Surgery for horses encompasses a range of procedures performed to diagnose, treat, or manage various medical conditions. These procedures may involve soft tissue or orthopedic interventions and require specialized techniques to accommodate the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of equines. Common surgical procedures in horses include colic surgery, fracture repair, and arthroscopy. The success of equine surgery depends on numerous factors, including the type of procedure, the horse's overall health, and post-operative care. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore surgical techniques, outcomes, and advancements in equine surgical practices.
Hay WP, Tulleners E.Granulation tissue masses arising from the axial surface of the arytenoid cartilage in 25 horses were excised using a contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser. A technique that eliminated the need for general anesthesia or laryngotomy was developed for transen-doscopic removal of the masses in standing horses. Nineteen racehorses made abnormal upper respiratory tract noises or their performance was decreased, whereas six horses not used for racing had a history of stertor (five horses) or epistaxis after nasogastric intubation (one horse). Thoroughbreds were significantly (p = .0126) ov...
Young LE, Bartram DH, Diamond MJ, Gregg AS, Jones RS.General anaesthesia was maintained in 40 horses by the continuous intravenous infusion of a mixture of 500 ml 10% guaifenesin solution, 1 g ketamine and 500 mg xylazine. The median duration of infusion was 65 mins (interquartile range 51-95 mins). Anaesthesia was characterised by active palpebral reflexes, variable degrees of nystagmus and occasional swallowing. Swallowing was considered to be undesirable in horses undergoing laryngeal surgery, but the infusion produced satisfactory conditions for all other surgical procedures performed. Arterial blood pressure was well maintained in all cases...
Lumsden JM, Caron JP, Stickle RL.Bilateral radiographically persistent proximal third metatarsal physes and concurrent cuboidal bone immaturity were identified in a foal. Repair of a Salter type-II fracture of the left proximal third metatarsal physis was accomplished by use of lag screw fixation. A 6-day-old Arabian foal, intended for use as a show horse, was referred because of severe unilateral hind limb lameness and valgus deformity. A Salter type-II fracture of the proximal portion of the third metacarpal bone was identified radiographically and repaired by use of cancellous lag screws. The fractured limb was further sup...
Huber MJ, Roser JF, Riebold TW, Schmotzer WB, Grubb TL, Crisman RO.Seven pregnant mares underwent general anaesthesia, laparotomy, hysterotomy and removal of a 50-day conceptus. Eversion of the uterine horn through the hysterotomy site allowed direct visualisation and electrosurgical removal of endometrial cup tissue from 5 randomly selected mares (Nos 1-5), while cup tissue in 2 mares (Nos 6 and 7) was left intact. Two pregnant mares served as unoperated controls (Nos 8 and 9). Efforts to re-establish pregnancy were initiated 20 days after surgery. Serum samples collected before surgery and during the post-operative period were analysed for concentration of ...
Honnas CM, Zamos DT, Ford TS.An arthroscopic procedure for examination of the coxofemoral joint was developed in nine foals (four cadavers, five anesthetized) to determine if access was sufficient for evaluation and surgical treatment of intra-articular lesions. The joint was distended and the arthroscope inserted through the notch (incisura trochanterica) between the cranial and caudal parts of the greater trochanter. This portal allowed examination of the cranial, lateral, and caudal aspects of the joint. Mechanical distraction of the joint through an instrument portal located 2 to 4 cm cranial and 1 to 2 cm ventral to ...
Hance SR, Schneider RK, Embertson RM, Bramlage LR, Wicks JR.Medical records and radiographs were reviewed from 20 foals with caudal femoral condylar lesions. Osseous lesions were classified radiographically into 3 categories. Type-I lesions were characterized by a discrete area of radiolucency within the subchondral bone of the caudal aspect of a femoral condyle and were associated with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. Type-II lesions had localized, osseous irregularities involving < 50% of the femoral condyle. Type-III lesions had widespread irregularities involving a large area of the condyle, and in 5 foals with type-III lesions, there was a thin...
Dascanio JJ, Ball BA, Hendrickson DA.A 3-cm full-thickness tear near the tip of the previously gravid uterine horn of a 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare was diagnosed at surgery. The mare had delivered a foal with veterinary assistance 2 days prior to surgery. The mare subsequently developed muscle tremors, anorexia, and signs of depression. Physical examination revealed pyrexia, extended capillary refill time, muscle fasciculations, and fewer-than-normal borborygmi. Abnormalities of the uterus or vagina were not detected by palpation per rectum or per vagina. The chorioallantois underlying the area of the tear was intact. We propos...
