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.
Phillips AW, Courtenay JS, Ruston RD, Moore J, Baker C, Epps HB.A simple apparatus is described for the collection of plasma from horses while maintaining their blood in extracorporeal circulation. Using this device, nearly 2.5 kg of plasma protein was collected from a horse during a period of 3 weeks without any obvious adverse effect upon the animal. The blood’s packed cell volume showed little variation throughout this period, although its content of plasma protein was found to fall. The normal plasma protein level was almost completely re-established after 3 weeks rest. A horse immunized with tetanus toxoid and subjectcd to repeated cycles of plasmap...
Charnock LN, Boveland SD, Groover ES, Moore PA, McMullen RJ.Evaluate the effects of corneoconjunctival transposition (CCT), posterior lamellar keratoplasty (PLK) and modified deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) on streak retinoscopy in equine cadaver eyes. Methods: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was maintained at 25 ± 3 mmHg in 35 equine cadaver eyes. Streak retinoscopy was performed prior to (NO VISCO) and following (VISCO) intracameral injection of 1.0 ml of viscoelastic. Following optical coherence tomography (OCT), an axial CCT [n = 11] or PLK [n = 12], or peripheral DLEK [n = 12] was performed. Streak retinoscopy and OCT were r...
Twele L, Neudeck S, Delarocque J, Verhaar N, Reiners J, Noll M, Tünsmeyer J, Kästner SBR.High-definition oscillometry (HDO) over the metatarsal artery (MA) in anaesthetised horses has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to assess agreement between HDO and invasive blood pressure (IBP) at the metatarsal artery, and to evaluate compliance with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus guidelines. In this experimental study, 11 horses underwent general anaesthesia for an unrelated, terminal surgical trial. Instrumentation included an IBP catheter in one and an HDO cuff placed over the contralateral MA, as well as thermodilution catheters. Systolic ar...
Baxter GM, Moore JN, Budsberg SC.An open radial fracture in an adult horse (450 kg) was repaired by internal fixation, using two 18-hole 4.5-mm broad dynamic compression plates and 5.5- and 4.5-mm bone screws. The fracture healed completely, but when evaluated 9 months after surgery, the horse was lame on the fractured limb at a trot. Local infiltration of anesthesia along the distal half of the bone plates greatly ameliorated the lameness, suggesting that the plates were irritating the soft tissues and extensor tendons along the cranial and lateral aspects of the antebrachium. Both bone plates were removed simultaneously wit...
Reiners SR, Jann HW, Stein LE, Good JK, Claypool PL.To compare the healing and mechanical strength of a multiple split autologous tendon graft (MG) to a whole autologous tendon graft (WG) in the deep digital flexor tendon of ponies. Methods: In vitro evaluation of two different tendon-grafting techniques. Methods: Six ponies of mixed gender and age. Methods: Tenotomies performed in forelimb deep digital flexor tendons (DDFT) distal to the insertion of the accessory ligament (AL-DDFT) were repaired with free autologous grafts from the hindlimb lateral digital extensor tendon (LDET). Grafts were either whole (WG) or split into three longitudinal ...
Holcombe SJ, Derksen FJ, Stick JA, Robinson NE.To determine the effect of bilateral tenectomy of the tensor veli palatini muscle on soft palate and nasopharyngeal function in exercising horses. Methods: 5 Standardbreds. Methods: Treadmill videoendoscopy was performed on 5 Standardbreds exercising at 50, 75, and 100% of the speed that produced maximum heart rate; tracheal and pharyngeal pressures were measured before and after surgery. Tenectomy of the tensor veli palatini muscle was performed bilaterally on each horse while under general anesthesia, using a transoral approach. Results: Peak inspiratory tracheal pressures were significantly...
Kaneps AJ, Shires GM, Watrous BJ.The use of real-time ultrasound for examination of the bladder was a useful diagnostic aid in 2 cases of cystic calculi. The ultrasound procedure revealed that a firm mass palpated per rectum in the bladder of one horse was a calculus. In the other horse, ultrasound revealed additional small uroliths. To remove the uroliths in both horses, laparocystidotomy via a ventral paramedian approach was chosen because it provided the best access to the bladder lumen. The calculi were analyzed by qualitative chemical analysis and quantitative crystallography. Results differed between analysis methods. C...
