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.
Lykkjen S, Strand E, Haga HA, Lie KI.To report treatment and wound healing after radical surgical mass excision in the equine buccal region. Methods: Clinical case reports. Methods: An 11-year-old Warmblood gelding and a 9-year-old Norwegian Trotter gelding. Methods: Large tumoral masses were removed from the buccal region by radical electrosurgery, creating large defects into the oral cavity. Wound ultimately healed by second intention. Results: Buccal defects in both horses healed well by second intention without tumor recurrence. Conclusions: Locally invasive tumors involving the cheek region of the horse can be successfully t...
Hubert JD, Burba DJ, Moore RM.To describe a laparoscopic technique for granulosa cell tumor removal using a vessel sealing device (LigaSuretrade mark) in standing mares. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Eight mares (8-24 years old; weighing, 406-525 kg). Methods: Before surgery, ovarian size and adjacent body wall thickness was determined by ultrasonography. Mares were sedated and after local anesthesia (inverted L and local infiltration), laparoscopic cannulation was performed without insufflation. The mesovarium was anesthetized and the LigaSure instrument applied to the mesovarium for hemostasis and resection to r...
Röcken M, Stehle C, Mosel G, Rass J, Litzke LF.To describe a technique for laparoscopic-assisted removal of cystic calculi in geldings and report outcome. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: Four geldings with cystic calculi. Methods: Laparoscopic-assisted cystotomy and urolith retrieval was performed in 4 anesthetized geldings positioned in dorsal recumbency. With a laparoscope portal located at the umbilicus, the abdomen was insufflated and then the surgical table was tilted (30 degrees head-down position) before an instrumental portal was created parallel and 2-3 cm medial to the left external inguinal ring. Laparoscopic grasping forceps...
Martins EA, Silva LC, Baccarin RY.The objective of this study was to evaluate, through ultrasonography, the effect of medial patellar desmotomy. Middle patellar desmitis, enthesophytes in the patella, and irregularities in the cartilage of the femoral trochlear groove were observed. Medial patellar desmotomy leads to lesions in the stifle, and restriction of movement does not prevent these lesions from occurring. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer, par échographie, l’effet d’une desmotomie du ligament médial de la rotule. Une desmite du ligament médial de la rotule, des enthésophytes dans la rotule et de...
MacLean YT.An 11-year-old Trakehner mare was presented with a firm moveable mass over the left maxilla. Radiography revealed a discrete opaque ovoid mass. Sialolithiasis of left parotid duct was diagnosed. The sialolith was excised by using a transoral approach and found to contain an organic nidus. The mare recovered without complications. Sialolithiase chronique chez une jument Trakehner. Une jument Trakehner âgée de 11 ans a été présentée pour une masse mobile ferme au dessus du maxillaire gauche. La radiographie a révélé une masse ovoïde opaque et discrète. Une sialolithiase du canal parot...
Marntell S, Nyman G, Funkquist P.The principal aim of this study was to evaluate dissociative anaesthesia for castration of colts during field conditions. Three dissociative anaesthetic protocols were evaluated during castration of colts in an animal hospital. The protocol considered to be the most suitable was thereafter evaluated during castration of colts under field conditions. Respiratory and haemodynamic parameters and the response to surgery were determined during anaesthesia. All horses breathed air spontaneously during anaesthesia. Under hospital conditions 26 colts were randomised to receive one of three anaesthetic...
James FM, Richardson DW.Complications of osteosynthesis including superficial and deep infections continue to affect adversely outcome in equine surgery of the lower limb. Objective: To describe a technique for minimally invasive plate fixation in horses and evaluate clinical results of the technique. Objective: Lower complication rates would occur in horses treated with a minimally invasive approach compared with conventional techniques. Methods: Cases of minimally invasive plate fixation from January 1999 to December 2003 were evaluated. Case records, radiographs and race records for horses that sustained distal th...
