Despite the numerous treatment choices available for equine sarcoids, no modality is 100% effective in producing a cure. So which of the numerous treatment options should veterinarians use to treat this common equine tumor? The answer depends on a number of factors, and at the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., one researcher gave a rundown of evidence-based sarcoid treatment options.

Small sarcoids generally cause little disruption in a horse's daily life. Under certain circumstances, however, these tumors can spontaneously grow into a nuisance, a health risk, and an eyesore. In such cases, "early recognition coupled with appropriate treatment is paramount to a successful outcome," explained Ann Rashmir-Raven, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, associate professor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

"The treatment modality selected is determined by many variables, including sarcoid tumor type and location, aggressiveness of the tumor, clinical experience, client compliance, treatment costs, patient behavior, and the availability of services, equipment, and facilities," she added. In short, it's not an easy decision.

She noted that regardless of the option selected, treatment must be aggressive