Schumacher J, Livesey L, Brawner W, Taintor J, Pinto N.Centesis of the bicipital bursa using an 8.9 cm long spinal needle has been reported but the alternative of employing a 3.8 cm long hypodermic needle requires validation. Objective: To compare the efficacy of 2 different methods of centesis of the bicipital bursa and to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonographic imaging to determine the location of solution administered when centesis of the bursa is attempted. Methods: For Trial 1, 6 clinicians, who had no previous experience of centesis of the bicipital bursa, attempted to inject a solution composed of an aqueous radiopaque contrast medium a...
Palmer SE.The use of carbon dioxide and Nd:YAG lasers has expanded the capabilities of equine surgeons. These lasers are used to incise, vaporize, and coagulate tissue with minimal hemorrhage and reduced morbidity to the patient. In this article, practical fundamentals of laser surgery are briefly reviewed, and selected standing laser procedures of the head and neck are discussed.
Kooreman KM, Fessler JF, Voorhees C, Geddes LA, Latshaw HS, Voorhees WD.In this preliminary study, artificial respiration was produced in four anesthetized horses using trains of stimuli applied to long needle electrodes inserted bilaterally at the base of the neck. The needles were insulated to within 1 cm of the tips. The frequency of the stimuli (0.1 msec) was 35/sec and the train duration (duration of inspiration) was 1 sec. Inspired volume increased with increasing stimulus intensity. In two animals, inspired volumes of 6 liters were achieved. In another animal 4.5 liters was achieved and in another, 2.5 liters. This lower value probably represented less-than...
Buff PR, Messer NT, Cogswell AM, Wilson DA, Johnson PJ, Keisler DH, Ganjam VK.Endocrine characteristics of Quarter Horse-type mares were determined during a 68 h feed deprivation and again in the same mares following surgical thyroidectomy (THX). A crossover experimental design was implemented, in which mares received brome hay available ad libitum (FED) or were food deprived (RES) for 68 h. Blood samples were collected every 20 min for 48 h, beginning 20 h after the onset of food deprivation. Concentrations of triiodothyronine and thyroxine were undetectable post-THX. Plasma concentrations of thyrotropin were greater post-THX versus pre-THX (P<0 x 001). Plasma conce...
Barrett EJ, Rodgerson DH.To describe an ultrasound assisted arthroscopic approach for removal of non-articular basilar sesamoid fragments in Thoroughbred yearlings. Methods: Thoroughbred yearlings (n = 7). Methods: Basilar sesamoid fragments identified during pre-sale radiographic examination were removed using a palmar/plantar arthroscopic approach to the fetlock joint and ultrasonographic guidance. Complete fragment removal was confirmed by ultrasonography and radiography. Results: Basilar sesamoid fracture fragments were localized and removed successfully using rongeurs and a radiofrequency probe for soft tissu...
Lumsden JM, Derksen FJ, Stick JA, Robinson NE, Nickels FA.The efficacy of partial arytenoidectomy was assessed in 6 Standardbred horses, with surgically induced laryngeal hemiplegia, at rest (Period A) and during exercise at speeds corresponding to maximum heart rate (Period C) and 75% of maximum heart rate (Period B). Peak expiratory and inspiratory airflow rate (PEF and PIF), and expiratory and inspiratory transupper airway pressure (PUE and PUI) were measured and expiratory and inspiratory impedance (ZE and ZI) were calculated. Simultaneously, tidal breathing flow-volume loops (TBFVL) were acquired using a respiratory function computer. Indices de...
Frei S, Fürst AE, Sacks M, Bischofberger AS.Three horses that were presented with supraglenoid tubercle fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using distal femoral locking plates (DFLP). Placing the DFLP caudal to the scapular spine in order to preserve the suprascapular nerve led to a stable fixation, however, it resulted in infraspinatus muscle atrophy and mild scapulohumeral joint instability (case 1). Placing the DFLP cranial to the scapular spine and under the suprascapular nerve resulted in a stable fixation, however, it resulted in severe atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles and scapulo...
James FM, Smith MRW, Wright IM.Fractures of the proximal phalanx are one of the most common long bone fractures of Thoroughbred racehorses. Although the degree of disruption and damage to the articular surface is generally considered a major prognostic determinant, associated arthroscopic findings have not previously been reported. Objective: To describe the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joint lesions associated with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx arthroscopically identified at the time of fracture repair and compare radiographic and arthroscopic appearance of complete fractures. Methods: Retrospec...
