The post-operative period in horses refers to the timeframe following surgical procedures during which the animal undergoes recovery and rehabilitation. This period involves careful monitoring and management to ensure proper healing and to minimize complications. Key aspects of the post-operative period include pain management, wound care, and the prevention of infections. Horses may require restricted movement, dietary adjustments, and regular veterinary evaluations to assess recovery progress. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the management strategies, physiological responses, and outcomes associated with the post-operative period in equine patients.
Shamis LD, Bramlage LR, Gabel AA, Weisbrode S.Arthrotomies of middle carpal joints were done on 13 horses, and a 1-cm partial thickness, round defect was made on the radial facet of both third carpal bones. In one joint, 1-mm diameter 1-cm deep holes were drilled within the defect, and one joint was used as a control. horses were assigned to 2 groups--group 1 (n = 6 horses), 5 drill holes; group 2 (n = 7 horses), 11 drill holes. At 1 and 3 weeks after surgery, differences between joints in synovial fluid total protein values, WBC counts, or results of mucin precipitate tests were not significant (P = 0.005). Physically and radiographicall...
Orsini JA, Donawick WJ.Two female Standardbred foals 2 and 3 months of age were presented with signs of gastroduodenal obstruction that was confirmed with contrast radiography and exploratory surgery. Ventral midline celiotomy was performed, showing stenosis of the duodenum proximal and distal to the hepatopancreatic ampulla. The common hepatic duct, the pancreatic duct, and the sigmoid section of the duodenum proximal to the stenosis were greatly dilated. To bypass the intestinal obstruction, a side-to-side duodenojejunostomy was performed. Obstruction of the common hepatic duct was relieved by side-to-side hepatic...
Ragle CA, Meagher DM, Lacroix CA, Honnas CM.A retrospective study of 40 horses that underwent surgical treatment for sand colic was performed. Three horses were euthanatized and one died during surgery. Of the 36 horses that recovered from anesthesia, five died before discharge from the hospital and seven died after discharge. Twenty-four horses survived at least 12 months. Sand impaction of the right dorsal colon was present in 26 horses. In addition to sand impaction, 10 horses also had colonic displacement or volvulus.
Crawley GR, Grant BD, Krpan MK, Major MD.Thirteen cases of partial limb amputation in horses were reviewed. Nine horses (69%) survived 18 to 111 months (mean, 41 months). Four unsuccessfully treated horses were euthanatized within 21 days of surgery. The horses' ages at amputation were 4 to 13 years (mean, 7.3 years). There was no predilection for the left or right limb nor for fore or hind limb involvement. Osteomyelitis in six horses (46%) was the most common cause for amputation. Severe, open, comminuted fractures of the third metacarpal bone that were impossible to stabilize by any currently available technique in four horses (31...
Sullins KE, Stashak TS.Six normal adult horses had large colon resections at the sternal and diaphragmatic flexures. Stainless steel staples were used to close the stumps of the dorsal and ventral colons in all six. Intestinal continuity was restored with a side-to-side anastomosis of the dorsal and ventral colons. Three of these anastomoses were performed with staples, and three with a double inverting suture pattern. After one month, the horses were surgically reevaluated, and the anastomotic sites were examined. There was no significant difference between the stoma sizes in the two groups. No complications were o...
Parks AH, Doran RE, White NA, Allen D, Baxter GM.Records of 75 horses with ileal impactions were examined retrospectively. There was a sex predilection towards mares. Arabians were over-represented compared to the hospital population. The average age was 8.3 years. Abdominal pain was observed in 96% of horses. Nasogastric reflux was present in 56% of horses, small intestinal distention was found on rectal palpation in 96% and an ileal impaction in 25%. Exploratory celiotomy was performed in 69 horses, the mass was reduced by extramural massage in 67 horses, and ingesta was removed via enterotomy in 2. Jejunocecostomies were performed in 47 h...
Freeman DE, Ross MW, Donawick WJ, Hamir AN.Balloon-tipped catheters were used to occlude the external carotid artery and its branches in nine horses with hemorrhage caused by guttural pouch mycosis. The internal carotid artery on the affected side was occluded simultaneously in four horses and had been occluded previously in two others. In three horses, a single balloon-tipped catheter was inserted in the external carotid artery beneath the floor of the guttural pouch and its tip was advanced blindly into distal branches. In one horse, the superficial temporal artery was occluded briefly during surgery by a balloon-tipped catheter so a...
