Why would you need to have your horseโs ovaries removed? There are a few reasons- horses (like this one!) can develop large ovarian tumors that warrant removal, as well as preventing unwanted pregnancies or helping resolve behavioral issues. Using a minimally invasive technique as seen in this video, the ovary (or ovaries) can be removed under standing sedation through a few small incisions with no discomfort to the patient, and hopefully a lifetime of happiness, for both your mare and yourself! ๐ด๐ค
Did you know that we can treat skin cancer? One modality and treatment method is using Cryotherapy, which is the controlled use of freezing temperatures to destroy undesirable tissue while doing minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Cell destruction is best accomplished with three freeze-thaw cycles. Using liquid nitrogen the affected area is rapidly frozen and slowly thawed.
This week, Dr. McClellan describes a disease called Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy, sometimes referred to as โTHOโ or โmiddle ear diseaseโ. Not described in the video audio is a second procedure that was performed after the ceratohyoidectomy on the affected eye called a tarsorrhaphy. This procedure is used to protect the eye by suturing a portion of the eyelid margins together. This procedure can be reversed once the facial nerve function has returned and the horse can blink again. In most cases the return to function occurs in 6-12 months, however some individuals will never regain normal function.
This week's case shows how we are able to successfully desensitize the horseโs skull to be able to successfully diagnose, assess, and treat the sinus cavity! Entering the sinus using a small hole in the bone (called trephination) is a very safe and useful procedure that does not cause any harm or discomfort to the patient.
**In this particular case we are also wearing protective suits just as a precaution for potential infectious disease- which has since been ruled out in this horse!
We are excited to let you know that on a weekly basis we are going to be sharing a case of the week. Our first video is an umbilical hernia surgery completed by Dr. Patton. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Equine Specialty Hospital - Water Treadmill
Horse Physical Examination
Rehabilitation of Equine Athletes
Horses of all disciplines suffer from lameness, and the fastest way to return to athletic function is through a complete rehabilitation and conditioning program. This type of program encompasses not only the traditional veterinary therapies, but also includes a closely monitored exercise program that helps return the equine athlete to full function more quickly. Progress through the rehabilitation program is monitored closely via repeated lameness evaluations and ultrasound examinations to make sure the injured structure is responding to the program appropriately.
Walking on an underwater treadmill allows the horse to return to weight-bearing exercises more quickly. Depending on how much water is used, the weight-bearing load on the horseโs limbs can be significantly reduced. This decreases pain, allowing an earlier return to controlled movement and exercise. The pressure of the water on the horseโs body also helps to improve circulation and decrease inflammation. An added benefit to the use of the treadmill is improved cardiovascular function and increased endurance.
Horses can rehabilitate on the AquaPacer on an out-patient or in-patient basis. If in-patient therapy is chosen, the horse is admitted to the Rehabilitation and Conditioning Center, which also has the ShowReady cold compression system and the Pegasus Therapy Laser.
The water treadmill is a good tool for improving the conditioning of a horse, or to help rehabilitate an injury. Most horses accept the treadmill on the first day of training. After a 2-3 day training period, a majority of the horses work on the treadmill 2 or 3 days per week, pending the level of fitness of the horse or the particular injury undergoing rehabilitation.