Bienert-Zeit A, Müller JM, Feige K.The article provides hands-on advice and scientific background information regarding the management of the equine acute colic patient. It summarizes essential information on the patient's history, clinical examination, and legal aspects. The scope of the history is based on the clinical appearance of the patient. In horses with violent and barely controllable signs of pain, it is limited to colic-associated information such as onset, course and severity of colic signs, and the last time of defecation, as well as prior therapeutic intervention. In these patients, the clinical examination is foc...
Bristol DG.Caudally based axial pattern and random pattern skin flaps, 5 cm x 10 cm, were raised on the abdomens of seven foals. Blood flow was measured 7.5 cm from the flap bases during incremental increases in applied tension. At tensions less than 1400 g, cutaneous blood flow was more than four times higher in axial pattern flaps than in random pattern flaps. Blood flow in axial pattern flaps at tensions up to 1500 g was greater than baseline flow in random pattern flaps. After removal of applied tension, perfusion in axial pattern flaps gradually increased but remained below baseline values. A short ...
Sod GA, Hubert JD, Martin GS, Gill MS.To evaluate the effects of plate luting on the biomechanical properties of a broad limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by LC-DCP fixation, with 1 of the pair luted with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Methods: Ten pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Ten pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 2 test groups (5 pairs each) for (1) palmarodorsal 4-point bending single cycle to failure testi...
Taylor TS, Vaughan JT.A study was conducted in an effort to explain why digital necrosis sometimes follows neurectomy in the horse. Six horses were subjected to unilateral section of the medial and lateral palmar nerves. Arteriography was done on each digit prior to surgery. Terminally, arteriography was repeated. Sections of bone, nerve, artery, skin, coronary band, and deep flexor tendon were examined histologically. Changes in arterial pattern and bone quality were noted. During the study, 2 of the horses had clinical signs of digital necrosis. The composite findings suggested trauma or infection, or both, of th...
Adams MK, Lescun TB, Mechem AS, Johnson WR, Griffin TH, Main RP.OBJECTIVE To compare heat generation and mechanical bone damage for tapered and cylindrical transfixation pins during drilling, tapping, and pin insertion in equine third metacarpal bones. SAMPLE 16 pairs of cadaveric equine third metacarpal bones. PROCEDURES For cylindrical pin insertion, a 6.2-mm hole was drilled and tapped with a cylindrical tap, and then a standard 6.3-mm pin was inserted. For tapered pin insertion, a 6.0-mm hole was drilled, reamed with a tapered reamer, and tapped with a tapered tap, and then a 6.3-mm tapered pin was inserted. Paired t tests and 1-way ANOVAs were used to...
Murphy DJ, Nixon AJ.A new surgical technique for treatment of chronic metacarpophalangeal synovial pad proliferation in the horse and the findings and long-term follow-up from 11 clinical cases are described. The medical records of all equine lameness cases attributed to metacarpophalangeal synovial pad proliferation admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University (1991-1996) were reviewed and all those treated surgically by laser extirpation were included in this study. Retrieved data included subject details, preoperative lameness, ultrasonography, radiography and synovial fluid evaluations...
McCormick JD, Watkins J.To report plate fixation for management of traumatic injuries resulting in plantar instability of the proximal intertarsal (PIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints. Methods: Case series. Methods: Medical records (October 1988 to August 2007) of horses that had internal fixation of the distal aspect of the tarsus were reviewed. Horses that had a broad dynamic compression plate (DCP) or broad locking compression plate (LCP) applied on the plantar-lateral aspect of the tarsus extending from the proximal calcaneus to the proximal one third of the metatarsus were included. Signalment, clinical signs,...
Matsuda K, Shimada T, Kawamura Y, Sakaguchi K, Tagami M, Taniyama H.A 2-year-old Thoroughbred horse presented with acute onset of colitis, and the intussuscepted jejunum was surgically resected. A transmural mass protruding into the lumen was found at the leading edge of the intussusceptum. Based on histological and immunohistochemical examinations, the mass was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with metastasis to the mesenteric lymph nodes. Anatomical localization of the mass in the intussusception and absence of other obvious underlying diseases indicated that the intussusception had occurred in association with the mass. To our knowledge, this case...