McMurphy RM, Cribb PH.This study was designed to investigate the effect of the nasotracheal insufflation of oxygen at a flow rate of 15 L/min on the arterial partial pressure of oxygen during the recovery period following inhalation anesthesia in the horse. It has been stated that this is a suitable flow rate to prevent postoperative hypoxemia but without any experimental evidence to support those statements. Horses being used for the study of healing of cartilage were anesthetized on two separate occasions. Following one period of anesthesia they were allowed to recover breathing room air, and following the other ...
Specht TE, Colahan PT.Medical records of 48 equids (47 horses, 1 pony) with surgical sand colic were reviewed. The diagnosis of sand colic was made if a sand impaction(s) was palpated during exploratory abdominal surgery or if a large quantity of sand was found during colotomy. Most equids did not experience a previous episode of sand diarrhea or sand colic. Clinical findings and results of clinicopathologic determinations were not diagnostic. Rectal palpation findings in 40 of 46 horses were compatible with large-colon and/or cecal distention. Impactions were palpable per rectum in only 7 horses, but emergency abd...
Slone DE.Ovariectomy and cesarean section are relatively common procedures in a surgical practice in an area in which there are numerous broodmares. Both techniques can be performed by several approaches, which are described in this article. Also described are techniques for ovariohysterectomy, a procedure that is rarely indicated, but that can be performed relatively easily by a capable surgeon.
Aanes WA.The great variety of pathologic conditions associated with the peripartum period in the mare emphasizes the need for close observation and evaluation of the mare's condition during this period. The temperament and strength of the mare and violence of parturition undoubtedly produce extreme intraabdominal pressures that result in (or enhance preexisting) pathologic changes. Although the exact etiology of many of these disease processes is unknown, careful observation with properly timed medical and/or surgical intervention could reduce the losses associated with the peripartum period.
Nickels FA.This article discusses the complications of castration and ovariectomy and their treatment and prevention. These two procedures were chosen because castration is the most common surgical procedure performed by the equine practitioner and ovariectomy is associated with a high number of complications.
Green SL, Specht TE, Dowling SC, Nixon AJ, Wilson JH, Carrick JB.A neonatal foal was examined because of apparent abdominal pain and distention, anemia, and hemoperitoneum. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a large spherical mass, which had ruptured, was found in the area of the left ovary. Left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The mass was determined to be a juvenile granulosa cell tumor.
Hubbell JA, Reed SM, Myer CW, Muir WW.The records of 131 horses undergoing general anaesthesia and positive contrast cervical myelography with metrizamide were examined to determine the effect of the procedure on the 'patient'. Three per cent of minimally ataxic and moderately ataxic horses had serious complications after myelography. Thirty-two per cent of severely ataxic horses died or were destroyed after general anaesthesia and myelography. Although general anaesthesia and myelography are essential components of a complete neurological evaluation of a horse, they impose a significant risk.
Turner AS, Yovich JV, White NA, Embertson RE, Santschi EM, Slone DE.A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the healing of ventral midline abdominal incisions, closed with a simple continuous suture pattern using absorbable suture material, in 139 horses and foals. Dehiscence and incisional hernia developed separately in two horses. The low incidence of dehiscence and incisional hernia, compared with their reported incidence following the use of interrupted suture repair, leads the authors to recommend this alternative method of abdominal incision closure in horses. The security of closure is not sacrificed and the advantages of a rapid closure are des...
Smyth GB, Brown RG, Juzwiak JS, Swaim SF, Vaughan JT.A vascularized full-thickness Estlander flap was used to repair a defect involving approximately 40% of the left lower lip of a colt. Postoperative problems were (1) providing nutritional support, (2) minimizing movement at the surgical site, and (3) partial wound dehiscence resulting in a salivary fistula. The surgical site healed well and the colt was left with a fully functional and cosmetic lower lip.
