Arthroscopic removal of a palmar radial osteochondroma causing carpal canal syndrome in a horse.

This research article discusses the diagnosis, treatment, and successful surgical removal of a bone tumor (osteochondroma) in the limb of a 5-year-old Arabian stallion horse, which was causing lameness and pain in the affected area.

Introduction

The study is centered on an Arabian stallion diagnosed with having an osteochondroma, a benign bone tumor, projecting into the carpal canal of the right limb, causing moderate effusion and intermittent lameness. Initial treatment attempted to manage pain and inflammation with oral phenylbutazone for three years, allowing the horse to continue its show career.

Ongoing Problems and Diagnosis

• The horse’s lameness returned after the three-year treatment period, prompting a more detailed investigation of the issue.
• Through ultrasonography, the researchers discovered that the osteochondroma was impinging on the dorsal surface of the deep digital flexor tendon within the limb.

Surgery Preparation and Procedure

• Given the renewed symptoms and diagnosis, the owner decided to pursue surgical removal of the osteochondroma.
• The horse was anesthetized and a balanced polyionic solution was used to distend the carpal sheath to better visualize the tumor for removal.
• A 4-mm arthroscope was inserted into the carpal sheath to locate the osteochondroma.
• The surgical removal was conducted using a Ferris-Smith bone rongeur, inserted through a small incision made over the tumor.

Post-Surgery and Result

• Two months after the surgery, the swelling in the carpal sheath and the horse’s lameness had completely resolved.
• The surgery was successful, with the horse able to return to its training just four months after the procedure.

This research study demonstrates the success of arthroscopic surgery in removing an osteochondroma from a horse’s limb, and its effectiveness in treating carpal canal syndrome, leading to full recovery and return to activity.