Sternal bone biopsy in standing horses.

This research paper presents a technique for performing sternal bone biopsy in standing horses. The findings indicate the method was successfully executed and the sampled specimens were suitable for further histological and histomorphometric evaluation.

Methods Employed

The researchers used the following methods in their study:

• The experiment involved five adult horses which were restrained in a standing position and sedated.
• An ultrasonographic examination was used to identify the sternal biopsy site, which was then prepared for aseptic surgery and infiltrated with local anesthetic.
• Using a small skin incision, sternal biopsies were obtained with an electric bone biopsy drill (Osteocore; Institut Straumann AG, CH-4437, Waldenburg, Switzerland), procuring bone specimens with a diameter of 4 mm.
• The bone specimens were then sectioned into 7-micrometer slices and stained with toluidine blue and Goldner’s green trichrome for microscopic observation to determine their aptness for histological and histomorphometric evaluation.

Results and Observations

What the research study observed and concluded:

• The most suitable sternal biopsy site was found to be at the 4th or 5th sternebra (vertebrae of the sternum).
• The surgical procedure was simple to perform and well-received by the horses, yielding adequate samples on the first attempt.
• The only complications observed were incisional edema (swelling) in all horses, and wound drainage in one horse.
• The study concluded that a sternal bone biopsy can be successfully performed in a standing horse, and the techniques reported yield architecturally intact bone specimens.
• The sternum proved to be an accessible site for cancellous (spongy) bone biopsy in standing horses.