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Australian veterinary journal2026; doi: 10.1111/avj.70104

An unusual presentation of a sarcoid in Australia.

Abstract: Sarcoids are a common skin tumour affecting all equids. To date, only one case of a sarcoid in the oral cavity of the horse has been reported. In the present case, an oral sarcoid was identified using histology and polymerase chain reaction to detect bovine papillomavirus type 2 DNA. The lesion was known to be incompletely surgically excised and did not recur over a 15-month period. This case report describes the first oral sarcoid identified in Australia.
© 2026 Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2026-06-12 PubMed ID: 42286884DOI: 10.1111/avj.70104Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

An oral sarcoid tumor was identified and studied in a horse in Australia, marking the first report of such a case in the region. The tumor was diagnosed through histological analysis and PCR detection of bovine papillomavirus type 2 DNA and showed no recurrence after incomplete surgical removal over 15 months.

Introduction to Sarcoids in Equids

  • Sarcoids are common skin tumors affecting horses and other equids worldwide.
  • They are associated with infection by bovine papillomavirus (BPV), particularly types 1 and 2.
  • Typically, sarcoids appear on external skin surfaces, not in the oral cavity.
  • Before this study, only a single case of an oral sarcoid had been documented globally.

Case Description

  • The case involved a horse in Australia presenting with an unusual lesion located in the oral cavity.
  • Clinical examination raised suspicion of a tumor, prompting further diagnostic testing.
  • Histological examination of the lesion tissue confirmed the presence of sarcoid-type tumor cells.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed on the lesion, revealing bovine papillomavirus type 2 DNA.
  • The detection of BPV-2 DNA supports the viral etiology of the tumor, consistent with sarcoids elsewhere on the body.

Management and Outcome

  • The tumor was surgically excised but the removal was incomplete.
  • Despite incomplete excision, the lesion did not recur during a 15-month follow-up period.
  • This absence of recurrence is noteworthy, as sarcoids often tend to regrow after incomplete removal.
  • The successful long-term outcome suggests possible variations in oral sarcoid behavior or host response compared to cutaneous presentations.

Significance of the Case

  • This is the first reported instance of an oral sarcoid in a horse in Australia.
  • The case expands the known spectrum of sarcoid presentations, demonstrating they can occur in the oral cavity.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering sarcoids as differential diagnosis for oral lesions in horses.
  • Identification of BPV-2 in oral sarcoids underscores the role of papillomavirus in tumor pathogenesis across different anatomical sites.
  • The case suggests surgical management can be effective even if the excision is incomplete, though ongoing monitoring remains essential.

Cite This Article

APA
Swadling VD, Hardcastle MR, Munday JS. (2026). An unusual presentation of a sarcoid in Australia. Aust Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.70104

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Swadling, V D
  • Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic, Howard Springs, Northern Territory, Australia.
Hardcastle, M R
  • IDEXX Veterinary Laboratories, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Munday, J S
  • School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.

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