Minimally invasive cranial ostectomy for the treatment of impinging dorsal spinous processes in 102 standing horses.

Abstract

Objective: To describe a minimally invasive cranial ostectomy for the treatment of impingement of dorsal spinous processes (DSPs) in the standing horse.

Study design: Retrospective study.

Animals: One hundred two horses with impinging DSPs.

Methods: The case records of all horses that had the described technique between 2011 and 2019 were reviewed. All sites of impinging DSPs were treated under standing sedation and local anesthesia. The minimally invasive cranial ostectomy of the caudal DSP was performed with bone rongeurs through multiple small incisions.

Results: Of the 102 horses treated with this technique, no surgical complications were recorded. Median (range) long-term follow-up for all horses was 18 months (12-50 months) postoperatively. Of the 66 horses available for follow-up that were still alive, 53 horses (80%) had complete resolution of clinical signs and returned to the intended work. There were 36 horses with a concurrent orthopedic issue presurgery, and 25/36 (69%) returned to the same level of intended work; of the horses with no evidence of another orthopedic issue presurgery, 28/30 (93%) returned to the same level of intended work.

Conclusion: Minimally invasive cranial ostectomy of the caudal DSP had a good success rate in horses with impingment of DSPs.

Clinical significance: The described minimally invasive ostectomy technique in standing horses is a low-risk procedure that provides success rates similar to other techniques.