Large segmental mandibulectomy for treatment of an undifferentiated sarcoma in a horse.

The research discusses the use of a large segmental mandibulectomy to treat an undifferentiated sarcoma in a horse. The horse was successfully treated and showed no symptoms of recurring disease 24 months post-surgery.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to present a case where a large undifferentiated sarcoma in the right mandible of a horse was treated using a large segmental mandibulectomy.

Methods

• A 10-year-old mare was diagnosed with a large, undifferentiated sarcoma on her right mandible using a computed tomography (CT) scan among other methods.
• A surgery was planned to remove the tumor. The incision spanned from 3cm below her right temporomandibular joint to an area just behind tooth 407.
• Three-dimensional imaging from a CT scan was used in preparation and planning of the extensive surgery.
• The mass was resected in a single block while the horse was under general anesthesia.

Results

• The total surgery time amounted to 11 hours and 35 minutes and the total anesthesia time was 12 hours and 40 minutes.
• Three days after the operation, the horse was able to eat normally.
• Postoperative complications included some skin sloughing, but the aesthetic and functional result was deemed satisfactory.
• 24 months post-surgery, the horse exhibited no symptoms of disease.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of three-dimensional CT imaging in planning for extensive surgeries like large mandibulectomies. It also concluded that a large portion of the mandible can be removed in a horse and yield an acceptable aesthetic and functional outcome. Most importantly, it was able to successfully eliminate the sarcoma in the horse without recurrence two years post-surgery