Equine Flashcards
what are the 2 broad categories of equine orthopaedic surgery?
elective or emergency
what are the most common elective orthopaedic surgeries?
arthroscopy/tenoscopy
angular limb deformities
soft tissue surgery
why might elective arthroscopy/tenoscopy be carried out?
OCD lesions
tendon sheath disease
what are the elective soft tissue orthopaedic surgeries?
neurectomy/fasciotomy
desmotomy e.g. palmar annular ligament
why might an emergency arthroscopy/tenoscopy be performed?
synovial sepsis
intra-articular fracture repair
what emergency orthopaedic surgeries may be performed?
arthroscopy/tenoscopy
fracture repair
+/- sequestrum removal
what technique is used to treat osteochondritis dissecans?
elective arthroscopy
what is OCD?
osteochondritis dissecans
developments defects in cartilage and bone - results in chip fragments in the joint
what is the aim of arthroscopy for OCD?
stop further degeneration to the joint
what is synovial sepsis?
bacterial infection leading to septic arthritis
what is the treatment for synovial sepsis?
arthroscopy for extensive flushing of the joint
systemic abs
what is a sequestrum?
a ‘foreign body’ of necrotic bone which detaches due to trauma resulting in damage to the periosteum
why does a sequestrum require removal?
it is seen as a ‘foreign body’ - often infected
what signs might indicate presence of a sequestrum?
non-healing wounds and draining tracts
how is sequestrum treated?
removal of sequestrum and any active involucrum (bed of bone surrounding the region)
which horses are typically affected by angular limb deformities?
foals
which direction can angular limb deformities occur?
laterally or medially
why might angular limb deformities develop?
different factors - nutrition, incomplete ossification, tendon/ligament laxity
what surgical techniques are performed for angular limb deformities?
growth arresting techniques e.g. transphyseal screw, plating
growth accelerating techniques e.g. periosteal transection
what are the difficulties with post-op management of angular limb deformities?
issues surrounding age - not used to be stabled, handling etc.
what are the difficulties with performing fracture repairs in horses?
size - stress on repair
athletes - repair requires great strength
recovery from GA - flight animals
Lack of tissue on distal limb - potential contamination
cost - up to £6000
how do elective orthopaedic equine patients typically present?
should be otherwise healthy
likely going to be weight bearing on all 4 limbs
what might happen to the elective orthopaedic patient on presentation for surgery?
check vaccination status
may require additional imaging prior - radiographs, U/S
patient prep - pre-op exam, IV catheter, clip site while conscious if tolerant
how should we manage arrival of the emergency orthopaedic patient?
clinical exam - esp CVS stability, treat injury like fracture
sedation?
IV catheter placement
wound care