Equine Respiratory Surgery Flashcards
what system in the horse is often a limiting factor in performance?
respiratory system
what type of pathology is common in horses?
upper respiratory
what has evolved to maximise air flow in horses with upper airway issues?
surgical techniques to allow maximal air flow in these horses
how is a diagnosis of upper respiratory tract pathology in horses made?
dynamic endoscopy
what is a key benefit of dynamic endoscopy?
larynx and pharynx can be examined during fast work which is where performance is likely to be sub optimal
what are the 2 main types of dynamic endoscopy?
overground
treadmill
what are the main elective surgical procedures of the equine URT?
ventriculocordectomy aryepiglottic fold resection prosthetic larygoplasty laryngeal advancement soft palate cautery epiglottic entrapment release arytenoid chondritis excision sinus surgery tracheotomy
what are the main emergency surgical procedures of the equine URT?
emergency tracheostomy
occlusion of artery for gutteral pouch mycosis
trauma
thoracic drain placement
what sort of animals are often in hospital for URT surgery?
elite athlete - will likely be fit and highly strung
what should be assessed during the clinical exam of a URT patient?
whole horse but respiratory tract especially
how long should horses be starved before GA or sedation?
2 hours
what is involved in pre-op planning for URT surgery?
procedure and kit required position - standing or lateral/dorsal contingency plans if things go wrong recovery plan what will be needed post op
what are the advantages of standing sedation for URT procedures?
reduces GA risks
may reduce costs
anatomical advantages
less facilities and experts required
what are the anatomical advantages of surgery under standing sedation?
access/position reduced haemorrhage (especially sinuses)
what are the disadvantages of standing sedation for URT surgery?
not all horses have suitable temperament
less control of situation if complications arise
need to control the environment (especially movement and noise)
duration is limited so speed is crucial
may still need a GA if there are complications
where is standing surgery often performed?
in stcoks
what premed may be given to horses before sedation?
ACP
what drugs may be given as a loading dose for standing sedation in horses?
alpha 2 agonists (xylazine, detomidine)
opioids (butorphanol, methadone)
what drugs may be used as a CRI for standing surgery?
alpha 2 agonist only
what must be considered when placing fluid lines and CRI?
location - will it interfere with surgery and is it accessible
avoid causing paralysis of nerves on both sides
what will be given alongside sedation for standing procedures?
LA - nerve blocks, local infiltration
what is one of the most challenging aspects of standing surgery?
multiple pieces of equipment required
fluids and CRI
lots of cables/wires etc
visualisation and access needed
when should equipment be set up for standing sedation?
before the horse arrives
what area of the horse should be prepared for a tie back procedure?
ventral neck and caudal mandible
what is a sinus flap used to treat?
sinus empyema
sinus cysts
ethmoid haematoma
maxillary tooth repulsion
what surgery involves a large amount of haemorrhage?
maxillary tooth repulsion
how is a sinus flap performed?
reflect skin
remove bone
gross viewing or endoscope
what are the advantages of general anaesthesia?
more control of the horse (safer with fractious patients) generally good access and visualisation less time pressure but will take longer less movement/noise sensitive oxygen is available
what are the disadvantages of GA for horses?
cost, expertise, time, facilities
risk of death under GA is 1% in healthy horses
airway supervision required at all times
duration
what elective procedures may be performed under standing sedation?
ventriculocordectomy aryepiglottic fold resection prosthetic larygoplasty epiglottic entrapment release arytenoid chondritis excision sinus surgery tracheotomy