23/10/2026
🐴 Equine Sarcoids – A Common Tumour You May Not Know About 🐴
Have you ever noticed a strange lump or skin lesion on your horse and wondered what it could be?
Equine sarcoids are a type of skin tumour found in horses. They are usually benign, meaning they don't spread to internal organs, but they can be locally invasive and can become a significant problem depending on their size and location.
🔍 What can a sarcoid look like?
Sarcoids can appear in several different forms, including:
• Small, flat, hairless patches
• Warty or crusty growths
• Firm nodules under the skin
• Smooth, raised masses
• Open, ulcerated lesions
They can occur almost anywhere on the body, but are commonly found around the head, neck, limbs and areas around the eyes.
⚠️ Why are they important?
Although some sarcoids remain unchanged for long periods, others can grow rapidly, become irritated or bleed. Their location can also make treatment more challenging — particularly around the eyes or near joints.
🩺 How are they treated?
Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the sarcoid and the individual horse. Options may include surgical removal, cryotherapy (freezing), topical treatments or other therapies.
Importantly, not every lump is a sarcoid, and some treatments can make certain sarcoids more aggressive. That's why it's important to have suspicious skin lesions assessed by your vet before attempting treatment yourself.
👀 Our top tip: If you notice a new lump, changing skin lesion, area of unexplained hair loss or a wound that doesn't seem to heal, get in touch with your equine vet.
Early assessment can help us determine what you're dealing with and discuss the most appropriate options for your horse.
🐎 Have you seen a sarcoid on a horse before? Share your experiences below!