Sod GA, Riggs LM, Mitchell CF, Martin GS, Gill MS.To compare the number of cycles to failure of 4.5 mm broad dynamic compression plates (DCP), 4.5 mm broad limited-contact dynamic compression plates (4.5-LC-DCP), and 5.5 mm broad limited-contact dynamic compression plates (5.5-LC-DCP) having a rough (denoted by a prefix R-) versus a standard smooth contact surface for the fixation of osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Fifteen pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Fifteen pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (5 pairs each) for comparison of (1) R-DCP fixation with DCP fi...
Dyson S, Wright I, Kold S, Vatistas N.A sagittal fracture of the medial aspect of the patella was identified in 15 horses, 2 of which had been kicked and 12 of which had hit a fixed fence while jumping. Eight horses showed concurrent fragmentation of the base of the patella, and 2 had sustained a concurrent fracture of the distal end of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur. A cranioproximal-craniodistal oblique radiographic view was essential to identify the site of the medial patellar fracture and to determine its configuration. Fourteen horses were treated by surgical removal of the medial patellar fracture fragment(s). Of 1...
Sivula NJ, Trent AM, Kobluk CN.Nonsurgical correction of a renosplenic entrapment of the large colon was attempted in a mare, using a rolling technique. After correction, the mare had initial improvement in clinical signs, but later developed signs of abdominal discomfort. A ventral midline celiotomy was performed, and a pelvic flexure impaction and large intestinal volvulus were found and corrected.
Bosch G, van Schie MJ, Back W.A keratoma is a rather uncommon disorder of the equine hoof that can lead to lameness. Few quantitative data exist about the prognosis of different treatment regimens. The outcome of 41 cases that were presented to the Department of Equine Sciences in the period 1995-2001 and that were treated according to different regimens was retrospectively evaluated. All horses showed lameness that could be attributed to the keratoma: 23 (56%) were treated surgically using a standardized procedure, while the other 18 (44%) were treated conservatively. Results were based upon 35 horses; 6 were lost to foll...
Klopfenstein Bregger MD, Fürst AE, Kircher PR, Kluge K, Kummer M.To describe minimally-invasive lag screw osteosynthesis combined with external coaptation for the treatment of Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal and third metatarsal bone fractures. Methods: Three foals aged two weeks to four months with a Salter-Harris type II third metacarpal or third metatarsal fracture. Surgery was carried out under general anaesthesia in lateral recumbency. After fracture reduction, the metaphyseal fragment was stabilized with two cortical screws placed in lag fashion under fluoroscopic control. A cast was applied for at least two weeks. Results: All foals had a good...
Giacchi A, McMaster MA.To compare biomechanical characteristics of three-loop pulley (3LP) pattern versus Bunnell technique (BT) using polydioxanone (PDS) suture; to determine the influence of polyester tape (PT) versus PDS on the BT for equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) tenorrhaphy; to compare BT with PT versus 3LP with PDS. Methods: Ex vivo biomechanical study. Methods: Forty equine forelimb SDFT. Methods: Two experiments were performed: (1) 10 SDFT pairs were repaired with 3LP or BT using PDS; (2) 10 SDFT pairs were repaired with PDS or PT using BT. Load at failure, mode of failure, load at 2 mm g...
van Nieuwstadt RA, Kalsbeek HC.In a horse with chronic unilateral nasal discharge guttural pouch mycosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus was diagnosed. A percutaneous indwelling catheter was surgically installed in the left guttural pouch. Initial treatment with a povidone iodine solution proved to be unsatisfactory. Treatment was continued by administering enilconazole by ways of an indwelling through-the-nose-catheter. The latter treatment resulted in complete recovery.
Kelly PG, Pollock PJ.To describe (1) diagnosis of dynamic collapse of the cricotracheal ligament in a group of horses and (2) treatment and outcome of affected horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Thoroughbred horses (n = 8). Methods: Of 600 over ground dynamic endoscopic examinations performed, 8 Thoroughbred horses had cricotracheal ligament collapse (CTLC); 5 were 2 years old and in early training and 2 were mature horses in full work. CTLC was diagnosed if circumferential collapse of the cricotracheal ligament was identified during exercise. Seven horses had repeat endoscopic examination. T...
