Efficient primary surgical treatment of equine infectious sinusitis reduces postoperative aftercare and increases outcome results: a retrospective study of 130 cases.

This study presents data showing that an efficient surgical method for treating sinusitis in horses, when followed with a straightforward aftercare procedure, yields positive long-term outcomes and reduces necessary aftercare.

Introduction

• The research aims to provide an overview of the long-term results of surgically treated sinusitis in horses, both primary and dental-related. Additionally, it outlines a simple protocol for care post-surgery.

Method

• All cases treated with surgery for sinusitis between January 2016 and June 2022 were considered in this study.
• Only cases diagnosed as having primary and dental-related sinusitis and that had a six-month follow-up post hospital discharge were included in the study.
• Cases involving other types of sinus issues were not factored into the study.

Results

• 130 cases met the criteria for the study.
• A majority of these (104 cases) were treated with an endoscopic procedure called sinoscopy while the rest (26 cases) underwent sinusotomy.
• Most of the cases (86 out of 130 or about 66.2%) involved sinusitis caused by dental issues, requiring tooth extraction.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scanning was used to improve diagnostic accuracy in about 42% of the cases.
• Immediate or short-term complications were recorded in 8 out of 130 cases, representing a low complication rate of 6.2 percent.
• Initial treatment was successful in 107 out of 130 cases, representing a success rate of 82.3 percent.
• Horses received an average of 3.15 daily flushes postoperatively and were discharged after an average hospital stay of 6.4 days.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that diligent cleaning of sinuses affected by primary or dental-related sinusitis, coupled with a basic postoperative care routine, can contribute to a positive long-term outcome in horses.