Evaluation of larval therapy effects on the progression of equine sarcoid

Abstract

Background: The skin is the largest organ of the body and is of particular importance in the beauty and economic value of the horse. Equine sarcoid disease (ESD) is the most common skin tumor in horses. So far, various methods have been used to treat sarcoidosis, but no fully effective treatment has yet been proposed. The use of larval therapy in the treatment of human diabetic ulcers and horse hoof lesions is spreading. Reports of the use of larval therapy to treat the complications of tumor lesions have been promising.Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of larval therapy on equine sarcoid lesions. Methods: In this study, 4 cases were diagnosed with sarcoid by clinical examinations and pathological tests, and larval therapy was used to treat sarcoid lesions. To place the larvae on the lesion, the method of implantation in an artificial nest was used. The number of larvae used per square centimeter was about 10 larvae. Result: The result of treatment was satisfactory in 2 cases of horses and even in one case the lesion was largely limited and the emergence of healthy skin began. In the other two cases, no positive result was seen, which was probably due to the extent of the lesion and the instability of the larvae on it. Conclusions: According to the obtained results, it seems that larval therapy is effective for the treatment of sarcoid necrotic lesions, but more studies are needed in this field.