is extremely well tolerated in the standing sedated horse, with minimal swelling, virtually no post-operative pain, and faster healing.
History: Alice’s owner first noticed a small 1cm sarcoid on the lateral side of her left forelimb about a year ago. The mass remained unchanged until it began to grow rapidly over a few weeks, prompting a consultation with Sunshine Coast Equine Veterinary Clinic.
Clinical Findings: Examination revealed an 8cm by 6cm fibroblastic sarcoid with a mushroom-like shape and a severely ulcerated surface.
Management and Outcome: Dr. Massimo performed a laser excision using our new surgical laser unit – the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast. Alice was sedated and the area was locally anaesthetised. The mass was resected cleanly at its base using the laser, which allowed for precise removal with minimal bleeding.
Alice remained in hospital overnight for monitoring and post-operative care including anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and bandage changes to keep the site clean and dry. She recovered comfortably and without complication.
Discussion: Laser excision offers significant advantages in sarcoid removal. It reduces the risk of tumour seeding and minimises bleeding due to the coagulative effect of the laser. These factors make laser surgery a more controlled and effective treatment compared to traditional excision.
Importantly, many laser procedures – unlike conventional surgery – can be done under sedation, avoiding the need for general anaesthesia. This reduces both the risk and the cost to the owner, making it a safer, more accessible treatment option.
Laser technology has wide application beyond sarcoid removal, including treatment of various upper respiratory tract disorders.
Key Takeaway: Sunshine Coast Equine Veterinary Clinic is proud to be the only equine practice on the Sunshine Coast offering surgical laser treatments. This innovation allows us to treat complex conditions more safely and effectively, often without the need for general anaesthesia.