Archer RM, Parsons JC, Lindsay WA, Wilson JW, Smith DF.Three pairs of longitudinal enterotomies were performed in the small colon of 10 ponies. Each pair consisted of one enterotomy through the antimesenteric band and one through the sacculation. The ponies were destroyed 96 h after surgery. The enterotomies in the two sites were compared for: speed of surgery, adhesions, bursting wall tension, neovascularisation by micro-angiography, and histological reaction. Enterotomies made through the antimesenteric band were superior because they were quicker to perform, stronger, more accurately apposed, and had less inflammation than those made through th...
Sullins KE, McIlwraith CW, Yovich JV, MacHarg MA, Fessler J.Unilateral ureteral ectopia was diagnosed in three-year-old and 10-month-old fillies exhibiting urinary incontinence since birth. In one case reimplantation of the ureter onto the bladder was planned but considered to be impractical intra-operatively. Unilateral nephrectomy was performed successfully in both cases which alleviated the urinary incontinence. Both horses had normal urinary function postoperatively and became healthy, serviceable animals.
Cummings JF, Fubini SL, Todhunter RJ.Digital neurectomies, performed to relieve pain and lameness, are often complicated postoperatively by formation of painful neuromas. In this study attempts were made to deliver lethal doses of neurotoxin to the cell bodies of the transected digital nerve fibres via long-distance retrograde axon transport and, thereby, prevent the regenerative changes that lead to neuroma formation. After applying doxorubicin in various ways to the digital nerve stumps of ponies, degenerating or necrotic neurones appeared only sporadically in the spinal ganglia. Although doxorubicin was largely ineffective in ...
Fubini SL, Cummings JF, Todhunter RJ.Painful neuroma formation after palmar digital neurectomy in the horse is common. Experimentally, injection of doxorubicin (Adriamycin) into the proximal transected nerve stump has been shown to prevent axon sprouting and neuroma formation for up to 5 months. This procedure was used in 28 horses with navicular disease, preexisting painful neuroma, or wing fractures of the distal phalanx. At 1 month, 16 horses had incisional complications. At 1 year, 15 horses were sound. Eight horses were lame, although three were improved. Three horses required a second surgical procedure, two of which became...
Todhunter RJ, Parker JE.A recently castrated horse was examined because of preputial and ventral abdominal swelling, prolapse of the preputial fold, and serosanguinous fluid dripping from the external urethral orifice. After a poor response to initial medical management, a urethral laceration was found during exploratory surgery. Half of the ventral portion of the corpus cavernosum penis had been transected. Primary closure was followed by healing without complications.
Gaughan EM, Fubini SL, Dietze A.Over an 8-year period, 14 horses were admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine for evaluation of fistulous withers. Of the 14 horses, 11 were treated surgically and 3 were not treated. Surgical techniques involved radical excision of the affected soft tissue and spinous processes of affected vertebrae. Recurrence rate was 30%, and these horses required additional surgery to resolve the problem.
Andrews FM, Robertson JT.Functional obstruction of the right dorsal colon was found at surgery in a 6-year-old American Saddlebred gelding with a history of anorexia, depression, weight loss, and intermittent colic. Side-to-side anastomosis of the right dorsal colon to the small colon was done to bypass the obstruction. Histopathologic findings of the right dorsal colon and regional colonic lymph nodes were unremarkable. Surgical treatment was successful.
Lloyd KC, Peterson PR, Wheat JD, Ryan AE, Clark JH.The diagnosis of keratoma in 7 horses and their treatment and outcome were evaluated. Horses were 2 to 20 years old, of various breeds, and were intact or castrated males. All were lame, and 6 horses had had previous injuries of the affected hoof that had not responded to prior treatments. Only 1 hoof was affected in each horse. Keratomas were beneath the hoof wall (6 horses) or sole (1 horse). Radiographically, a circular or semicircular defect with a discrete margin was present in the distal portion of the third phalanx in 3 horses. Grossly, keratomas were firm solitary masses (1.5 to 5 cm d...
Bristol DG, Cullen J.Six animals were used to compare simple interrupted, simple continuous, and stapled techniques for end-to-end rotated small colon anastomoses. Three ponies were evaluated three days after surgery for adhesion formation and luminal diameter at each anastomosis site. Two ponies and one horse were evaluated 14 days after surgery for adhesion formation. All anastomosis sites were examined histologically for alignment of tissue planes, and evidence of inflammation. No single technique was superior in all areas examined. While only three of the nine anastomoses had mild fibrinous adhesions at three ...
