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.
Colles CM, Cook WR.Carotid and cerebral angiography has been found to be a relatively simple technique to carry out in the horse. At most it involves a cutdown approach to the carotid artery, followed by catheterisation of the artery and selective catheterisation, if necessary, of one of its three branches. The technique can be carried out with standard equipment normally available within equine hospital facilities. The authors have employed angiography as a routine aid to diagnosis over the past nine years, without encountering any serious complications or adverse reactions. Carotid angiography has been especia...
Suann CJ, Horney FD.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.
Stick JA, Slocombe RF, Derksen FJ, Scott EA.Esophageal healing was studied in 12 ponies after cervical esophagotomy. The esophagus was sutured, feed and water were withheld for 48 hours, and then all ponies were permitted to eat. In group I (n = 6), a longitudinal esophagotomy was made. In group II (n = 6), a rotational esophagotomy was made with the mucosal incision 180 degrees away from the incision in the esophageal muscle. Three ponies in each group were fed a soft diet ad libitum for 9 days, and then were allowed access to hay and grain. The remaining ponies were fed hay and grain. The esophagotomies of all hay-fed ponies dehisced ...
Parry BW.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...
Kold SE, Hickman J.The clinical features, diagnosis and radiological findings of eight cases of a subchondral bone cyst involving the medial condyle of the femur are described. Surgical treatment, which comprised performing an arthrotomy of the femorotibial joint, curetting and packing the cystic cavity with an autogenous cancellous bone graft, is described.
Render JA, Harrington DD, Wells RE, Dunstan RW, Turek JJ, Boosinger TR.Giant cell tumor of soft parts was diagnosed in 6 horses 3 to 12 years old (mean, 6.8 +/- 3.5 years): 3 Quarter Horse geldings, 2 Standardbred mares, and 1 Standardbred stallion. The neoplasms developed as raised, solitary masses, approximately 1 to 4 cm in diameter, which were firmly attached to subcutaneous tissue of the neck (1 horse), shoulder (1 horse), thigh (2 horses), or stifle (2 horses). Excision was followed by local recurrence in 3 horses within 1 to 1 1/2 months. The neoplasms were firm and cut with resistance. On cut surface, they were white, with mottled red hemorrhagic areas.
Speirs VC, Bourke JM, Anderson GA.Four variations of abductor muscle prosthesis for treating laryngeal hemiplegia were evaluated in 153 horses by questionnaire, and in the 100 Thoroughbred racehorses in this group survival analysis was used to compare their racing performances and earnings with those of 400 control horses. The questionnaire indicated that the technique which included a ventriculectomy and 2 prostheses was regarded as being the most successful (P less than 0.01) and resulted in the least residual stertor (P less than 0.001). Survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the treated g...
Wyn-Jones G.The treatment of equine cutaneous tumours by conventional or cryosurgical techniques can be limited where the position of the tumour makes radical excision or freezing impractical or dangerous. Radiotherapy provides an effective and practical alternative. The use of iridium pins with guide needles allows accurate positioning of sources and uniform radiation fields to be achieved. The subsequent removal of the pins reduces the period of incapacity and reduces the radiation risk when compared to permanently implanted sources. Twenty-seven tumours on 26 horses were treated by this method with a 1...
Rutgers LJ, Merkens HW.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.
Rutgers LJ, Merkens HW.A method of castration in stallions is reported on, in which primary closure of the wound caused by castration was attempted. Primary wound-healing occurred in 90 per cent of 110 stallions showing normally descended testicles, whereas this proportion was 97.4 per cent in thirty-eight unilaterally cryptorchid stallions in which the normally descended testicle was removed using the method described. It is concluded that the present method of castration will only be successful when surgery is carried out under strictly aseptic conditions.
Fretz PB, Donecker JM.The outcome of surgical treatment of angular limb deformities in 29 foals was evaluated through long-term monitoring of athletic performance. Foals were placed into 1 of 2 groups, depending on the site of the angular limb deformity. In group 1 foals, the deformity involved the carpus of distal end of the radius. In group 2 foals, the deformity involved the distal end of the 3rd metacarpal or metatarsal bone. Group 1 contained 20 foals and group 2 contained 11 foals. Two foals were in both groups. Sixteen foals in group 1 and 4 foals in group 2 progressed to some form of athletic use. The under...
Fretz PB, Hamilton GF, Barber SM, Ferguson JG.The medical records of 60 cattle and 47 horses treated for umbilical hernia at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine over a 3-year period were studied retrospectively. Age, hernia size, physical signs at admission, reducibility, method of repair, prevalence, and types of complications were evaluated. Most patients were less than 6 months old, with hernias less than 10 cm long. Affected cattle had a higher prevalence of organic diseases associated with umbilical hernias and more postsurgical complications than did affected horses.
