Effects of denervation of the digit of the horse.
A study was conducted in an effort to explain why digital necrosis sometimes follows neurectomy in the horse. Six horses were subjected to unilateral section of the medial and lateral palmar nerves. Arteriography was done on each digit prior to surgery. Terminally, arteriography was repeated. Sections of bone, nerve, artery, skin, coronary band, and deep flexor tendon were examined histologically. Changes in arterial pattern and bone quality were noted. During the study, 2 of the horses had clinical signs of digital necrosis. The composite findings suggested trauma or infection, or both, of the denervated digit as the main cause(s) of the digital necrosis. Osteolysis was believed to be the primary contributing factor in disruption and collapse of the supporting structures of the foot.
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D003714:Denervation / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D014034:Toes / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology*