The Use of Intraneural Doxorubicin in Association with Palmar Digital Neurectomy in 28 Horses

Painful neuroma formation after palmar digital neurectomy in the horse is common. Experimentally, injection of doxorubicin (Adriamycin) into the proximal transected nerve stump has been shown to prevent axon sprouting and neuroma formation for up to 5 months. This procedure was used in 28 horses with navicular disease, preexisting painful neuroma, or wing fractures of the distal phalanx. At 1 month, 16 horses had incisional complications. At 1 year, 15 horses were sound. Eight horses were lame, although three were improved. Three horses required a second surgical procedure, two of which became sound. Follow-up was not available in two horses. The technique used in this study has an unacceptable rate of wound complications and no benefit over other palmar digital neurectomy techniques currently in use.