Equine orbital fractures: a review of 18 cases (2006-2013).

This research study examines the symptoms, treatments, complications and results in horses that have experienced traumatic orbital (eye socket) fractures. The study finds that horses who receive prompt medical and surgical intervention have a favorable prognosis towards functionality and appearance.

Overview of the Study

• The study is a retrospective investigation into equine orbital fractures and focuses on aspects like how the fracture occurred, signs of the fracture, diagnosis, treatment methods and complications.
• The research involves investigating the medical records of 18 horses with confirmed orbital fractures, that were collected between 2006 and 2013.

Clinical Features and Reasons of Fractures

• The horses’ fractures reported in the study were mainly due to accidents like rearing in a confined space, being kicked, colliding with a stationary object, and unknown trauma.
• Diagnosis methods for categorizing fractures and checking sinus/nasal involvement included radiography and computed tomography.

Treatment and complications

• Out of the 18 horses, 17 required treatment, and out of those, 15 received a combination of medical and surgical therapy.
• The surgery treatments included reduction of large bony fragments, removal of small fragments, stabilization with wire implant, sinus trephination, and lavage.
• Bleeding (Epistaxis) and inflammation (sinusitis) were complications associated with fractures of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and fractures of multiple bones.

Outcome of Treatment

• A favorable outcome was primarily seen in terms of aspects such as retaining sight, comfort, maintaining appearance and a return to previous activity levels.
• The study concludes that horses who received immediate treatment involving both medical and surgical therapy for orbital fractures have a good prognosis for functionality and appearance.
• It also indicates that fractures affecting the zygomatic process of the frontal bone are less likely to involve the sinus/nasal cavities. However, bleeding and inflammation require more aggressive therapy and could reduce functional and cosmetic outcome.