Veterinary Team Tested Ultrasound Sarcoid Treatment
Researchers successfully used focused sound waves to remove a tumor from a horse while it remained standing.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing the adaptation of human cancer treatments for veterinary use?
In the spring of 2026, researchers at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine successfully used histotripsy to destroy a sarcoid tumor on a nine-year-old horse. This non-invasive procedure allowed the mare to be treated while standing and sedated.
Why it matters
Sarcoids are the most common skin tumor in horses, and this new technique offers a way to treat them without the risks associated with invasive surgery or chemotherapy. The development aims to improve outcomes for horses by providing a non-surgical alternative.
Researchers successfully removed a sarcoid tumor from a nine-year-old Hanoverian mare during an overnight stay. The team is currently working to enroll more horses in the ongoing clinical study phase.
The players
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
An academic institution leading advanced veterinary research, including trials for cancer treatments in both dogs and horses.
The details
The histotripsy process uses focused ultrasound waves to generate microscopic bubble clouds within tumor tissue. As these bubbles collapse, they effectively break down the cancer cells. By utilizing a wearable device, the veterinary team was able to perform this procedure on a sedated, standing patient, avoiding the need for general anesthesia.
Timeline
The histotripsy system received its first live test in the spring of 2026.
The Home Front
This trial marks an expansion of the established histotripsy research program into the field of equine medicine. The work follows a pattern set by previous successful cancer treatments performed on canine patients at the same college.
Horse owners should monitor their animals for any unusual skin growths, as sarcoids are the most common equine skin tumors. If you notice a new mass, consult your veterinarian early to discuss emerging treatment options and the standard care pathways currently available.
The takeaway
The successful use of histotripsy on horses offers a promising, non-invasive future for managing common skin tumors. Owners should keep a close eye on their horses skin health and discuss any suspicious growths with a veterinarian as soon as they appear.
Further reading
Learn more about new clinical developments in Veterinary Medicine.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Horse & Hound.
Live Poll
Do you support prioritizing the adaptation of human cancer treatments for veterinary use?
