Please note that this web page is not
designed to replace the advice of a veterinarian. Always speak to
a veterinarian about any new lumps or bumps your horse may have or
prior to beginning any kind of treatment
Congenital
Papillomatosis
Congenital warts rarely go away without
treatment. They are removed by surgery (cut them out) or ligation.(10)
Papillomatosis
Rarely need treatment of any kind, because they
usually clear up within a month or two however if they are bothering
the horse, they can be removed by surgical excision (cut them off),
ligation, or cryosurgery (freeze them). Previously warts were
treated by crushing one or two with pliers or hemostats in ancattempt
to
stimulate the animals immune system to help clear the wart virus
faster, however, this can result in infection and may even prolong the
disease. (4,10)
Aural Plaques
Aural plaques are best left alone, as attempts at
treatment may actually cause more discomfort to the horse than the
warts. If necessary, they can be surgically removed, however they
often return.(10,13,14)
Sarcoids
Sarcoids are frequently removed from
horses. The ideal treatment is surgical excision, cutting out
large borders around the tumor which ensures that all tumor cells are
removed. Cryosurgery and radiation therapy are also potential
treatment options for tumors that are in areas that may make surgical
excision difficult.(14)