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Topic:Post-Operative Period
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.
Lag screw fixation of sagittal navicular bone fractures in five horses. A sagittal fracture of the navicular bone in five horses was treated by means of lag screw. Intra-operative radiographic monitoring and a specially developed guide apparatus was necessary to implant the screw precisely along the transverse axis of the navicular bone. Internal fixation resulted in progressive radiographic narrowing of the fracture zone. In all five patients the fracture healed (bony union) without superfluous callus formation.
Use of guaiacol glycerine ether in clinical anaesthesia in the horse. A total of 103 anaesthetic inductions were performed in horses for a variety of elective procedures. All cases were premedicated with acepromazine maleate (0.02 to 0.05 mg/kg body weight [bwt] intramuscularly [im]). In 50 cases (Group A) anaesthesia was induced by a single intravenous (iv) bolus of thiopentone sodium (11.1 mg/kg bwt or 1 g/90 kg bwt) followed immediately by a bolus of suxamethonium chloride (0.1 mg/kg bwt). In 53 cases (Group B) anaesthesia was induced using iv guaiacol glycerine ether (GGE) (approximately 50 mg/kg bwt) followed by a bolus of thiopentone at half the usual dose...
Chronic intestinal intussusception in two horses. In 2 cases of chronic intestinal intussusception in horses, one involved jejunum and the other, ileum. The only clinical signs observed were intermittent colic. Surgery was performed on both horses, with successful outcomes.
Surgical management of perineal lacerations and rectovestibular fistulae in the mare: a retrospective study of 47 cases. The case records of 47 mares with third-degree perineal lacerations or rectovestibular fistulae were examined to evaluate their fertility following surgical repair. Of 32 mares bred, 24 became pregnant, suggesting that surgical repair is indicated in any mare with sufficient genetic potential. Perineal trauma after surgical repair was recorded in 3 of 20 mares at subsequent parturition.
[Results of the surgical treatment of colic, represented by case material of 1983 from the Munich-Riem horse hospital]. The results of the ileus surgery in horses by a consistent performing of a known and standardised clinical and operative procedure are very good, provided that there are surgeons who have experience in abdominal surgery and that there is a co-operating team for the pre- and post-operative care.
Clinical anaesthesia in the horse: comparison of enflurane and halothane. Anaesthesia was induced in 24 horses with xylazine and ketamine and maintained with halothane (12 cases) or enflurane (12 cases) in oxygen. Pulse rate, arterial blood pressure, arterial blood gas values, respiratory rate and tidal volume were measured at regular intervals during anaesthesia. Serial venous blood samples were taken for assay of glucose, urea, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase. Operating conditions and the horses' behaviour in the recovery period were also recorded. In the case ...
[Suture technics for the abdominal wall after midline laparotomy]. During the last 10 years 268 laparotomies by a midline incision were performed. A high incidence of seromas, fistulas caused by suturing material and wound ruptures were observed. After finding only a small number of publications in the veterinary medicine about wound healing disturbances an analysis of the human medical literature was done. This induced the change of our surgical procedure and suturing technique: The midline incision and surgical management during the laparotomies in 14 horses suffering from colic were performed by a minimized trauma. The abdominal wall was closed layer by la...
Arthrodesis of the pastern joint in the horse. Arthrodesis of the pastern joint was performed in six horses with a history of acute trauma and in 10 horses with a history of chronic lameness of one to six months duration. Five surgical techniques were employed: curettage of the joint, lag screw compression and immobilisation in a plaster cast; curettage, compression using a T plate and immobilisation; drilling, lag screw compression and immobilisation; lag screw compression and immobilisation; and curettage and immobilisation. Pre- and postoperative clinical course are described together with significant radiographical findings. The best r...
[Postoperative wound infection in the horse]. A systemic investigation of wound infection in the horse after operative treatment of large wounds reveals that the age of the wound is of critical importance. The limit for an uncomplicated healing process lies around four hours. The duration of the operation itself is of little significance, the location of the lesion on the body of the horse, however, plays a major role. The pattern of isolated bacterial organisms is discussed in relation to the duration of hospital treatment. It is concluded that a systemic antibiotic therapy is of no value and that a local antibiotic therapy is only indic...
[Chronic purulent maxillary sinusitis in horses]. The surgical treatment of eighty-nine horses and ponies suffering from chronic empyema of the maxillary sinus is reported. Treatment consisted in trephination and drainage of the sinus involved in thirty-six animals; the affected teeth were removed at the same time in fifty-three animals in which sinusitis was caused by an alveolitis. The recovery rate was seventy-five per cent in group one and seventy per cent in group two. Postoperative treatment is also reported and attention is paid to complications which may occur during and after surgery.
