Palmar digital neurectomy in horses. 57 cases (1984-1990).

This study analyzes the records of 57 horses that underwent the surgical procedure of palmar digital neurectomy. The research presents an analysis of the horses that were subject to this procedure, the techniques used, the rate of complications, and the percentage of horses that remained sound after one and two years.

Research Methodology and Findings

• The researchers reviewed the medical records of 57 horses that had the operation of palmar digital neurectomy between the years of 1984 and 1990. This is a surgical procedure usually performed to relieve chronic, unresponsive hoof pain in horses.
• Two techniques for performing the neurectomy were used. Most of the horses (47 out of 57) had the surgery done by transection and electrocoagulation, which is the surgical removal of nerve tissue using electricity. The remaining 10 horses had the guillotine technique used, which involves the quick, straight cutting of the nerve.
• It was noticed that some horse populations were over-represented in the study. Middle-aged geldings, Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds appeared to be more prevalent when compared with the average hospital population. The same was observed for horses used as hunter/jumpers. However, the study doesn’t specify why this over-representation occurs.

Post-Surgery Complications

• Complication data was available for 50 horses. Out of these, 17 horses (34%) experienced complications after surgery. The rate and nature of these complications signals towards better care and improvement in surgical procedures.
• The most common complication was a recurrence of heel pain, which occurred in 14 horses. Long-term, chronic pain in the heels of horses can significantly affect their movement and quality of life.
• Palpable painful neuromas, which are nerve tissue growths that can cause discomfort or pain, were detected in three horses.

Long-Term Effects of Surgery

• Overall, one year after the neurectomy, 74% of the horses were sound or without significant physical issue, indicating a positive outcome for the majority of the horses.
• This percentage reduced slightly to 63% after two years, implying some long-term issues may arise as a result of the procedure. However, this still suggests the majority of horses still benefited from the procedure over this timespan.