AHT Life Magazine 2018

Find out more at www.aht.org.uk
Harvey’s battle
with sarcoids
treatment
Melanomas
Some horses, usually
grey horses, develop skin
melanomas, which can be
invasive and aggressive in
their latter stages. We’re
using a vaccine to cause
an immune response
against the melanoma
cells, encouraging the
body to fight the tumours.
This way all melanomas
are affected, including
those that are not suitable
for other treatments. We
believe that the vaccine
may be useful to stop the
ongoing growth of any
melanomas already present
on the horse, and it may
even stop the development
of new lesions.
After the initial assessment
at the Animal Health
Trust, the vaccination can
be administered by the
referring vet under the
guidance of our specialists,
providing a simple and
practical treatment option.
Harvey, an eight-year-old horse,
who is a much-loved companion
for his owner, Gabby - a regular
hacker, was referred to the AHT
after suffering from sarcoids
around his eye.
Sarcoids are the most common
form of skin cancer in horses and
the area around the eye is
obviously a very delicate place.
Sarcoids in this area can cause
a lot of discomfort for the
horse and treatment can be
especially difficult because of
the sensitive structures.
Harvey was referred to see
Anna Hollis at the AHT for
high dose rate brachytherapy
(HDR). After a thorough
assessment, Anna concluded
that Harvey needed two doses
of HDR, using computerassisted
planning and our
specialist equipment, which
were delivered seven days apart. Harvey was
stabled at the AHT for a total of 11 days,
where Anna could monitor his progress,
and our wonderful team could take very
good care of Harvey during his treatment.
Thankfully, the HDR treatment went very
smoothly and, with the right aftercare after
he was discharged, Harvey has gone on to
make a full recovery.
Anna added: “Harvey was a model patient,
Harvey
“Harvey is such a special little horse
for me. I have an artificial leg from
a disability I have had from birth
and although Harvey was still quite
young when I got him, he has been
brilliant for me from the very start.
It has been so wonderful to have his
sarcoids treated and not to have to
worry about managing with them.”
Gabby, Harvey’s owner
Sarcoids around Harvey’s eye
he was really good to handle and we all really enjoyed looking after him. We are
so pleased to see that he has made a great recovery from these sarcoids, and we
wish him a happy and healthy future with Gabby.”
AHT Life 11