Kübleck E.The pathology of a horse is described, in which thoracic trauma with costal fracture and a small diaphragmatic defect later led to entrapment of small intestine in the thorax.
Dixon PM, Railton DI, McGorum BC.An eight-year-old Highland pony which had previously shown normal laryngeal function, underwent general anaesthesia for surgical treatment of a mandibular sinus. During its recovery from the anaesthesia, the pony suffered great respiratory distress and stridor, due to total bilateral laryngeal paralysis and pulmonary oedema. The animal was immediately given a temporary tracheostomy. Some hours later, postoperative myositis developed; it resolved within two days and the pony's laryngeal function returned to normal during the following year.
Wilkins PA, Lowe JE.Right dorsal colon fistulas, 2.5 cm in diameter, were created in 2 healthy ponies, using a 2-stage surgical procedure. The first stage consisted of resection of portions of the 16th and 17th ribs on the right side, followed by surgical creation of a 6- to 8-cm-diameter adhesion between the right dorsal colon and the body wall. Fistulas were created approximately 2 weeks after the first surgery by sharp dissection through the adhesion into the lumen of the colon. The fistulas have been satisfactorily maintained for > 2 years by de Pezzer catheters (45 F). Ponies with fistulas have been used ...
Eurell TE, Wilson DA, Baker GJ.Serum haptoglobin concentration was used as an indicator of the acute phase response in ponies undergoing exploratory laparotomy. Preoperative, 1 h intraoperative, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h postoperative blood samples and 48 h postoperative peritoneal fluid samples were obtained for haptoglobin analysis. A spectrophotometric assay based on cyanmethemoglobin binding capacity (CyanBC) was used to determine haptoglobin concentrations. The preoperative reference range for serum haptoglobin concentrations in these ponies was 25-60 mg CyanBC/dL. Intraoperative and 3 h postoperative blood samples had d...
Gift LJ, Gaughan EM, DeBowes RM, Pintchuk PA, Nickels FA, Foreman JH.Medical records of 11 adult horses with jejunal intussusception examined at 5 veterinary teaching hospitals between 1981 and 1991 were reviewed. Nine of 11 horses had signs of acute abdominal discomfort for < 24 hours, whereas 2 horses had a history of chronic signs. Five of 11 horses had an intraluminal or intramural mass associated with the jejunal intussusception. Two horses died or were euthanatized prior to surgery. Partial jejunal resection and jejunojejunal anastomosis were performed in 9 horses. One horse died during surgery and 2 were euthanatized prior to hospital discharge because o...
Fritsch R.Ultrasonography has established itself as an invaluable diagnostic aid in surgical diseases. In addition to the diagnosis of thoracic and abdominal disease, ultrasonography is increasing in importance in the examination of muscles, tendons and joints in small animals. In the horse, the application of the technique is being extended from tendon conditions to organ diseases. The optimal diagnostic information can only be achieved through the use of different scanner types.
Engelbert TA, Tate LP.Three horses examined for complaints of ptyalism and dysphagia were found to have metallic lingual foreign bodies. Metallic foreign bodies were located by oral examination combined with radiography. In 1 horse clinical signs resolved without removal of the foreign body. The foreign body was extracted via an oral approach in the second horse; a mandibular symphysiotomy and radiographic guidance were necessary for removal in the third horse. In all 3 cases, the presenting clinical signs subsided.
Engelbert TA, Tate LP, Bowman KF, Bristol DG.The medical records of 19 horses referred for colic and subsequently found (18 confirmed, 1 suspected) to have small intestinal incarceration through the epiploic foramen were reviewed. These horses were of various ages and breeds; they had clinical signs of colic for an average duration of 13.5 hours before examination. Seventeen horses had nasogastric reflux, and 15 had palpable small intestinal distention. Three horses were killed during surgery because of severe intestinal damage. Of the remaining 16 horses, 13 required intestinal resection and anastomosis. The length of incarcerated small...
