Internal fixation of a fractured axis in an adult horse

Objective: To report internal fixation of a fractured axis with a dynamic compression plate (DCP). Study Design: Case report. Animals: A 7‐year‐old Warmblood gelding. Method: Surgery was performed under anesthesia in sternal recumbency. After fracture reduction the complete transverse fracture in the cranial third of the axis was stabilized with a 7‐hole 4.5 mm DCP. Optimal positioning of the plate and the length of the screws were facilitated by fluoroscopy. Recovery from anesthesia was supervised in a pool. Results: The horse had an excellent outcome and returned to its previous activity level. Conclusion: Surgical treatment with fracture reduction and plate fixation enables normal bearing of the head and neck and improves neck flexibility soon after surgery.     

Surgical repair of a supraglenoid tubercle fracture in a horse

A fractured right supraglenoid tubercle in a 15-month-old Thoroughbred gelding was repaired by partial biceps brachii tenotomy, interfragmentary compression, and tension band wiring. The horse is currently being ridden daily and has remained sound for 4 years.     

Placement of bone screws in a standing horse for treatment of a fracture of the greater tubercle of the humerus

A mature Thoroughbred gelding that was used as a high level jumper presented for evaluation of a nonweightbearing forelimb lameness following a fall. Radiographs revealed a complete, noncomminuted, minimally displaced sagittal fracture of the greater tubercle. Supporting limb laminitis was a major concern in the short term based on the severe lameness at presentation. Open reduction with internal fixation was chosen over stall rest in an attempt to more rapidly return the weightbearing function to the limb. The procedure was performed standing and 3 bone screws were placed standing in an attempt to avoid implant or catastrophic bone failure that can accompany recovery from general anaesthesia. The day following surgery the lameness was significantly improved as the horse was able to bear some weight on the heel. The gelding was discharged 5 days following surgery and was fully weightbearing at the walk. Six months following surgery the horse was free of lameness and resumed training. This report describes our experience and rationale in placing bone screws in a standing horse for treatment of a greater tubercle fracture.     

Management of a keratoma in a horse: A case report

An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with chronic intermittent lameness of the left forelimb. Keratoma was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs and the radiographic evidence of a radiolucent concavity of the third phalanx. The keratoma was removed by hoof wall resection and the foot was immobilized using a bar shoe with clips and a dorsal hoof wall plate positioned across the hoof wall defect. The hoof wall defect was completely filled with new hoof wall by 9 months postoperatively. The horse returned to normal athletic function and is performing successfully 18 months later.     

Internal fixation of a proximal metatarsal fracture in a calf

An open proximal metatarsal fracture was identified in a 9-month-old calf. Open reduction, internal fixation, and external coaptation were used to repair the fracture. The calf recovered without complications and was reported to be sound 6 months after surgery.     

Retrobulbar dermoid cyst in a horse: a case report

A 4-year-old Andalusian horse was presented for examination following a 3-month history of exophthalmos of the right eye and a soft swelling of the right supraorbital fossa noted after blunt head trauma. Ultrasonographic examination of the swelling showed an anecogenic mass of 5 cm in diameter involving the retrobulbar space. Centesis of the mass through the supraorbital fossa was performed and yielded a serous fluid with 7.2 g/dL of total protein and density of 1040. No cells were seen in the sample. A tentative diagnosis of cyst was made. The cyst was surgically removed and the definitive histologic diagnosis was retrobulbar dermoid cyst. No recurrence has developed 18 months following the complete removal of the cyst capsule. To the authors' knowledge, there are no previous reports of retrobulbar dermoid cysts in horses. Localization, causes and success of surgical treatment of dermoid cysts are discussed.     

Internal fixation of comminuted transverse scapular fracture in a foal

A comminuted scapular fracture in a foal was treated surgically by use of 2 dynamic compression plates. The plates were applied upside down, so that the convex surface of the plate faced the bone. At 5 months after surgery, the plates were removed, and the foal recovered without complications.     

Internal fixation of a transverse scapular neck fracture in a filly

A 3-week-old Standardbred filly had a non-weightbearing forelimb lameness caused by scapular neck fracture. The fracture was repaired with 2 dynamic compression plates placed 90 degrees to each other. A 10-hole 4.5-mm narrow dynamic compression plate was placed on the cranial aspect of the scapular spine, and a 10-hole 3.5-mm dynamic compression plate was placed caudal to the scapular spine. One year after surgery, the filly was not lame when exercising in the pasture, and muscle atrophy was not evident on the affected limb. Eighteen months after surgery, the filly was in race training with no apparent problems caused by fracture repair.     

Strangulating lipoma and small intestinal leiomyoma in a horse: A case report

An aged mare belonging to Iowa State University was evaluated for colic. Surgery was performed and two tumors were identified. A leiomyoma of the jejunum was isolated and removed although apparently not causing clinical problems. A strangulating lipoma was also found, requiring resection and anastomosis of the jejunum. The mare died two days post surgery from a ruptured stomach. Pathological features of the case are discussed.     

Interstitial lung fibrosis and emphysema in a standardbred horse: A case report

A horse with severe work-intolerance was examined. Neither clinical nor radiographic examination suggested the presence of emphysema and lung fibrosis.