Nixon AJ, Stashak TS.Malalignment of the atlas and axis was seen in 4 horses with an idiopathic form of atlantoaxial subluxation characterized by spinal cord compression on extension. The bone structure and density of the atlas and axis were radiographically normal in 3 of the 4 horses. Clinical signs appeared when the horses were 6 to 30 months old, and 3 of the 4 horses had a history of trauma. Although a congenital anomaly could not be ruled out, the cause was thought to be trauma. The horses were moderately to severely ataxic at the time of examination. Myelography revealed compression of the spinal cord at th...
Orsini JA, Nunamaker DN.A 4-year-old Standardbred stallion sustained a severely comminuted fracture involving the second, third, and fourth metacarpal bones. The fracture was repaired using two 14-hole broad dynamic compression plates positioned at 90 degrees to one another, allowing one plate to protect the other in the bending mode. An autologous cancellous bone graft obtained from the tuber coxae was added at the site of the defect in the mid- to upper third of the third metacarpal bone. Complications associated with the fixation included a Staphylococcus aureus infection 5 months after surgery, laminitis that dev...
Barrett EJ, Munsterman AS, Hanson RR.To determine the effect of an abdominal support wrap and transrectal abdominal palpation on intra-abdominal pressures (IAPs) measured directly from the peritoneal space. Methods: Prospective, experimental study. Methods: A university-based equine research facility. Methods: Ten healthy adult horses, 5 males and 5 females. Methods: IAPs were measured through an intraperitoneal cannula zeroed at a height midway between the height of the tuber ishii and point of the shoulder. Triplicate measurements were obtained at rest, during transrectal palpation, after placement of an abdominal support wrap,...
Markel MD, Meagher DM, Richardson DW.Colopexy of the left ventral colon to the abdominal wall was performed in 4 horses with recurrence of large-colon displacement or volvulus. Horses were discharged between 5 and 27 days after surgery. At follow-up evaluation (mean, 10.5 months; range, 7 to 13 months) of the horses, none had recurrence of signs of abdominal pain, and all had normal body weight. Three horses were exercised regularly; signs of abdominal pain were not observed.
Clem MF, DeBowes RM, Yovich JV, Douglass JP, Bennett SM.Sixty-eight cases of cortical bone sequestration in 67 equine patients were reviewed with regard to the clinical presentation, method of treatment, and outcome. All lesions were located in skeletal areas with minimal soft tissue coverage, with 53% of them in the metatarsal and metacarpal bones. At the time of admission, 60% of the patients with limb lesions were lame; the majority improved with therapy. After sequestrectomy, there was a trend for surgical wounds which could be managed by primary closure to heal more rapidly (3.8 weeks) than wounds which required second intention healing (6.4 w...
Valverde A, Boyd CJ, Dyson DH, Pascoe PJ.Dantrolene, a drug used in the prevention and treatment of malignant hyperthermia, was believed responsible for prolonged postanesthetic recumbency in a horse. Prophylactically, dantrolene was given orally before induction of anesthesia. Dantrolene has been recommended for use in horses at risk of developing postanesthetic myopathy. Side effects, including ataxia, may result from dantrolene administration.
MacKay AV, Panizzi L, Sparks HD, Barber SM.To report complications of arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint using a drilling technique in an adult horse. Methods: Case report. Methods: Horse (n = 1). Methods: A 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare with CMC osteoarthritis (CMC-OA) had arthrodesis under general anesthesia in right lateral recumbency. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a 4.5 mm drill bit was inserted at 3 drilling sites 5-6 cm into the CMC joint and was fanned 30-45° in the plane of the joint and 5-10° in the long axis of the limb to destroy articular cartilage and expose the subchondral bone. Results: The horse pr...
Orlandini CF, Steiner D, Boscarato AG, Gimenes GC, Alberton LR.Defects in the abdominal wall of horses have high relapse rate. This is mainly in lateral eventrations and hernias caused by trauma from kicks of other horses or installation structures. The eventration region normally becomes swollen and there may be complications due to intestinal loop incarceration. The surgical treatment, consisting of reconstruction of the abdominal wall, frequently require biological or synthetic materials for the reinforcement of the suture line and tension support. Therefore, several studies have reported new materials for the repair of the abdominal wall, with the aim...