Woodford NS, Lane JG.The spectrum of clinical presentation, methods of diagnosis, management and prognosis in cases of sinunasal cysts (SNCs) requires more extensive study. Despite the extensive nature of SNCs, the prognosis for afflicted horses appears to have improved since earlier studies were conducted. Objective: To evaluate prognosis and cosmetic outcome of surgical ablation in 52 cases of SNCs. Methods: Fifty-two case records (1982-2005) of horses affected with SNCs were retrieved from the archives. Subject details, clinical signs, diagnostic techniques, surgical management and post surgical complications w...
Schambourg MA, Farley JA, Marcoux M, Laverty S.Transrectal ultrasonography is a reliable technique to identify intra-abdominal testes, but can be hazardous or impractical in fractious, juvenile or small equids. The transabdominal approach therefore requires validation. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal ultrasonography to localise cryptorchid testes. Methods: Thirty-eight horses admitted for cryptorchidism underwent transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes. Location of the testes was confirmed during surgery (n = 37) or necropsy (n = 1). Results: Horses weighed 175-760 kg. Twenty-two test...
Rothenbuhler R, Hawkins JF, Adams SB, Lescun TB, Weil AB, Glickman LT, Fessler JF, Glickman NG.To determine whether heavy (> or = 680 kg [> or = 1,500 lb]) draft horses undergoing surgical treatment for acute signs of abdominal pain were at a greater risk for anesthetic and postoperative complications and lower postoperative survival rates than light ( 1 year) follow-up information was available was 50%. Conclusions: Draft horses weighing > 680 kg that underwent surgery because of acute signs of abdominal pain had longer durations of anesthesia, more postoperative complications, and higher mortality rates than draft horses weighing < 680 kg.
Getman LM, Southwood LL, Richardson DW.To evaluate records of racehorses with palmar carpal osteochondral fragments and determine whether the fragments were indicators of the severity of pathologic joint changes or prognosis. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 31 racehorses. Methods: Medical records, radiographs, and videos of arthroscopic procedures were reviewed. Information gathered included signalment; location, number, and size of the primary lesion; number and size of palmar carpal fragments; and details pertaining to surgical procedures. Outcome variables were obtained from race records. Results: 31 horses met the ...
Devine DV, Jann HW, Payton ME.To assess gait abnormalities associated with selective anesthesia of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) achieved by use of perineural catheterization and thereby determine the function of that nerve as it relates to gait in horses. Methods: 3 adult horses with no preexisting clinically apparent lameness at a walk. Methods: Each horse was anesthetized; the right SSN was exposed surgically for placement of a perineural catheter to permit delivery of 1 mL of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride. Six hours after recovery from anesthesia, each horse was videotaped while walking (50-step data acquisition period)...
Koenig JB, Sawhney S, Cote N, LaMarre J.To determine whether inflammation of the jejunum of horses decreases the number of motilin receptors and amounts of motilin receptor mRNA and alters erythromycin lactobionate binding affinity to the motilin receptor in jejunal tissues. Methods: Jejunal segments in 6 adult horses. Methods: Each horse was anesthetized, and a ventral median celiotomy was performed; 2 segments of jejunum underwent a sham operation, 2 segments underwent ischemic strangulation obstruction (ISO), and 2 segments underwent intraluminal distension (ILD). Treatments were maintained for 120 minutes. From each segment, ful...
Carpenter RS, Galuppo LD, Stover SM.To compare variables for screw insertion, pushout strength, and failure modes for a headless tapered compression screw inserted in standard and oversize holes in a simulated lateral condylar fracture model. Methods: 6 pairs of third metacarpal bones from horse cadavers. Methods: Simulated lateral condylar fractures were created, reduced, and stabilized with a headless tapered compression screw by use of a standard or oversize hole. Torque, work, and time for drilling, tapping, and screw insertion were measured during site preparation and screw implantation. Axial load and displacement were mea...
