Would you buy a pony with a sarcoid?

[UncleBunclesHouse]

It’s 7 years old and 11.2hh lead rein. It has a sarcoid around the size of a 50p between front legs, they are asking £3500 for it, for a first LR pony for my 3 year old daughter. They have not attempted to treat it so far.

I am very wary but can be very risk averse with horses and vet issues! My vet says it wouldn’t necessarily fail the vetting but the treatment is not at all pleasant. Also concerned how I would get on when it’s time to sell.

it’s a lovely pony and a ticks all the boxes otherwise, although I didn’t feel an instant ‘attraction’ to it if that makes sense.

Really appreciate any advice.

If there is only 1 then I would ask for a discount and then get it lasered off. Would cost around £500 for lasering

Yes they seem to be up for that. However it will be living next to cows, which brings a higher risk of recurrence in horses prone to them

Having experienced it recently unfortunately I'd say no. The speed at which they can worsen and spread if you're unlucky is frightening. We've had a couple lasered off and months later they are still far from being healed and there's even a new one growing on the edge of the wound just to really rub it in.

There are alternatives to laser. Our Fjord had loads at the same level. Some women with an onion came round. Not v successful. And another bloke did it from a distance with photos. More successful.

We are in France which has a lot of wooo.

Just dont use the liverpool cream

Would not put me off personally.

@21ZIGGY that’s exactly what the vet has said we would need to use

@stockpilingallthecheese really sorry to hear that

Its awful stuff. It burns them off. Not a reliable fix either. They just get them elsewhere.

My horse had bcg vaccine into hers on her face. But its only for face ones. Came off after 3 weekly or fortnightly jabs. Luckily once we killed that one the rest between her legs disappeared too. Theyre a nightmare.

As I understand it, they are becoming much more treatable, or at least there are now a larger number of treatment options. I have also been told (by a vet) that the risk of recurrence decreases once the horse is over (I think) about 12.

I have bought two horses with them. One "removed" his own on the way to his new (our) home when he flipped out in the horse box. It hasn't recurred. The other has just had three very neatly lasered. One was in an awkward place so we are told he will need up to four weeks off, but they are healing well and we think - barring accident - it is more likely to be between 2 - 3. I do know a horse where lasering made an awful mess - but now they are healed, he's not had any recurrence (in about 3 years).

So one wouldn't put me off.

Would put me off, had a horse fail a vetting for numerous reasons, but one of them was the. Sarcoids. I always go to watch vettings and my vet said treatment possibly in excess of £1000 and may recur, under eg girth which makes riding impossible

Between front legs but not obstructing the girth? I bought a horse with one near an eye and didn't use the Liverpool cream when the effect was described to me. I was successful with high fluoride toothpaste but horse was young. Have not got any more 10 years on. Had one banded by vet under sedation on a 6 year old pony which did not come back. We are near cows and I am very careful with fly management its the fly's that are said to spread it. I have also known horses PTS with them as riddled. Pony sounds good value, most likely already discoubted? if it was me I would take a change as temperament followed by ability is my biggest priority but others might be more cautious.

I had my heart horse for 17 years. Had her pts in Oct at 28years old. She had a sarcoid on the top of her front leg, when I bought her. I honestly tried everything homeopathic. Then had the Liverpool cream. I agree with others. It wasn't great. The best thing I found was xxtera (also known as bloodroot cream). I bought it from America. Hope this helps x

I bought my sons first pony five years ago. She had a sarcoid between her front legs too which they got removed with a laser.
She hasn't had any more since and is the best pony ever. She is now teaching my youngest the ropes!

Yes

Temperament is the most important factor, given the age of child Chances are you'll be able to get it removed; the vast majority respond very well to treatment whether it be Liverpool cream or laser. When you come to sell on this pony, the next purchaser will also be looking for a genuine character.

No.

The only thing predictable about sarcoids is they are unpredictable! If you're risk adverse to vet bills then I wouldn't, no. If you have time, patience, money and are up for a punt if they get worse, then maybe. Mine had horrific ones and took trying absolutely everything to get under control. Wouldn't wish it on anyone. Liverpool is really harsh but was the only thing that worked for us in the end. I was one of the unlucky ones. Absolute nightmare tbh.