[The treatment of insertion desmopathy in the metatarsus of horses].

The research is about the treatment of a bone disorder in horses known as metacarpal or metatarsal exostoses using surgery, where the abnormal growth of bone was removed. This study, conducted over eleven years, found that after treatment the horses were able to return to their original use, and surgery completely removed the growths in over half the cases.

Objective of the Research

• The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of surgical treatment in horses suffering from a bone ailment known as metacarpal or metatarsal exostoses. This condition involves the abnormal growth or development of bone spurs in the foot region of horses, which can affect their mobility and performance, especially in sport horses.

Methodology

• The study covered a span of eleven years from January 1976 to December 1987, during which 112 sport horses diagnosed with metacarpal or metatarsal exostoses were observed.
• Out of the total, 14 of these horses were treated surgically. The surgical procedure entailed the removal of the abnormal bone growth (exostosis) via a subperiosteal method, which involves separating the periosteum (a dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones) from the underlying bone.

Results and Findings

• The results indicated that all the horses that were subjected to follow-up had returned to their initial use, showing the potential effectiveness of the surgical treatment.
• The average time of use after discharge from the clinic was 38.4 months, suggesting a considerable period of effective functionality post-surgery.
• The surgery was successful in completely removing the abnormal bone growth in 58.3% of the cases, denoting that a majority of the horses experienced full recovery from the condition.

Discussion

• The researchers discussed the indications for anaesthesia and resection of the ulnar nerve during the surgical treatment. Tailoring anaesthetic techniques for horses undergoing the surgical procedure is crucial. It’s also vital to consider possible nerve involvement and potential resection to optimise outcomes.