Page 892 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 18.39 The same pony 9 months after treatment with HDR brachytherapy
Radioactive implants (low dose brachytherapy)
Small tumours around the eye respond well to the use of radioactive implants and the
cosmetic result is usually good. However, the cost of treatment is high and there are radiation
safety considerations as the implanted radioactive wires stay in place for around 3–5 days,
during which time the horse must remain in strict isolation and is not handled at all to avoid
exposure of personnel. This is likely to be superseded by HDRB and in the UK there are
currently no centres offering low dose brachytherapy treatment.
Teletherapy can also be used. This is when an external source of radiation (X-rays or
gamma-rays) is directed at the body from a distance of 80–100cm. The procedure has to be
done with the horse under general anaesthesia and multiple treatments are required. It is
expensive and not universally available.
OTHER INTRALESIONAL THERAPY
The following substances can be injected into the sarcoids.
• Cytotoxic cream.
