Bilateral ventral accessory neurectomy in windsucking horses.

This research discusses an unsuccessful attempt to control windsucking behavior in horses by surgically removing a specific nerve (the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve) from both sides of the horse’s body.

Objective of the Research

• This study aimed to investigate the potential of a specific surgical procedure, bilateral neurectomy of the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve, as a potential solution for controlling windsucking behavior in horses.

Procedure Undertaken

• The researchers carried out the procedure of bilateral neurectomy on the horses, which involves the surgical removal of the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve from both sides of the horse’s body.
• The spinal accessory nerve is a peripheral nerve that manages various body functions. By cutting this nerve, the researchers wanted to investigate if the horse’s ability to windsuck was related to the functionality of this nerve.

Research Findings

• In this study, eight horse cases were investigated. However, the surgical procedure did not lead to any permanent improvement in windsucking behavior. The horses continued to exhibit behavior even after the surgery.

Significance of the Research

• This research contributes to the pool of knowledge regarding ways of controlling windsucking behavior in horses. Although unsuccessful, the study helps rule out bilateral neurectomy of the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve as a potential solution to the problem.
• The findings of the study underscore the complexity of windsucking behavior in horses and suggest that its control may require methods beyond surgical intervention.