Castration of horses and donkeys with first intention healing. A simple technique for castration of adult horses which results in first intention healing was devised. The technique involves a 'closed' castration with or without a transfixed ligature on the spermatic sac and suturing the scrotal skin with polyglycolic acid suture material. The postoperative course was characterised by mild oedema only and by rapid recovery. The results obtained during the course of removing 311 scrotal testes from horses and donkeys of all ages are described and discussed. The technique is readily applicable in the field.
Medial condylar fractures of the third metatarsal bone in horses. Fifteen longitudinal fractures involving the medial condyle of the third metatarsal bone were diagnosed in racing Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. Twelve were repaired surgically with lag screws placed through stab incisions. Two of the horses suffered catastrophic fracture of the third metatarsal bone during recovery from anesthesia, and 3 more sustained complete fractures within 4 days of the repair. Of 3 horses with fractures treated without surgery, 2 healed without complication. Preoperative radiography did not demonstrate a nonlongitudinal fracture component in any of the horses that sus...
Surgical management of proximal articular fracture of the patella in a horse. A patellar fracture was identified radiographically in the right stifle of a mature Tennessee Walking Horse stallion. The horse was markedly lame (grade IV/V) on the right hindlimb. Due to the articular nature and small size of the fragment, surgical removal via arthrotomy was selected. A dorsomedial approach to the femoropatellar joint was used. The horse recovered well and has returned to training as a show horse by 8 months following surgery.
Ventral approach for stabilization of atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to odontoid fracture in a foal. Atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to odontoid fracture in a 30-day-old foal was corrected by alignment of the atlantoaxial joint and stabilization with 2 ventrally placed dynamic compression plates. At 90 days after surgery, healing of the fracture, with adequate alignment of the atlantoaxial joint, was confirmed radiographically. The foal was only slightly tetraparetic at that time. At 1 year after surgery, the gait was normal. It was concluded that the technique has advantages over the use of Steinmann's pins or external coaptation for stabilization. The ventral approach allows decompressio...
Guttural pouch hemorrhage associated with lesions of the maxillary artery in two horses. A two year old Thoroughbred gelding, presented with guttural pouch hemorrhage, had the internal and external carotid arteries ligated. Guttural pouch mycosis was detected on endoscopic examination. After one month of topical antifungal therapy, the horse was returned and euthanized because of recurrent epistaxis. A bacterial infection of the guttural pouch with associated ulceration and hemorrhage from the maxillary artery was found at necropsy.A two year old grade gelding had ulceration and hemorrhage from the external carotid artery. Utilizing balloon-tipped catheters and arterial ligation, ...
Lacerations of the equine eye: a review of 48 cases. Perforating corneal wounds in horses have a better prognosis than wounds that involve both cornea and sclera. Sharp objects tend to produce more isolated corneal wounds and have a better prognosis than do wounds produced by blunt objects. The records of 43 horses that sustained penetrating wounds of the cornea were reviewed. In addition, the surgical approach and postoperative wound management is described. The report attempts to provide more information regarding the management of ocular trauma in horses.
Esophageal anastomosis in two foals. Esophageal anastomosis was performed on 2 foals after resecting a midcervical stricture. Nasogastric tube alimentation and antibiotic therapy allowed these foals to recover, and they matured to useful performing horses. These cases demonstrated a feasible and successful surgical management regimen for the strictured esophagus.
Choledocholithiasis in a horse. Choledocholithiasis was diagnosed in a five-year-old gelding on the basis of laboratory results and histopathology. Surgery was performed to relieve the obstruction. The horse responded favorably and at 39 days postoperatively was clinically and clinicopathologically normal.
Cancellous bone screws for repair of proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia in foals. Proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia in 4 foals were treated surgically. A medial approach was utilized in 3 cases and a lateral approach in the fourth. Bone screw fixation was achieved with cancellous screws and washers. In 3 cases, the screw shaft crossed the proximal tibial growth plate with no adverse effects. In all animals, there was rapid and cosmetic healing. At 8 to 18 months after surgery, all horses were sound at a walk, trot, and canter.
Arterial blood gas tensions during exercise in a horse with laryngeal hemiplegia, before and after corrective surgery. Arterial blood samples were collected during maximal exercise over 1.6 km in a thoroughbred horse with left laryngeal hemiplegia. Acid-base and blood gas measurements were performed on each sample and compared to the results from samples which were similarly collected 48 hours after laryngoplasty surgery was performed. Before surgery, the PaO2 was 53.2 mm Hg and the PaCO2 was 58.1 mm Hg after 1.6 km. After surgery, the corresponding results were 83.6 mm Hg (PaO2) and 39.0 mm Hg (PaCO2). There was no significant difference in the times taken for each gallop. The exercise intolerance associated ...
