Long-Term Outcome of Horses Undergoing Unilateral Mandibular Condylectomy and Meniscectomy for Temporomandibular Joint Disease.
- Journal Article
Summary
The research paper examines the long-term outcomes of sport horses that have undergone unilateral mandibular condylectomy with meniscectomy as a treatment for severe temporomandibular joint disease. The findings suggest that horses treated through this procedure can return to their previous or intended level of athletic performance.
Research Purpose and Methodology
The researchers aimed to understand the long-term results of unilateral mandibular condylectomy with meniscectomy (UMC) in treating severe temporomandibular joint disease (TMD) in horses. This was a retrospective study involving multiple institutions. The researchers reviewed medical records from seven equine referral hospitals. The records were for horses that had severe TMD and underwent UMC.
- Information about the presenting complaints, results of clinical examination, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical technique, and outcomes were recorded.
- An owner questionnaire was used for long-term follow-up.
Results and Findings
There were eleven horses included in the study. Among them, three had severe idiopathic osteoarthritis and eight had septic osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint.
- The most frequent post-op complications were drainage and peri-incisional swelling.
- Due to an accidental transection of the facial artery during the procedure, one horse developed a hematoma at the surgical site, causing a delay in the condylectomy.
- All horses survived and were discharged from the hospital. Ten returned to their intended or previous usage.
- All the horses showed complete resolution of TMD clinical signs.
- One mare was retired due to her genetic value as a broodmare. Another was euthanized two years post-operation due to worsening clinical signs of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (not present before the operation).
- The study notes that owners who were available reported being highly satisfied with the procedure’s results.
Constraints
Three major limitations are listed in this research.
- Firstly, the sample size is relatively small which may affect the generalization of the results.
- Secondly, the research involved multiple institutions which could add to the variability of the data.
- Lastly, there can be potential bias from the owners which might influence the accuracy of the reported outcomes.
Conclusion
Based on the outcomes, researchers conclude that UMC should not be considered merely a salvage treatment for horses suffering from severe TMD. This procedure allows horses to return to their previous or targeted levels of athletic performance without needing a special diet.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
- Texas Equine Hospital, Bryan, TX, United States.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, United States.
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Large Animal Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States.
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Large Animal Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States.
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
Conflict of Interest Statement
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