Hay WP, Tulleners EP, Ducharme NG.An extralaryngeal approach to partial arytenoidectomy in the horse was developed by in vitro experiments on isolated larynges and then on intact equine cadavers. The goals of the approach were to preserve the laryngeal mucosa, eliminate the need for a laryngotomy or tracheotomy, and minimize postoperative complications. The new approach was evaluated in seven horses with normal upper respiratory tracts. Left laryngeal hemiplegia was surgically created, and, after a 30-day convalescence, left partial arytenoidectomy was performed using an extralaryngeal approach. The left-to-right hemilaryngeal...
Hawkins JF, Schumacher JS, McClure SR, Light GS.Small intestinal incarceration through the lateral ligament of the urinary bladder was diagnosed in a 14-year-old, 569-kg, castrated Quarter Horse. The incarceration was corrected by ventral midline celiotomy. Approximately 70 cm of the middle portion of the jejunum was resected and end-to-end, single-layer anastomosis was performed. After surgery, the horse developed signs of adynamic ileus and lameness in the right forelimb. The horse developed laminitis in all 4 feet within 24 hours of surgery. The horse was euthanatized because of poor prognosis for survival. At necropsy, a 4.5-cm rent was...
Collier MA, Haugland LM, Bellamy J, Johnson LL, Rohrer MD, Walls RC, Bartels KE.This study was performed to investigate the effects of holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser energy on articular cartilage and subchondral bone adjacent to traumatically created cartilage lesions in a continuous weight-bearing model. The 2.1-microns wavelength was delivered efficiently and precisely in hand-controlled contact and near-contact hard tissue arthroscopic surgery in a saline medium. Bilateral arthroscopy was performed on normal antebrachiocarpal and intercarpal joints of four adult horses. One hundred twenty traumatic lesions were created on three weight-bearing articular ...
Nasisse MP, Nelms S.Ulcerative keratitis is one of the most common vision-threatening diseases of the horse. Successful therapy, however, can be achieved in the majority of cases provided the diagnosis is made early and the treatment is specific for the disease. This article reviews the pathophysiology, clinical signs, and contemporary medical and surgical approaches to bacterial and fungal ulcerative keratitis in the horse.
Moore CP.An understanding of normal structure and function of the equine eyelid is essential to make an accurate diagnosis and appropriately treat equine eyelid diseases. Entropion, eyelid trauma, neoplasia, and nasolacrimal disorders are reviewed. Methods of diagnosis and treatment are presented.
Hamor RE, Roberts SM, Severin GA, Trawnik WR, Johnson WJ.Specific details on surgical procedures, although not covered here, are available in other references. Factors enhancing the overall cosmetic appearance obtained with procedures are emphasized, providing information that should allow veterinarians to offer clients a good cosmetic appearance and effective treatment for disfiguring ocular problems in their horses. Questions regarding procedures should be addressed to your referral ophthalmologist or, in the case of a corneoscleral prosthesis, the ocularist assisting.
McLaughlin SA, Whitley RD, Gilger BC.The lens represents a unique tissue in light of its embryologic development, retention of old cells and nuclear make-up, transparent nature, immune privileged status, and metabolic restrictions. Disorders of malformation and malposition occur, but cataract development is the most common and significant problem for owners and animals. Technologic and pharmacologic advances have allowed surgical removal of equine cataracts to become an acceptable alternative, capable of returning a visually impaired horse to a functional status. Uveal inflammation represents the greatest threat to successful sur...
Peloso JG, Coatney RW, Caron JP, Steficek BA.An obstructive enterolith was diagnosed in an 11-month-old 68-kg miniature horse with a 24-hour history of mild, intermittent colic. Abdominal radiography revealed gas distention of the cecum and the right and left ascending colon, and a radiodense elliptical structure in the area of the left kidney. During exploratory laparotomy, the right dorsal colon was noticed to contain ecchymotic hemorrhage and generalized discoloration in the portion proximal to the location of the enterolith. While exteriorizing the ascending colon, it ruptured caudal to the diaphragmatic flexure in the right dorsal c...
Schneider RK, Bramlage LR, Moore RM, Mecklenburg LM, Kohn CW, Gabel AA.The medical records of 192 horses with septic arthritis/tenosynovitis 1979-1989 were reviewed. Forty-three horses developed infection after an intra-articular injection, 46 following a penetrating wound, 25 following surgery, 66 were foals less than 6 months old, and 12 were adult horses without a known aetiology. Haematogenous infection of a joint occurs in adult horses and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with an acute onset of severe lameness. The aetiology of the infection had a significant effect on the type of bacteria identified by culture. Staphylococcus was c...