Robertson JT, Muir WW.A xylazine and butorphanol drug combination produced minimal and transient hemodynamic effects and no significant respiratory depression when administered to 6 healthy horses. Combining xylazine and butorphanol produced a synergistic analgesic effect and provided good chemical restraint for a standing surgical procedure.
Tate LP, Ralston SL, Koch CM, Everitt JI.Small intestinal resection (SIR) is not uncommonly done in surgical treatment of equine colic, but little is known about the long-term effects of SIR on horses and ponies. Twelve ponies, fed maintenance amounts of pelleted feed, were divided randomly into 4 treatment groups. D-Xylose absorption curves were recorded for each pony before surgical treatments were performed. Treatments consisted of control (ileal bypass) and 40%, 60%, or 80% SIR. D-Xylose absorption, serum electrolyte, and enzyme profiles for each animal were recorded once every 30 days for 180 days after surgical treatment, and t...
Peyton LC, Connelly MB.Bacterial quantification was evaluated in 15 cases as a means of wound assessment. This study suggests that bacterial quantification may be used as an aid in the evaluation of treatment procedures and wound preparation in veterinary surgery.
Scott EA, Sandler GA.Blood flow (milliliter/minute) was measured in the medial palmar artery of 12 horses, using electromagnetic flow equipment. Extraluminal flow probes were surgically placed around the artery and base-line blood flows were recorded during surgical manipulation. After horses had recovered from anesthesia, blood flows were recorded each day for 11 days. According to mean average blood flows, horses were allotted to two groups: group 1--those with predominately normal flow characteristics, and group 2--those horses with predominately abnormal flow features. Average daily mean blood flows in the med...
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.
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.
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...
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.
Belknap JK, Moore JN.The records of 71 horses with small intestinal disorders requiring surgical correction were disorders requiring surgical correction were reviewed to compare the prevalence of laminitis in those horses treated prophylactically with heparin and the prevalence of horses not treated with heparin. The prevalence of laminitis was 13% (9/71), and there was no significant difference (P less than 0.05) in the prevalence of laminitis between the 2 groups. The lack of significant benefit after treatment with heparin indicates that further work needs to be done on the equine coagulation system before hepa...
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.
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...
De Ceulaer K, Van Ginneken C, Delesalle C, Van Brantegem L, Deprez P, Weyns A.This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of slaughterhouse-obtained small intestinal tissue as control material in equine colic research where molecular stress responses in small intestinal tissue are investigated. For this purpose, small intestinal samples from colic horses were collected during surgery or immediately after euthanasia at the oral border of strangulation resection sites and routinely processed for histopathology (i.c. rinsed with 4°C Krebs' solution, fixated overnight with 4% neutral buffered formaldehyde (FH) at room temperature). Control samples consisted of pieces of m...
Bertuglia A, Mollo G, Bullone M, Riccio B.Longitudinal tears in the lateral aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon are the most common causes of pain localised to the equine digital flexor tendon sheath. However conventional ultrasonographic techniques provide limited information about acute lesions. Ultrasonographic contrast agents are newly developed materials that have contributed to advancement in human diagnostic imaging. They are currently approved for intravenous use in human and animal models. In this study we described intrathecal use in the horse. This study was undertaken to evaluate the reliability of standard and angle ...
Ortolani F, Nannarone S, Sforna M, Gialletti R, Giglia G, Mandara MT.A 10-year-old Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (KWPN, Netherlands-based organization for registration of the Dutch Warmblood horses) mare was evaluated three times over four months because of recurrent colic. At every referral, a physical examination revealed a small colon impaction, which partially responded to food deprivation and oral administration of water and magnesium sulphate. Due to the recurrent nature of the small colon impaction, several differential diagnoses were considered: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic salmonellosis and myenteric ganglionopathies. At f...
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...
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...
Derham AM, Johnson JP, Kearney CM, O'Leary JM.This case report demonstrates the use of a 10-hole 2.7-mm locking compression plate (LCP) to repair a depressed, comminuted fracture of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone, in a foal. LCP fixation resulted in excellent cosmesis. The use of LCP fixation in this region has not been previously described.
Rambags BP, Stout TA.An 18-year-old Friesian mare with a large intrauterine cyst was examined by transrectal ultrasonography. There were several small to moderately sized intraluminal endometrial cysts, one of which connected via the myometrium to a large subserosal cyst, thereby effectively forming a 'transmural' cyst complex. During a videohysteroscopy, the intraluminal part of this transmural cyst was removed by electrocoagulation via a polypectomy snare. It was then possible to drain the large subserosal part of the cyst into the uterine lumen by transrectal massage, thereby confirming the presence of the tran...
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...