Tappenbeck K, Schmidt S, Feige K, Naim HY, Huber K.Lidocaine is the most commonly chosen prokinetic for treating postoperative ileus in horses, a motility disorder associated with ischaemia-reperfusion injury of intestinal tissues. Despite the frequent use of lidocaine, the mechanism underlying its prokinetic effects is still unclear. Previous studies suggested that lidocaine altered cell membrane characteristics of smooth muscle cells. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate effects of lidocaine administration on characteristics of detergent-resistant membranes in equine jejunal smooth muscle. Lidocaine administration caused significa...
Newton SA, Knottenbelt DC, Daniel EA.The surgical repair of a traumatic injury to the parotid (Stenson's) duct of an adult horse is described and compared with previous reports. The diagnosis was confirmed by the analysis of a flow of saliva-like fluid observed while the horse was eating. The repair was attempted under general anaesthesia three days after the injury. Surgical anastomosis was considered to have improved the rate of healing. However, there was some evidence of leakage of saliva from the site for three days after the removal of the in-dwelling catheter, seven days postoperatively. A full recovery followed.
Alonso Jde M, Rodrigues KA, Yamada AL, Watanabe MJ, Alves AL, Rodrigues CA, Hussni CA.Heparin is routinely administered in postoperative abdominal surgery aiming to prevent adhesions formation; however, there is no consensus indicating its effectiveness. This study evaluated the effect of heparin on peritoneal reactivity after abdominal surgery, through the association between peritoneal fluid features and ultrasonographic and laparoscopic examination. Ten adult horses were used: control group (CG) and treated group (TG). Both groups underwent laparotomy and small colon enterotomy. TG received subcutaneous heparin at 150 IU/kg every 12 hours for 5 days. The animals underwent ...
Gilroy BJ, Bellamy J.An unusual case of impaction colic caused by the ingestion of large quantities of gravel. The clinical presentation, surgical findings, and outcome are described.
Dubuc J, Da Silveira EA.A 3-week old Hanoverian foal was presented with bilateral moderate to severe carpal valgus. The deviations were 10 and 14 degrees, respectively for the left and right carpi and orthogonal radiographs of both front limbs highlighted bilateral persistent ulnar remnants. A partial resection of the ulnar remnants and periosteal transection on the disto-lateral aspect of the radius were performed bilaterally under general anesthesia. The valgus deviations began to improve within the first month and the limbs were almost straight (2 degrees for the left and right carpi) 5 1/2 months after surgery. T...
DeBowes RM.A variety of rectal, perirectal, and coccygeal surgeries can be performed in the standing equine patient if appropriate chemical and physical restraints are available and adequate regional anesthesia can be achieved. Some rectal tears and most rectal prolapses, mass lesions, perirectal abscesses, rectal biopsies, and selected injuries of the tail can be managed without prohibitive difficulty. Severe injuries that compromise the small colon cranial to the peritoneal reflection may require flank laparotomy, midline celiotomy, or humane euthanasia to manage the disease process effectively and app...
Lang HM, Panizzi L, Smyth TT, Plaxton AE, Lohmann KL, Barber SM.Records were reviewed for 2 horses with partial glossectomy, 1 traumatic and 1 elective. According to long-term follow-up by telephone, both horses had recovered well, experiencing only temporary difficulty while eating, and went on to be ridden successfully using mouth bits. Partial glossectomy, therefore, had a favorable prognosis in 2 performance horses. Les dossiers ont été examinés pour 2 chevaux ayant subi une glossectomie partielle, 1 étant une glossectomie traumatique et 1 étant une glossectomie non urgente. Selon le suivi à long terme par téléphone, les deux chevaux se sont b...
Mageed M, Steinberg T, Drumm N, Stubbs N, Wegert J, Koene M.Fractures involving the proximal one-third of the splint bone are relatively rare and are challenging to treat. A variety of management techniques have been reported in the literature. The aim of this retrospective case series was to describe the clinical presentation and evaluate the efficacy of bioabsorbable polylactic acid screws in internal fixation of proximal fractures of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses. Methods: The medical records, diagnostic images and outcome of all horses diagnosed with a proximal fracture of the splint bones and treated with partial resect...
