Eric P. Tulleners

Long-term study of partial arytenoidectomy with primary mucosal closure in 76 Thoroughbred racehorses (1992-2006).

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY The effectiveness and best method to perform a partial arytenoidectomy in racehorses is unclear. This study was performed to evaluate the success of and complications that can occur after a unilateral partial arytenoidectomy with primary mucosal closure in Thoroughbred racehorses. HYPOTHESIS Partial arytenoidectomy is an effective surgical procedure to return Thoroughbred racehorses, afflicted by arytenoid chondropathy or a failed laryngoplasty, to preoperative levels of performance. METHODS Seventy-six Thoroughbred racehorses admitted to the New Bolton Centre between 1992 and 2006 were assessed. Information was obtained from the medical records about the horse, laryngeal abnormalities, surgery and other findings during hospitalisation. Racing information was evaluated relative to those independent variables by an analysis of variance with a level of significance of P<0.05. RESULTS Arytenoid chondropathy was the presenting complaint in 54 horses and failed laryngoplasty in 22 horses. Thirteen horses (17%) underwent a second surgery for laser excision of intralaryngeal granulation tissue at the arytenoidectomy site. Seventy-three horses were discharged from the hospital and racing outcome was evaluated. Sixty horses (82%) raced after surgery and 46 horses (63%) raced 5 or more times after surgery. The median time from surgery to the first start was 6 months. The average earnings/start was not significantly different before and after surgery. There was no association between earnings after surgery and age, gender, location of lesion, type of lesion, duration of tracheal intubation or undergoing a second surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE A Thoroughbred racehorse is likely to race after a unilateral partial arytenoidectomy with primary mucosal closure and return to a preoperative level of performance.

Instrumentation and Techniques in Transendoscopic Upper Respiratory Tract Laser Surgery

Transendoscopic laser surgery provides equine surgeons with a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive method of performing many surgical procedures in the upper respiratory tract. Although the Nd:YAG laser has proven efficacy, other newer lasers such as the diode and holmium:YAG lasers may prove to be useful tools for equine upper respiratory tract surgery. Long grasping forceps and a high quality fiberoptic or video endoscope are critical components necessary for performing transendoscopic laser surgery. For many of the most common upper respiratory tract abnormalities, a laryngotomy can be eliminated, morbidity is minimal, the horse can often return to normal exercise in approximately 7 to 14 days, and trainer and owner acceptance is excellent. Transendoscopic laser surgery is most likely to be cost effective in large referral practices or in a university setting.

Metacarpal and Metatarsal Fractures in Cattle

Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures are usually amenable to external coaptation using a short or full limb polyurethane resinimpregnated knitted fiberglass fabric cast. The prognosis for longterm pain-free survival is excellent for closed fractures and fair to good for open fractures managed in the manner. Surviving animals generally are not lame and do not demonstrate significant limb deformity or limb shortening and generally become completely productive. Even considering the narrow profit margin involved when treating cattle with serious injuries, this method of fracture management is usually economically and technically feasible.