Martins WD, Fávaro DM, Ribas Mde O, Martins G.A rare case of multiple mandibular fractures and severe facial laceration is presented. The cause was a horse hoof kick to an unmounted equestrian. The pertinent literature is reviewed and the maxillofacial injuries associated with animal interaction are discussed.
Hassan KA, Galuppo LD, van Hoogmoed LM.To compare bursting strength and failure modes of ventral median abdominal incisions closed with loop suture in a simple continuous pattern using two different suture-bite intervals. Methods: In vitro experiment. Methods: Equine cadavers (n=14; weighing >318 kg; postmortem interval <2 hours). Methods: A template was used to make a 25 cm incision with suture interval and bite size of either 1.0 cm x 1.5 cm or 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm. A 200 L polyurethane bladder was inserted within the abdomen and insufflated to create abdominal wall tension. Celiotomies were closed with a #2 braided lactomer 9-1 conti...
Brommer H, Laasanen MS, Brama PA, van Weeren PR, Helminen HJ, Jurvelin JS.To evaluate an arthroscopic indentation instrument (Artscan 200) for assessment of the health status of equine articular cartilage. Methods: In vitro experiment using equine isolated proximal phalanx (P1) specimens. Methods: P1 specimens from 39 horses (aged 1.5-22 years). Methods: Reproducibility was tested by determination of the coefficient of variation (CV). Dynamic modulus and cartilage degeneration index (CDI) values were measured at 2 predefined sites (site 1, joint margin; site 2, joint center) to assess the accuracy and to evaluate the relation with surface integrity. Results: CV was ...
Watts AE, Nixon AJ.To (1) describe a caudal approach to equine medial and lateral femorotibial (FT) joints and (2) illustrate the complex anatomic detail of the caudal compartments of the lateral FT joint. Methods: Prospective experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine hindlimbs (n = 36; 26 horses) and 6 horses (11 hind limbs). Methods: Stifles (n = 8) were dissected and 10 FT joints were injected with silicone. Arthroscopic exploration (n = 29) was performed, followed by dissection to determine sites and structures penetrated during entry. Results: A more caudal approach to the caudal pouch of the medial FT ...
Cheetham J, Nixon AJ.To identify sites for arthroscopic access to the palmar aspects of the antebrachiocarpal (AC) and middle carpal (MC) joints, and describe visible carpal bone surfaces for each approach. Methods: Prospective experimental study. Methods: Equine carpi: 16 cadavers, 8 live horses. Methods: A latex model was used to identify possible sites for arthroscopic access to the palmar aspects of the AC and MC joints. Carpi (n = 24) were examined arthroscopically and arthroscopic access sites and visible carpal bone surfaces were described. Results: Arthroscopic approaches and instrument portals were develo...
Love EJ, Lane JG, Murison PJ.To determine the effect of morphine administration on commonly monitored cardio-respiratory variables and recovery quality in horses undergoing anaesthesia and surgery. Methods: Prospective, randomized clinical study. Methods: Thirty-eight thoroughbred horses, 32 geldings and six mares, 3-13 years old, weighing 411-600 kg. Methods: A standard anaesthetic technique was used. Twenty minutes after induction of anaesthesia horses received 0.1 mg kg(-1) (0.1 m) or 0.2 mg kg(-1) (0.2 m) morphine by intravenous injection. A control group did not receive morphine. Heart rate, respiratory rate (fr), me...
Saifzadeh S, Derakhshanfar A, Shokouhi F, Hashemi M, Mazaheri R.We report a 5-year-old gelding with a rare benign tumour of 2-month duration in the subcutis of the hind limb that presented with lameness. Physical examination revealed normal vital signs. Laboratory findings were within normal ranges. No bone abnormalities were detected on radiographic examination of the affected area. Bloody fluid was obtained by aspiration. Through an I-shape skin incision the tumour was excised en-block. Microscopic study showed a vascular hamartoma characterized by cavernous haemangiomatous tissue and proliferation of multiple vessels of variable diameter. This report hi...
