Outcome following computed tomographic imaging and subsequent surgical removal of keratomas in equids: 32 cases (2005-2016).
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To describe the use of CT in the diagnosis of and presurgical planning for equids with keratomas treated by hoof wall resection and determine postoperative complications and outcome. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 29 horses and 3 mules with keratomas treated by partial or complete hoof wall resection following CT imaging of the distal portion of the affected extremity from 2005 through 2016. PROCEDURES For each equid, physical examination and lameness evaluation were performed, followed by imaging of the distal portion of the affected extremity. A tentative diagnosis of keratoma was made given results of clinical, radiographic, and CT examination, with the definitive diagnosis made on histologic examination. After CT imaging, each equid was treated with hoof wall resection. RESULTS CT allowed accurate identification of the size and location of 35 keratomas in 33 feet. Thirty equids underwent partial and 2 underwent complete hoof wall resection for keratoma removal. Complications developed in 4 of 31 (13%) equids and included excessive granulation tissue formation at the surgical site (n = 1), excessive granulation tissue formation and worsening lameness (1), incomplete keratoma removal with suspected regrowth (1), and incomplete healing of the surgical site with distal interphalangeal joint sepsis secondary to repeated debridement of abnormal tissue (1). Twenty-eight of 31 (90%) equids returned to their previous activity level. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Preoperative CT examination of the feet was useful in the diagnosis of and surgical planning for keratomas in equids. A low complication rate was achieved with the described techniques.
Publication Date: 2019-01-04 PubMed ID: 30605385DOI: 10.2460/javma.254.2.266Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research evaluates the use of CT (Computed Tomography) scans for diagnosis and planning for surgery in horses and mules affected by keratomas. It establishes that CT scans are valuable and lead to a low rate of surgical complications.
Overview of the Study
- The research was a retrospective case series, using data collected from cases of keratomas, a type of growth under the hooves, in 29 horses and 3 mules.
- The animals were treated by partial or complete hoof wall resection—a surgical technique to remove keratomas—following CT imaging of the lower part of the affected extremity.
Methods
- For each animal, a physical examination and lameness evaluation were performed, followed by imaging of the lower portion of the affected limb.
- A preliminary diagnosis of keratoma was given based on results of the clinical, radiographic, and CT examination.
- A definitive diagnosis was made after histologic study—examination of tissues under a microscope.
- Post CT imaging, the affected animals were treated by hoof wall resection—an operation to remove the keratoma.
Results and Outcome
- CT scans accurately identified the size and location of 35 keratomas in 33 individual foot lesions.
- Of these, 30 animals underwent partial hoof wall resection, while 2 underwent complete hoof wall resection for the removal of the keratoma.
- Postoperative complications occurred in 13% of the animals. These included excessive tissue growth at the surgical site, worsening lameness, suspected regrowth of the keratoma, and incomplete healing of the surgical site leading to joint sepsis.
- Despite these complications, 90% of the animals returned to their previous activity level, indicating a mostly positive outcome of the surgical treatment.
Conclusion
- The study concludes that preoperative CT scans are beneficial in diagnosing keratomas and planning for surgical procedures in equids.
- The surgical procedure described in the study resulted in a low complication rate.
Cite This Article
APA
Katzman SA, Spriet M, Galuppo LD.
(2019).
Outcome following computed tomographic imaging and subsequent surgical removal of keratomas in equids: 32 cases (2005-2016).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 254(2), 266-274.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.2.266 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Equidae
- Female
- Foot Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Foot Diseases / surgery
- Foot Diseases / veterinary
- Keratosis / diagnostic imaging
- Keratosis / surgery
- Keratosis / veterinary
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
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