Lindsay WA, Horney FD.During a 6-year period, carpal arthrotomies were performed on 89 horses with carpal fractures. Fifty-two percent of the fractures involved the left forelimb; the 3rd carpal bone was most often involved (42%), followed by the radial carpal bone (30%). The effect of surgery on the performance of a subgroup of 48 thoroughbreds was evaluated by comparing the number of starts, level of racing (claiming value), and earnings for the 12 months of racing preceding and following arthrotomy. The data indicated that carpal arthrotomy in the Thoroughbred carries with it a favorable prognosis inasmuch as 80...
Makra Z, Tuboly T, Bodó G.The aim of this study was to describe long-term follow-up and difference in immune reactions in the tear film following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in horses when differently preserved corneas were utilised. This report describes for the first time the use of corneal grafts preserved in tissue culture media in equine PK. Eight experimental horses with normal eyes were included and freshly harvested, frozen or preserved corneal grafts were used for the PK. The graft-taking technique and storage, PK surgery, postoperative treatments and complications are described. The mean postoperative follo...
Lucas JM, Ross MW, Richardson DW.A retrospective study of 176 Standardbred horses that had arthroscopic surgery for carpal chip fractures over a 7 year period was done in order to determine fracture location and post operative performance. Chip fractures of the proximal third carpal bone and the distal radiocarpal bone occurred with equal frequency (49.2 and 49.6% respectively), and chip fractures involving the antebrachiocarpal joint were rare. Trotters had significantly more third carpal bone lesions than radiocarpal bone lesions when compared to pacers (P = 0.0304). Seventy-four per cent of horses made at least one start f...
Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, van der Velden MA.A review of displacements and surgery of the large colon is given on the basis of two cases. A four-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare was referred, one week before foaling, for colic of twelve hours duration. At rectal palpation a large uterus was found, but no cause for the colic. Laparotomy revealed a colonic volvulus and resection of about 75% of the large colon was necessary. A dead foal was born five days postoperatively, but the mare recovered well. A nine year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion with a history of frequent colic had been treated for nephrosplenic entrapment three times. Resection o...
Bohanon TC, Beard WL, Robertson JT.Case records of 27 draft horses with laryngeal hemiplegia were reviewed. Twenty-one horses were treated by ventriculectomy with or without prosthetic laryngoplasty, and 17 owners were contacted to determine the results. Fifteen horses improved after surgery and were able to perform to the owners' expectations. Performance improved significantly and hospitalization was shorter after ventriculectomy alone. Results of this study indicate that the clinical signs of exercise intolerance and excessive inspiratory noise associated with left laryngeal hemiplegia in draft horses can be treated successf...
Belz JP, Glatzel PS.Because of the mare's ability to conceive very soon post partum a thoroughly performed control of the puerperal period is of particular importance. Cytological examinations of uterine content and histological examinations of uterine biopsy specimens provide more detailed information than microbiological examinations of uterine swabs. Uterine content and uterus biopsy specimens of 55 mares were examined histologically on days 3, 6 and 9 post partum. We observed a heavy polymorphonuclear reaction of the endometrium following disturbed puerperal processes especially in cases of retained placenta....
Llewellyn HR.A tentative diagnosis of a fistula between the tendon sheaths of the right extensor carpi radialis and the intercarpal joint was confirmed by positive contrast radiography following injection of sodium diatrizoate into the joint. Surgical removal of a tag of synovial membrane and repair of the fistula was carried out. Post surgical treatment included mild exercise to prevent adhesions within the sheath. A month following discharge, contrast radiography revealed no communication between joint and tendon sheath. At this time mild distension of the sheath was relieved by aspiration and it did not...
Somm F, Suárez Sánchez-Andrade J, Martens A, Zedler ST, Klopfenstein MD, Boswell JC, Bladon BM, Lischer CJ, Richardson DW, Auer JA, Fürst AE....To report on technical aspects and outcomes after scapulohumeral arthrodesis (SHA) with a locking compression plate (LCP) in small equids. Methods: Retrospective multicenter case series. Methods: Client-owned Shetland Ponies, Miniature Shetlands, and American Miniature Horses (n = 15). Methods: Inclusion criteria were completed SHA with an LCP to treat scapulohumeral osteoarthritis/subluxation and availability of postoperative radiographs. Contributing surgeons completed a questionnaire to collect data. All radiographs were reviewed for this study. Follow-up information was obtained via re-a...