Archer DC, Barrie Edwards G, Kelly DF, French NP, Proudman CJ.Idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis (IFEE) is a rare disease in the horse and few cases have been reported in the literature. The objective of this paper was to describe the clinical, surgical, histological features and post-operative progress of 12 horses with IFEE, a disease that had not been identified in the authors' hospital population prior to 2000. Diagnosis of IFEE was made at laparotomy and confirmed by histological examination of resected abnormal small intestine. In all 12 horses colic was associated with jejunal obstruction involving visibly striking and palpably thickened sero...
Christensen BW, Roberts JF, Pozor MA, Giguere S, Sells SF, Donahue JM.A 4-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated because of placental abnormalities and a retained placental remnant. Results: Microbial culture of the placenta yielded pure growth of Amycolatopsis spp. Histologic examination of the placenta revealed a focally expanding chorionitis with intralesional gram-positive filamentous bacilli and multifocal allantoic adenomatous hyperplasia on the apposing allantoic surface. Results: Treatment with lavage and oxytocin resulted in expulsion of the placental remnant within hours of parturition. The mare did not become pregnant again despite multiple breeding...
Janicek JC, Rodgerson DH, Hunt RJ, Spirito MA, Thorpe PE, Tessman RK.Olecranon fracture is a common orthopedic problem in juvenile horses. Prognosis for complete fracture healing when various methods of internal fixation are used is good; however, the impact of olecranon fracture stabilization on the likelihood that foals will start on a racecourse is unknown. Medical records of foals undergoing internal fixation for an olecranon fracture were reviewed. The dam's foaling records were obtained and lifetime racing records were then retrieved for both the affected foals and 1 of their siblings. Twenty-two of 24 repaired fractures healed completely, subsequently, 1...
Pauwels FE, Adams SB, Blevins WB.Two horses with lameness due to tolocalcaneal osteoarthritis that failed to respond to conservative management were treated by tolocalcaneal arthrodesis using cortex screws placed in lag fashion. The affected joint of one horse was arthrodesed by compressing and stabilizing the medial facet of the joint with three screws. In the second horse, the medial and lateral facets of the affected tolocalcaneal joint were each compressed and stabilized with two screws. The lameness of both horses improved markedly following surgery.
Scherrer NM, Lassaline M, Miller WW.To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of four horses with severe corneal edema caused by suspected endothelial disease treated with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inlay flap and to determine whether this procedure (i) reduces corneal edema, (ii) reduces ocular pain, (iii) eliminates recurrent corneal ulceration, and (iv) improves vision in these horses. Methods: Four horses met inclusion criterion of (i) diagnosis with endothelial disease by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and (ii) surgical treatment with a superficial keratectomy and Gundersen inl...
Lansdowne JL, Bouré LP, Pearce SG, Kerr CL, Caswell JL.To compare laparoscopic dissection with-laparoscopic dissection combined with abdominal instillation of ferric hyaluronate gel for the treatment of experimentally induced adhesions in pony foals. Methods: 12 healthy pony foals. Methods: A serosal abrasion method was used to create adhesions at 4 sites on the jejunum (day 0). At day 7 laparoscopy was performed and the adhesions observed in each foal were recorded. In group-1 foals (n = 6), the adhesions were separated laparoscopically (treatment 1). In group-2 foals (n = 6), 300 mL of 0.5% ferric hyaluronate gel was infused into the abdomen aft...
Bryans JT.The immunogenic potency and safety of a chemically inactivated equine herpesvirus 1 vaccine with added adjuvant was evaluated by testing serum-neutralizing and complement-fixation antibody responses of pregnant Thoroughbred mares. The vaccinated population comprised 321 pregnant mares on 7 farms; 3 in Normandy, France; 1 in Kildare, Ireland; and 3 in central Kentucky. The pattern of antibody response to vaccination was found qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that of pregnant mares previously vaccinated and determined by challenge exposure to be immune to abortigenic infection under e...