Orsini JA, Buonanno AM, Richardson DW, Nunamaker DN.A Salter-Harris type-II fracture of the distal portion of the femur in a 1-year-old Pony of America was repaired by use of lateral plating combined with interfragmentary compression. The configuration of the fracture and the method of internal fixation with a condylar buttress plate were unique and resulted in primary bone healing, seen at the 5-month follow-up examination.
Barton C, Hassel DM.A successful outcome to management of the critical colic patient is highly dependent on how the patient is monitored and treated, particularly, in the perioperative period. In this article, we will provide an update on monitoring techniques, advances in fluid therapy, nutrition management and pharmacotherapeutic agents, inclusive of pain monitoring and management, prokinetics, and management of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the hypercoagulable state.
Regodon S, Franco A, Lignereux Y, Redondo E.A technique is described for catheterisation of the ventricular recess within the olfactory bulb of the horse. Twelve adult horses were used. The olfactory recess is in the frontal region, 42 +/- 3 mm below the skin, on the line joining the supraorbital foramina, and approximately 18 +/- 2 mm from the midline. The approach is relatively easy under normal experimental conditions.
Bayly WM, Grant BD, Modransky PD.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 ...
Mason TA.A case of bicipital bursitis in a six-year-old mare is described. The horse was presented with acute lameness, pyrexia and hot swelling over the right shoulder region. Although antibiotic treatment relieved these signs, a firm cold swelling remained which had to be removed by surgical resection and drainage.
Mackey VS, Pascoe JR, Peterson PR.Anastomotic leakage was noted to occur at the junction of the staple lines used to create the stoma during small intestine side-to-side anastomosis. The anastomosis was performed in a clinical equine patient by joining the lateral surfaces of the intestinal segments using a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapling instrument (GIA). The cause of this problem was investigated by performing six anastomoses in the jejunum of a single anesthetized adult horse using the GIA; three anastomoses were created by joining the antimesenteric edges of the bowel segments and three anastomoses were created by jo...
Hof K, Shibly S, Berger S.A 13-year-old Standardbred gelding was referred for evaluation of continuous abdominal pain. Rectal examination revealed a dislocated large colon (Dislocatio coli ad dextram). The horse showed muscle fasciculations and appeared lethargic. It was sent to surgery because of persistent colic. In transit the gelding showed an unstable walk and immediately prior to surgery a wide-based stance in the hindlimbs. Laparotomy revealed a retroflexion of the large colon and a secundary mesenterial volvulus. After surgery the horse remained recumbent. Due to the comatose state and poor prognosis the geldin...
Kosec M, Mrkun J.Methods for elimination of one of two embryos in twin pregnancies of mares were studied. Transvaginal ultrasound guided punction of yolk sac or allantoic cavity with fluid aspiration was used. Punction was done in 8 mares, pregnant between 22 and 46 days. In six cases, pregnancy did continue normally with one embryo only while in two cases, both embryos died following the procedure.
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...
Riggs C, Whitley RD.Intraocular silicone prostheses were implanted in the eyes of a horse and a dog with traumatic corneal lacerations and protrusion of intraocular contents. Several months after surgery, the horse and dog were tolerating the intraocular prostheses, and the appearance was cosmetically acceptable. This contradicts earlier reports that have cited corneal disease as a contraindication for implantation of intraocular silicone prostheses.
Stutsel M, Gimeno M, Young A, Bell JW, Horadagoda N.A 2-year-old Standardbred gelding was referred for a mass on the palmaromedial right front pastern which was accompanied by progressively worsening lameness. The mass was firm to palpation and covered by normal skin. Ultrasonographically, a smooth encapsulated mass was present, medial to the flexor tendons and palmar to the neurovascular bundle. Because of a poor prognosis for future athletic performance without surgical or chemotherapeutic intervention and economic constraints preventing further diagnostics and treatment, the horse was euthanised. Post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging, histo...
Sullins KE.Common equine upper respiratory conditions are diagnosed via endoscopy. Endoscopic surgery facilitates correction of many conditions without general anesthesia or laryngotomy, reducing the morbidity and cost of the procedures. Modalities of endoscopic surgery include the Nd-YAG laser or electrosurgery, which may be complementary. The least expensive method is electrosurgery, and instruments are available that can be passed through the biopsy channel of the endoscope. Conditions amenable to such procedures include entrapped epiglottis, rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch, pharynge...
Textor JA, Goodrich L, Wion L.An 8-hour-old Standardbred filly was evaluated because of an enlarging umbilical mass and stranguria. It was suspected that the mass was the urinary bladder; this was confirmed on surgical exploration of the abdomen. Despite a normal umbilical ring, the bladder had descended and partially everted through its urachal communication with the umbilical stalk. Partial cystectomy and umbilical resection were performed and resulted in an excellent clinical outcome. Evagination of the urinary bladder via the umbilicus has rarely been described in human infants, and, to our knowledge, it has not been r...
