Sarkoider hos heste – hvad er det og hvad kan du gøre?

Sarcoids in horses – what is it and what can you do?

July 7, 2025Ingeborg Rahbek Pedersen

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funktionel-fodring hud-pels-hove

Sarcoids are the most common skin tumors in horses.
They grow locally in the skin and surrounding tissue, but do not spread to internal organs (they do not metastasize).
They can appear on any part of the body – especially on the head, legs and abdomen – and appear in many forms: as warts, nodules, ulcers, flat areas or stalked growths.

🔬 Virus connection: Bovine papillomavirus (BPV)

A strong link has now been demonstrated between infection with a wart virus from cattle and the development of sarcoids in horses. These are Bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 (BPV-1 and BPV-2) .

In cattle, the virus only causes benign warts. However, when the infection crosses the species barrier and affects horses, it can lead to tumor growth in the skin.
BPV DNA has been found in over 90% of sarcoids by various analytical methods. The increased cell growth – in contrast to common warts – is due to the fact that the virus-infected cells produce certain viral genes (the oncogenes E5, E6 and E7 ) that both stimulate growth and interfere with the immune system's ability to fight the infection.
It is believed that the virus enters the skin fibroblasts via flies and biting insects (vector-borne infection) , direct contact with infected surfaces, cattle or equipment, and through skin damage such as cuts and wounds.

🧬 Other factors: Genetics and sensitivity

Not all horses exposed to BPV develop sarcoids.
There is evidence of genetic predisposition – certain breeds such as Arabians and Shire horses are more sensitive, while trotters and thoroughbreds, for example, have a lower risk.

🦠 Treatment and handling

Treatment is often necessary, especially if the location of the sarcoid interferes with equipment or is a nuisance to the horse. Possible treatments:

Surgery
Freezing (cryotherapy)
Immunotherapy (e.g. BCG)
Local chemotherapy
Wart-fighting ointments
Laser treatment

However, relapse is common – which is why a long-term perspective and supportive measures are important .

📋 Conclusion

Sarcoids are in the vast majority of cases caused by infection with BPV-1 or BPV-2 from cattle. These viruses infect the skin and lead to local tumor development – especially in genetically predisposed horses and in connection with skin injuries. The disease is not contagious in the classical sense , but the virus can be transmitted indirectly via wounds, equipment or insects.

🌺 Feeding horses with sarcoids – what can you do?

There is no single solution – but with timely and targeted feeding you can strengthen the horse's resilience, improve the conditions for treatment and support stable well-being over time.

💡 Short summary

Feed the horse a balanced, low-sugar, immune-supporting diet – and be sure to keep it lean and with stable digestion.

✅ 1. Support the immune system

The development of sarcoids is related to both viral exposure, tissue type and immune function. Therefore, it is important to ensure:

A sufficient level of vitamins and minerals
Natural antioxidants such as vitamin E, selenium and omega-3
A diet low in starch and sugar to reduce inflammation

Recommended products:

🟢 Regulator Complete Every Day Happy – covers vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is low in sugar and starch
🟢 RC O3 Algae Oil – rich in omega-3 and known for its role in inflammation regulation

🧬 Infobox: Natural substances with antiviral and immune-supporting effects
Several natural ingredients are known for their role in the immune system – and may be particularly relevant in connection with viral exposure:

Spirulina contains bioactive substances and antioxidants, which in studies have shown immunomodulating and virus-inhibiting effects.
Zinc, copper, iron and vitamin D are essential nutrients that support the body's ability to respond to viruses and maintain an effective immune response.
Chlorella contributes chlorophyll, minerals and bioactive compounds that can strengthen cell function and immune maturation.

🔹 Every Day Happy contains spirulina as well as zinc, copper, iron and vitamin D.
🔹 Peak Performance contains all the same - but also chlorella , extra spirulina and several natural bioactive substances , which overall contribute to an even stronger immune-supporting focus.

✅ 2. Reduce sugar and starch

Horses with sarcoids often benefit from feed with low sugar and starch content.

Avoid:

Grain-based and sugary products
Grass with high sugar content – especially in sunny weather and on lush pastures

Use instead:

Low-sugar hay or wrap
Straw as an additional source of fiber

✅ 3. Keep the horse slim

Being overweight puts a strain on the immune system and can worsen inflammation.

Make it easier for the horse:

Provide roughage ad libitum – but of appropriate quality
Limit grass (use a muzzle or reduce folding time if necessary)
Provide daily exercise, adapted to the horse's needs and physical ability

✅ 4. Support digestion

The gut is closely linked to the immune system – especially in chronic conditions.

Feed high-fiber food
Avoid sudden food changes and digestive stress

✅ 5. Ensure adequate protein

Protein is necessary for the building and maintenance of tissues – including skin and the immune system.

If the protein content of the roughage is low:

Supplement with soy meal, alfalfa or +Fiber Mash

🧴 Local care with oil

RC O3 Algae Oil can also be used externally. Many people apply it gently directly to the area with a glove or brush.
Some choose to combine internal and external use as part of daily care – but the reaction varies from horse to horse.

📌 Example of feeding plan (per 100 kg body weight)

Applies to horses from 3–15 years old:

65 g Every Day Happy ( 80 g for senior horses , +16 years)
65 g +Fiber Mash
10g salt
5–10 g RC O3 Algae Oil
Approximately 1.5 kg of good quality hay or wrap
For low protein content: 50–150 g soy meal daily

📎 Final note

There are many types of sarcoids – and no two horses are the same.
Feeding alone will not eliminate sarcoids , but a well-thought-out and immune-supportive feeding plan can be an important part of the whole.

📩 If you need advice on putting together a plan, you are always welcome to contact us.

📘 Fact box: What are sarcoids?

Sarcoids are skin tumors in horses, most often caused by a reaction to bovine papillomavirus (BPV) .
They come in various shapes – from small bumps to larger, vulnerable growths – and are typically found around the eyes, ears, belly and legs.

Sarcoids are not directly contagious between horses , but are considered to be a local reaction in the immune system, triggered by viruses and individual sensitivity.
They are benign because they do not spread to internal organs – but they can grow quickly, bother the horse and be difficult to treat.

👉 Read more here →

📙 Sources