Shamis LD, Sanders-Shamis M, Bramlage LR.A 3-week-old Standardbred filly had a non-weightbearing forelimb lameness caused by scapular neck fracture. The fracture was repaired with 2 dynamic compression plates placed 90 degrees to each other. A 10-hole 4.5-mm narrow dynamic compression plate was placed on the cranial aspect of the scapular spine, and a 10-hole 3.5-mm dynamic compression plate was placed caudal to the scapular spine. One year after surgery, the filly was not lame when exercising in the pasture, and muscle atrophy was not evident on the affected limb. Eighteen months after surgery, the filly was in race training with no...
Kelmer G, Kramer J.Shortening of the deep digital flexor tendon was performed by tenotomy, overlapping and anastomosis. The procedure was performed on a two-year-old Quarter Horse Mare with distal interphalangeal joint hyperextension with subluxation and metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension. These problems originated from damage to the digital flexor tendons, presumably due to previous distal limb trauma. The procedure markedly improved the mare's level of comfort, degree of ambulation and limb conformation. Two years following surgery the mare was comfortable at pasture.
Stashak TS, Adams OR.Autogenous bone grafts were obtained from the tuber coxae of 9 horses. The method used involved an oblique incision to expose the lateral aspect of the tuber coxae. The periosteum was incised and reflected in order to make a 5- by 2.5-cm opening in the lateral cortex for graft retrieval. The method provided good visualization, ample grafting material, and freedom from postsurgical complications.
Mardassi A, Turki S, Mbarek H, Hachicha A, Chebbi G, Benzarti S, Abouda M.Combat-related facial injuries involve various lesions of the mouth, the eye sockets and the facial bones. The goal of this study is to precise the particularities of these affections and their therapeutic management. Methods: A retrospective study was performed about 56 cases of combat-related facial injuries over a period of 5 years (2010 - 2014). Results: Our study included 56 male patients with an average age of 29 years (20-37). The trauma occurred during a real security intervention in all the cases. It was isolated in 18 cases and associated to other lesions in 38 cases. Clinical examin...
MacHarg MA, Foerner JJ, Phillips TN, Barclay WP.The medical management of three horses with simple and strangulating small intestinal obstructions was unsuccessful and was therefore supported by surgical bypasses. Jejunocecostomies were used to treat horses with postoperative paralytic ileus that was unresponsive to medical management. These horses had abdominal pain, gastric distention, heart rate elevations greater than 60/minute, and small intestinal distention on rectal palpation. Two horses experienced weight loss which responded to bypass removal. The bypass effectively decreased the need for intravenous fluid administration and repea...
Juzwiak JS, Milton JL.A 4-day-old foal underwent repair of a proximal metaphyseal fracture of the tibia. After closed reduction, fixation was achieved by use of blind cross-pinning. Thirty-five days after surgery, radiography demonstrated complete healing. The foal was mildly lame 4 months after repair of the fracture. Blind cross-pinning may be considered as a method of repair for certain long bone fractures in small foals.
Peitzmeier MD, Koontz ZD, Lynch TM, Hughes FE, Slone DE.This retrospective study provides long-term results of medial patellar ligament (MPL) desmoplasty in horses with intermittent upward fixation of the patella (UFP) that were treated at a single referral hospital over a 7-year period. Follow-up interviews were conducted with owners, trainers, or referring veterinarians using a standardized questionnaire. Overall, 71% of horses returned to their intended use with only 18% at a higher level. Recurrence of UFP was noted in 33% of cases. Satisfaction with the procedure was generally low, with only 50% of owners being completely satisfied. Further in...
Smith MR, Wright IM.A minimally invasive arthroscopic technique for removal of fractures of the lateral malleolus of the tibia is considered to be beneficial but data to this effect are required. Objective: Arthroscopic removal of fractures of the lateral malleolus of the tibia is technically feasible, provides a comprehensive evaluation of the tarsocrural joint and enables removal of remote comminuted fragments and disrupted short collateral ligaments. The technique is associated with low patient morbidity, requires only short periods of hospitalisation and affords a good prognosis to affected horses. Methods: T...
