Subtotal ostectomy of impinging dorsal spinous processes in 23 standing horses.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To (1) describe a safe, efficient surgical technique for subtotal ostectomy (SO) of diseased dorsal spinal processes (DSP) of the caudal thoracic vertebrae with the horse standing and (2) report outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 23) with reduced performance caused by impingement of the DSP of the caudal thoracic vertebrae. METHODS: Affected DSP were resected through a dorsal median incision with the horse standing, sedated, and the surgical site desensitized with local anesthetic. Radiography was used to confirm removal of impinging bone before wound closure. RESULTS: No serious complications occurred. Outcome was obtained for 22 horses. At <1 year, 19 horses (86%) returned to full athletic function, 2 horses (9%) improved but had failed to return to full function, 1 horse had no improvement. At >1 year, 2 horses that had returned to full athletic function were unable to function at full capacity; 1 was considered improved, but the other had not improved. Athletic function in 1 horse improved 6 months after surgery, but at 2.5 years was no better than before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Subtotal ostectomy of impinging DSPs can be performed with good results with the horse standing.