Equine sarcoidosis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Equine Medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Equine sarcoidosis is an increasingly recognized dermatologic condition in horses.
• It can manifest as exfoliative or nodular skin disease, potentially involving systemic organs.
• Mares and horses aged 3 years and older appear predisposed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the emerging nature of equine sarcoidosis.
• To emphasize its consideration in differential diagnoses for horses with skin disease.
• To describe clinical presentation and prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case review and diagnostic evaluation of horses with dermatologic conditions.
• Histopathological examination of skin and internal organ biopsies.
• Assessment of treatment outcomes and prognosis based on disease presentation.

Main Results:

• Equine sarcoidosis presents with exfoliative and/or nodular skin lesions, sometimes with systemic granulomatous disease.
• Multiple breeds are affected; mares show a predisposition.
• Prognosis is poor for generalized disease but favorable for localized cutaneous forms, often requiring long-term management.

Conclusions:

• Equine sarcoidosis should be a key differential for horses with exfoliative/nodular skin disease.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate management are critical for improving outcomes.
• Prognosis varies significantly between localized and generalized forms of the disease.