Common conditions and interesting cases

Hock OCD

Swelling of the hock joint in yearlings common and often associated with osteochondrosis fragments within the joint. Surgical removal is usually curative and with prompt removal joint health can regularly be maintained. 

Wounds

Common wounds are often extensive and contaminated on presentation. However, our Versajet hydrosurgical system allows us to perform extensive debridement of the wounds without compromising blood supply. Aggressive initial wound management minimises the risk of wound breakdown, prolonged bandaging, proud flesh and extensive scarring that can be associated with string halt and other complications in the future. 

Penile Tumours

Penile tumours can often appear very aggressive, but with prompt treatment involving removal of the affected segment of the penis ( partial phallectomy) before spread of the tumour ( usually squamous cell carcinoma) can occur, a favourable prognosis exists. 

Jaw Fractures

Jaw fractures are common in young and spooky horses and often occur when horses are biting a rigid object and are startled and pull back suddenly. Many of these can be managed with wiring and under standing sedation an d local anaesthesia, though more complicated fractures will obviously require more complicated fixations. 

Ringbone/ Pastern Arthritis

Severe ringbone or arthritis of the pastern joint can cause a debilitating lameness. Fusion of the joint using implants can give a favourable prognosis for even return to racing as the pastern joint has a limited range of movement. 

Knee Fractures/ Third Carpal Bone Slab Fractures

Fractures of the knee are mostly due to excessive and repetitive trauma to the bone from racing. These fractures can be re-attached to the parent bone using a single or two screws but overall prognosis is heavily linked to the level of cartilage damage within the joint. Removal of these pieces is associated with a poor prognosis.