Tranquilli WJ, Manohar M, Thurmon JC, Benson GJ, Shawley RV, Feller DL.A technique was developed for the implantation of an electromagnetic flow probe and vascular occluder onto the right and left coronary arteries in the calf and pony. Surgical manipulation was well tolerated in the animals. The subcutaneous housing on the peripheral ends of these devices of the lateral thoracic wall served as a maintenance-free technique for chronic exteriorization of these devices. Implantation onto the coronary arteries required a surgical technique which accomplished the prerequisites for proper flow probe function. A reactive hyperemic response was elicited in each animal b...
Perkins NR, Robertson JT, Colon LA.A 15-year-old Standard-bred mare was examined because of signs of abdominal discomfort in late gestation. Palpation per rectum revealed tight broad ligaments above and below the uterus, with the right broad ligament running across the top of the uterine body down toward the left, ventral side of the abdomen. A diagnosis of counterclockwise uterine torsion was made and surgical correction was approached via a left, flank laparotomy with the horse standing. The uterus was repositioned and a uterine tear encompassing 180 degrees of the uterine surface was found in the lateral, uterine body just c...
Mehl ML, Ragle CA, Mealey RH, Whooten TL.A 5-year-old Quarter Horse was examined after it developed signs of abdominal discomfort as a result of a training accident. Oral mucous membranes were pale, and capillary refill time was > 3 seconds. Hematologically, the PCV was low, and abdominocentesis yielded a serosanguineous fluid. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed and revealed a large hypoechoic mass associated with the cranial margin of the spleen. Because differentiation between subcapsular hematoma and extracapsular hematoma could not be made with certainty, further evaluation of the spleen was indicated. Abdominal laparosco...
Fessler JF.Nine horses with heterotopic polyodontia, examined at Purdue University since 1969, were treated surgically and had a favorable outcome. Six of the horses had received prior medical or surgical treatment, but without success. An understanding of the congenital nature of the problem contributed to an accurate diagnosis in each case. General anesthesia, aseptic technique, removal of all aberrant tissue, and wound suture for primary healing appeared to be essential for preserving ear function and obtaining an effective treatment.
Palmer SE.A verrucous sarcoid was removed from the ear of a horse, using a carbon dioxide laser. The use of carbon dioxide laser excision and ablation enabled complete removal of tumor cells, with minimal damage to underlying normal cartilage. Cosmetic healing was observed with minimal disfigurement. Recurrence of the tumor was not observed after 11 months.
Kuemmerle JM, Berchtold S.This study compared the areas of cartilage accessible for curettage in arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint using the conventional and collateral ligament sparing approaches. For this purpose, forelimbs and hindlimbs of six equine cadavers without radiographic evidence of proximal interphalangeal joint disease were used. One limb of each pair of limbs was randomly assigned to a dissection using a standard approach to the proximal interphalangeal joint including transection of the collateral ligaments, while each contralateral limb was exposed using the same approach but lea...
Buck AM, Hunt RJ.To describe the surgical correction of a closed meningoencephalocele in a thoroughbred filly. Methods: Case report. Methods: One thoroughbred filly, 1.5 months old at the time of surgery. Methods: A meningoencephalocele was identified at birth and diagnosed with radiography and MRI. The abnormal tissue was excised and submitted for histopathology, the dura was closed, and the defect in the skull was corrected with a titanium mesh. Results: Histopathology confirmed the presence of neural parenchyma consisting of neurons and glial cells. The filly remained without neurologic deficits 7 month...
Bohanon TC.An 8-cm compressed mass of dry cracked corn was found obstructing the duodenum of a horse with signs of colic. The mass was manipulated aborally and removed through jejunal enterotomy. The horse recovered and the impaction did not recur.
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.
Scott EA, Todhunter R.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.
Pascoe RR.The death of a 60-day-old foal due to massive haemorrhage associated with erosion of the left umbilical artery into the left ureter is reported. Surgical repair attempts are described together with post-mortem findings.