Foland JW, McIlwraith CW, Trotter GW.Arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans was undertaken on 252 femoropatellar joints in 161 horses (82 Thoroughbreds, 39 Quarter Horses, 16 Arabians, 9 Warmbloods and 15 others of various breeds). There were 53 females and 108 males. Twenty-two horses were 1 year of age at the time of surgery, 68 were yearlings, 36 were 2-year-olds, 21 were 3-year-olds, and 14 were > or = 4 years old. Ninety-one had bilateral involvement and 70 had unilateral disease. Follow-up information was obtained on 134 horses, including 79 racehorses and 55 non-racehorses: 86 (64%) of these...
Peloso JG, Stick JA, Nickels FA, Lumsden JM, Derksen FJ.A 2-year-old 400-kg Standardbred colt with a history of exercise intolerance was determined to have dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Standing endoscopy revealed a soft, flaccid, and hypoplastic epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages that moved symmetrically and abducted fully. Lateral laryngeal radiography was used to calculate a corrected thyroepiglottic length of 6.48 cm. Videoendoscopy during exercise on a high-speed treadmill at standardized treadmill speeds was performed weekly for 3 consecutive weeks. The soft palate dorsally displaced at each examination. A sternohyoideus/ste...
Schneider RK, Bramlage LR, Mecklenburg LM, Moore RM, Gabel AA.Open drainage was used to treat 26 horses with persistent or severe septic arthritis/tenosynovitis. Infected synovial structures were drained through a small (3 cm) arthrotomy incision that was left open and protected by a sterile bandage. Joint lavage was performed in all 26 horses. In addition to systemic antibiotics, 23 of these horses were also treated with intra-articular antibiotics; amikacin (17 horses), gentamycin (2 horses), cefazolin (2 horses), and 2 horses were injected at different times with gentamycin and amikacin. The infection was eliminated from the involved synovial structur...
Greet TR.This paper describes the outcome of treatment in 23 horses with an ethmoidal haematoma. In 22 cases a diagnosis could be made by endoscopic means alone but in 1 horse the lesion was confined to the maxillary sinus and a diagnosis was made only at surgery. One horse was destroyed at the owner's request but the other 22 underwent radical excision of the lesion via a facial flap approach under general anaesthesia. Post-operative haemorrhage was controlled by nasal packing with a gauze bandage and this was removed between the 2nd and 4th post-operative day. One horse died from encephalitis the day...
Dwyer AE.Ophthalmic problems account for up to 20% of emergencies in equine practice. Presenting problems may involve the periocular region, adnexa, or globe. Practitioners must have the experience to restrain horses with painful ocular conditions and the knowledge of how to perform a thorough eye examination. A range of clinical skills is required for the necessary diagnostic tests such as corneal cytology, ultrasound and tonometry, and common standing surgical procedures such as eyelid repair or instillation of a subpalpebral lavage system. Therapy, which may involve frequent administration of multip...
Sparks HD, Stick JA, Brakenhoff JE, Cramp PA, Spirito MA.3 foals were referred for treatment of tympany of the auditory tube diverticulum (guttural pouch). Results: Bilateral guttural pouch tympany was diagnosed in all 3 foals on the basis of clinical signs and results of radiographic and endoscopic evaluations and gutturocentesis. In each foal, previous medical or surgical interventions or both had failed to correct the problem. Results: Bilateral surgical resection of the plica salpingopharyngeus was performed. Follow-up telephone interviews with owners 8 months to 3 years after surgery revealed that long-term resolution of the tympany had been ac...
Salcedo R, Gomez DE, Krueger E, Koenig J.Small intestinal incarceration in a rent within the ileocecal fold is an uncommon finding in horses. This report describes the history, clinical signs, and surgical findings in a horse with small intestinal strangulation due to a rent at the ileocecal fold. . L’incarcération du petit intestin dans une déchirure du pli iléo-caecal est une constatation rare chez les chevaux. Ce rapport décrit l’anamnèse, les signes cliniques et les constatations chirurgicales d’un cheval atteint d’une strangulation du petit intestin en raison d’une déchirure dans le pli iléo-caecal.(Traduit par ...
Kasper C, Doran R.A 2-year-old horse with signs of colic, reflux on nasogastric intubation, and large colon distention on transrectal palpation was found to have a leiomyoma involving the duodenum. The mass was excised without penetration of the lumen of the small intestine, and the horse recovered without complications.