Palmar digital neurectomy in horses. 57 cases (1984-1990)

Vet Surg. 1993 Jul-Aug;22(4):285-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950x.1993.tb00399.x.

Abstract

The medical records of 57 horses that had palmar digital neurectomy performed between 1984 and 1990 were reviewed. Neurectomies were performed either by transection and electrocoagulation (47 horses) or by the guillotine technique (10 horses). Middle-aged geldings, Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds were significantly over-represented when compared with the hospital population. Horses used as hunter/jumpers also appeared to be over-represented. Complications occurred in 17 (34%) of the 50 horses for which follow-up information was obtained. Recurrence of heel pain was the most common complication (14 horses). Palpable painful neuromas were detected in three horses. One year after neurectomy, 74% of the horses were sound; this decreased to 63% after 2 years.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot / surgery*
  • Foot Diseases / surgery
  • Foot Diseases / veterinary*
  • Forelimb / innervation
  • Forelimb / surgery
  • Horse Diseases / surgery*
  • Horses
  • Lameness, Animal / surgery*
  • Neuroma / surgery
  • Neuroma / veterinary
  • Pain / surgery
  • Pain / veterinary
  • Peripheral Nerves / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Treatment Outcome