Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging-assisted partial hoof wall resection for keratoma removal.

This research study involved using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assist in the surgical removal of keratomas (benign growths) from horses’ hooves, and evaluated the success rate and postoperative outcomes of this technique.

Methodology

• The study was conducted as a case series involving ten horses that were diagnosed with keratoma.
• Data was collected from individual medical records, which included information regarding signalment (the animals’ breed, age, sex, etc.), duration and grade of lameness, physical and diagnostic evaluations, CT and MRI findings, surgical details, histopathologic diagnoses, post-surgery treatment, and complications encountered.
• Long-term outcome information was obtained through telephone interviews with the horses’ owners.

Findings

• Post-operative complications, such as excessive granulation tissue formation and infection, occurred in two of the ten horses (20%).
• No recurrence of keratoma was reported in any of the horses.
• Follow-up information was available for eight horses, out of which, seven were sound and had resumed work.
• The average time taken for the horses to regain soundness was approximately 2.7 months. The average time until they resumed work was approximately 3.6 months.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that CT and MRI can be effectively used to accurately identify the location of keratomas in horses’ hooves.
• The risk of postoperative complications could be reduced by creating smaller hoof wall defects, filled with antimicrobial-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (a type of plastic).
• Moreover, early placement of a shoe after the surgery was found to be beneficial in the postoperative period.