[Retrospective evaluation of surgical versus conservative treatment of keratomas in 41 lame horses (1995-2001)].

This research article evaluates the effectiveness of surgical treatment as compared to conservative treatment for lame horses suffering from keratomas, a uncommon hoof disorder. The study finds a higher recovery and performance rate in horses treated surgically, although the hospitalization and recovery time was notably longer.

Research Study Explanation

• The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of different treatment regimens for keratomas, a relatively rare hoof disorder that can result in lameness in horses. A comparative approach was taken by the researchers to objectively gauge if surgical intervention or conservative treatment yielded better recovery outcomes.
• The study examined in retrospect 41 cases treated at the Department of Equine Sciences from 1995 to 2001. Of these, 56% (23 horses) underwent surgical treatment whereas 44% (18 horses) were managed conservatively. 6 were lost to follow-up, leaving 35 horses for the final analysis.
• The time frame of recovery varied substantially between the two groups. For those treated surgically, it ranged from 2 to 12 months, while for the conservatively managed patients, recovery took anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months.
• An important element of the study was evaluating performance levels post-treatment. The researchers reported that 83% of the surgically treated horses were able to return to the same or higher performance level as compared to their pre-lameness condition. By contrast, this was true for only 42% of the horses managed conservatively. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05), lending weight to the conclusion that surgical intervention led to better outcomes.
• However, it is worth noting that surgically treated horses faced a significantly longer hospitalization period (35 days vs. 5 days), indicating a greater post-treatment care requirement.

Study Conclusion

• Despite the longer hospitalization and recovery times associated with surgical intervention, the study concluded that surgical excision of keratomas is the overall preferred treatment option for lame horses. This decision is guided by the need to prioritize optimal recovery and performance outcomes.
• The article thus provides valuable comparative data to equine veterinarians while making therapeutic decisions for horses suffering from this hoof condition.