Clinical observations on the use of BCG cell wall fraction for treatment of periocular and other equine sarcoids

Abstract

Clinical observations on the use of BCG cell wall fraction in oil for treating seven horses with periocular sarcoids and five horses with sarcoids in other regions are described. Therapy was successful when used for periocular or solitary and smaller sarcoids. For sarcoids previously treated with cryosurgery, therapy appeared to be less efficient. A horse with a sarcoid on the stifle developed a septic gonitis due to necrosis of the sarcoid tissue adjacent to the joint. Sarcoids of the axilla appeared to be more aggressive than sarcoids at other locations and did not respond favourably to this form of therapy.

Immunotherapy of bovine ocular squamous cell carcinoma by repeated intralesional injections of live bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or BCG cell walls

“…The results obtained with repeated local administration of BCG in superficial bladder cancer in humans [2, 3, 5, 13, 20-22, 26, 27] and in sarcoids in horses [16,23,28,29,33] stimulated the present study of the effect of repeated treatment of BOSCC with BCG. Moreover, in a previous study of Klein et al [17] it was suggested that the success of the therapy might be correlated with the ability of the immune system to generate long-lasting BCG-specific memory.…”

“…Repeated intralesional injections of BCG in horses with fibro-epithelial tumours (equine sarcoids) resulted in complete cure in 50%-90% of the animals [16,23,28,29,33]. There was no recurrence after repeated treatment [16].…”

Equine periocular neoplasia: Current concepts in aetiopathogenesis and emerging treatment modalities

“…Local and systemic anaphylaxis has been noted especially after the second injection (Owen and Jagger 1987). Pretreatment with corticosteroids may be required.…”

Periocular sarcoids in the horse: three cases of successful treatment

“…commercial living reconstituted BCG vaccine [Wyman et al 1977;Winston et al 1979;Knottenbelt et al 1995]; whole inactivated BCG [Vanselow et al 1988]; BCG emulsions [Webster and Webster 1985]; cell wall fractions [Murphy et al 1979;Lavach et al 1985;Owen and Jagger 1987]) have been very effective for equine sarcoids, particularly periocular lesions, with minimal scar formation or functional disturbance. commercial living reconstituted BCG vaccine [Wyman et al 1977;Winston et al 1979;Knottenbelt et al 1995]; whole inactivated BCG [Vanselow et al 1988]; BCG emulsions [Webster and Webster 1985]; cell wall fractions [Murphy et al 1979;Lavach et al 1985;Owen and Jagger 1987]) have been very effective for equine sarcoids, particularly periocular lesions, with minimal scar formation or functional disturbance.…”