Comparison of carbon fibre and nylon suture for repair of transected flexor tendons in the horse. Carbon fibre-polylactic acid composites and monofilament non-absorbable suture material were compared for the repair of surgically transected superficial digital flexor tendons in 10 horses. All surgical wounds healed by first intention. The repaired tendons were enlarged, the carbon implanted tendons being larger than those sutured. The horses were killed at six, eight, 12,20 or 24 weeks. Greater fibrous thickening occurred in tendons repaired with carbon fibre, especially at 12 weeks postoperatively. Carbon fibre incited a greater histological response with macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma c...
Fibrotic myopathy in the horse. The case histories of 18 horses with hindlimb lameness attributed to fibrotic myopathy were reviewed. In 14 horses, the problem developed after trauma. In 5 others, it developed secondary to intramuscular injections. Other causes of the lameness were surgery, exertional injuries, and purpura hemorrhagica. Eleven of the horses were treated by resection of scar tissue or by semitendinosus myotenotomy. Postoperative complications included pressure necrosis under quill sutures (9 horses), acute disruption of the skin incision (2 horses), dehiscence of the wound during healing (2 horses), and prolo...
Modified Forssell’s operation for crib biting in the horse. Thirty-five horses with a history of crib biting or wind sucking were treated with a modification of the Forssell procedure. The technique involved bilateral neurectomy of the ventral branch of the accessory nerve combined with excision of a portion of the omohyoideus, sternohyoideus, and sternothyroideus muscles. Twenty horses became free of the vice, while in 11 there was a noticeable reduction in frequency of the vice. Four horses returned to crib biting/wind sucking at the same intensity as before surgery. The observation time following each operation was at least 12 months. Complications ...
Urolithiasis in the horse – a review of 13 cases. The presenting signs, treatment and postoperative progress of 13 horses with vesical and urethral calculi are reviewed. Single, discrete stones were present in 10 animals in which the results of treatment were generally good. In three horses with sabulous cystic deposits, urolithiasis was associated with bladder paralysis and the response to treatment was poor.
[Surgical treatment of rectal prolapse in a 1-year-old mare resecting only the mucous membrane]. A mare with rectal prolaps was operated at Vienna University. The prolaps was corrected by mucosal resection only. The remaining vital layers of the corresponding intestinal section were saved. The advantage of a special tissue saving operating technique in the rectal area is seen in avoiding postoperative complications.
Experiences in diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy in the horse. This paper reviews the current status of diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy in the horse. Arthroscopy has been used as a diagnostic aid since 1974 and is useful for evaluation of abnormalities in synovial membrane and articular cartilage. Surgical arthroscopy is a more recent advance that has replaced conventional arthrotomy in 90 per cent of the author's cases. Clinical conditions currently being treated using arthroscopic techniques rather than arthrotomy include all chip fractures in the carpus, chip fractures of the first phalanx, chronic proliferative synovitis in the fetlock and osteoch...
Surgical treatment of paraphimosis in a pony. Circumcision (or reefing operation) was performed on an aged pony stallion to remove excessive granulation tissue involving the preputial integument following an injury and subsequent paraphimosis. Postoperative swelling of the penis and prepuce was reduced daily with gentle massage. Initially, an improvised suspensory was used to support the penis postoperatively. The pony was able to voluntarily retract its penis six months following surgery.
Survey of 79 referral colic cases. The clinical, surgical and/or necropsy diagnosis of 79 horses admitted to a referral clinic for evaluation of colic are reported. Twenty-one horses were presented with conditions amenable to medical treatment and all were subsequently discharged. Exploratory laparotomies were performed on 44 horses during the present study, in some cases as a diagnostic procedure preceding euthanasia. In general, in surgical cases the mortality rate was highest for problems involving the small intestine, followed by those affecting the large colon and then the small colon. Postoperative sequelae included perit...
[Experiences with half-closed castration in stallions]. The half-closed method of castration involves ligation of the spermatic cord enclosed in the vaginal tunic, the testicle itself lying outside the opened vaginal tunic. Of 497 horses and ponies admitted to the Department of Large Animal Surgery and castrated using this technique, 68.6 per cent recovered without complications. Although the most serious postoperative complications such as intestinal eventration and haemorrhage of the spermatic cord may be reduced to a minimum by this approach, normal healing cannot be guaranteed under the circumstances in which this method was used.
