Sarc-off® is a herbal formulation based on bloodroot powder.

WHAT ARE SARCOIDS?
The term 'sarcoid' is used to describe skin tumours which are commonly found in horses and donkeys. They can vary in size from very small tumours which change little over time to much larger pendulous tumours which can grow very aggressively. Whether they are small or large in appearance, these tumours generally only affect the skin and do not penetrate further internally.



Sarcoids are comprised of fibroblastic cells, which are found in normal skin tissue. They are often benign but they can also be malignant so veterinary advice should always be sought.

WHICH HORSES ARE AFFECTED?
Horses, donkeys and members of the equine family may develop this condition. It is found in both genders, can develop in most ages and across the majority of breeds.

These tumours are not currently thought to be contagious but a possible source of infection could be flies, especially in summer. This makes good fly prevention and control a very important strategy in combating this condition.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
As soon as you notice a new sarcoid, you should consult your vet immediately for a diagnosis, which may include a biopsy. Treatment options can depend upon which type of sarcoid is diagnosed and where it is located, as well as how aggressively it is growing. Currently common options may vary from topical treatment through to surgery, cryosurgery and chemotherapy.

BLOODROOT, THE PLANT USED FOR CENTURIES
Bloodroot, Sanguinarea canadensis, is an important herbal plant harvested from the hardwood forests of the Southern United States. Native Americans first started using bloodroot on skin conditions and its use has continued ever since.

There are different types of Sarcoids

There are different types of sarcoid of sarcoid

SIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF SARCOID HAVE NOW BEEN IDENTIFIED:

• Occult sarcoid
• Verrucose sarcoid
• Nodular sarcoid
• Fibroblastic sarcoid
• Mixed sarcoid
• Malignant sarcoid

Once you have consulted your vet, they should be able to advise you which type your horse is likely to have.

SARC-OFF® HERBAL FORMULATION INCLUDES:

• Bloodroot - contains the alkaloids sanguinarine, protopine and chelarythrine. Sanguinarine is the predominant alkaloid, making up 50 percent of the total alkaloid content. Sanguinarine and chelarythrine damage cells. As a result, applying bloodroot to the sarcoid may destroy tissue and lead to the formation of a large scab
• Zinc chloride - causes skin irritation

Where sarcoids occur
shown in percentages.
SARC-OFF® WORKS
In cases where Bloodroot and Zinc chloride was used, only up to 20% of sarcoids returned within 60 days of removal. However, a second application is usually effective - less than 2% returned which usually do not recur following a final application.

Using

PRESENTATION
A thick brown ointment containing bloodroot (Sanguineria canadensis) and zinc chloride.

USES
Skin conditioner and blemish remover for the horse.

APPLICATION
Wearing gloves, apply daily to the affected area for four to six days. Apply only to the affected area. Do not apply to healthy skin. For best results, ensure that you have a good coverage over the entire surface area affected.

WARNINGS
Do not use on thin areas of the skin (e.g. near the eyes), soft tissues or near prominent blood vessels. For application on the face do not use within three inches of the eyes.

PRECAUTIONS
Causes drying of the skin: wear gloves to apply this product.
Keep out of reach of children.
For application to equines only.

STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place.

PACK SIZE
Glass jar containing 45 grams.

References
www.sarcoids.co.uk, 2010
Bolin D.C., Equine Sarcoid (1999), Equine Disease , Vol. 7, nr 3
Predny M.L, Chamberlain J.L., (2005) Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): an annotated bibliography. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-86. Asheville,
NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 55p.
Pettersson, Carina (2008) Utvärtes behandling av sarkoider på häst med Aldara TM eller Xxterra TM.
Dept. of Clinical Sciences, SLU. Examensarbete (Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Fakulteten för veterinärmedicin och husdjursvetenskap, Veterinärprogrammet) vol. 2008:16.

Sarc-Off® is a registered trademark of Forum Products Ltd.

For further information, please contact Forum Animal Health on
+44 (0)1737 781416 or
animal.health@forumgroup.co.uk