Sarcoids are caused by variants of the bovine papilloma virus. Sarcoids are so strongly associated with the virus that all the sarcoids tested for the virus have been positive.
If that’s the case, why don’t all horses exposed to the virus form sarcoids?
Based on the current evidence, some horse are genetically susceptible to the virus. Specifically, researchers have found regions on chromosomes 20 and 22 that are different in sarcoid horses.
The specific region affected, Major Histocompatibility c
Complex II (MHCII), is a region oof the genome responsible for immunity. Interesting, similar associations have been made in humans. For example, cervical cancer cause by the human papilloma virus (HPV) has been linked to changes in the genome MCH II and is responsible for 5% or more of cancer cases worldwide wide. This is very convincing that this genetic mutation across species has allowed the virus to subvert the immune response.
There is also evidence that this genetic susceptibility is more prevalent in certain breeds and may be passed on the offspring. For example, it is found very rarely in Standardbred horses and commonly in Quarter Horses.
Because of these findings, a lot of research has focused on genetic therapy with varied results. This has included injecting immunities around the tumor or creating a autologous vaccine from the tumor itself. Like all treatments for sarcoids, this has proven very effective in some horses and not at all in others.
So what happens when you apply Equi-Sarc?
Equi-Sarc contains both anti-neoplastic and anti-viral herbs. This means, abnormal cells that are affected by the virus will start to die. This can look different based on the sarcoid type and the viral zone. Sometimes there’s more going on under the skin than what you see externally. You can see hair loss around the sarcoid after application, a change in skin color or texture. These are good signs that the product is working. It’s a great, natural, local therapy that cause little irritation compared to other topical products.
So, what added benefit do you get from feeding Lifespan?
Lifespan contains herbs that help to balance the body, support cancer regression, and boost the immunity. Herbal medicine is about finding the cause of the issue (the imbalance) and restoring order so the body can function at its best. If your horse formed a sarcoid, that automatically puts them in the “genetically susceptible” category. If they were able to fight the virus appropriately, they wouldn’t have formed the lesion. If their body was perfectly balanced, without fault, they would be healthy. We have some horses that have regression of sarcoids using Lifespan alone!
This is also why as a veterinarian and scientific + traditional herbalist, I enjoy making custom blends through our website. It gives me the opportunity to learn about your horse’s immune incompetence as an individual and target the parts that may be lacking. For example, Cushings disease also causes horses to be immunocompromised which can exacerbate sarcoids. There is so much to consider as the body is complex and amazing!
Consider trying out Lifespan product to help your horse naturally! I’d also love the opportunity to design a custom blend for you.
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