Subtotal ostectomy of dorsal spinous processes performed in nine standing horses.

The research article explores the method and effectiveness of performing subtotal ostectomy, the removal of some bone from the dorsal spinous processes of horses, while the animals are standing and sedated, rather than anesthetized and recumbent.

Methodology of the Research

• The study follows a retrospective approach where the medical records of nine adult horses were assessed.
• The research took into account the history of the horses, their physical and radiographic examination results, the surgical technique employed, any post-operative complications faced, and the overall outcome of the surgery.
• The procedure involved the removal of diseased parts of the Dorsal Spinous Processes (DSP) from horses that were in a standing position and sedated.
• This is a contrast to the typical procedure that involves general anesthesia and has the horses in lateral recumbency.

Reasons for Subtotal Ostectomy

• The research revealed that five out of nine horses had the surgery due to osteomyelitis, a type of bone infection.
• The other four horses underwent the surgery due to the impingement and/or fracture of the dorsal spinous processes.

Results of the Study

• The study demonstrated that performing the surgery with the horses standing and sedated did not cause any apparent discomfort to the animals.
• Moreover, the amount of bleeding during the procedure was minimal.

Conclusion of the Study

• The research concluded that subtotal ostectomy of dorsal spinous processes can be performed in standing and sedated horses, thus eliminating the risks associated with general anesthesia.
• The study also noted that visibility and access are better when the horse is standing rather than anesthetized and in lateral recumbency.
• This suggests that this method is safer and more cost-effective, as it avoids the expense and potential risks of general anesthesia.