Endoscopic resection of dorsal spinous processes and interspinous ligament in ten horses.
OBJECTIVE
To describe endoscopic surgical subtotal resection of the dorsal spinous processes (DSP) and interspinous ligament in horses.


METHODS
Descriptive clinical study.


METHODS
Adult horses (n=10) with back pain and impinging dorsal spinous processes


METHODS
Diseased portions of DSP and interspinous ligament were resected by endoscopic surgery, using Destandau Endospine to create a surgical space and provide triangulation for the endoscope, suction cannula, and surgical instruments. Medical records of 10 horses with pain attributable to DSP pathology treated by endoscopic resection of DSP were reviewed to determine intra- and postoperative complications and outcome.


RESULTS
Affected portions of DSP were successfully resected with minimal hemorrhage. Limited periosteal reaction was noticed after 3 months in 2 horses. Nine horses had no complications and returned to full work within 8 weeks; 1 developed a subcutaneous abscess, which was successfully managed, and returned to work after 3 months. Surgical resection improved presenting clinical signs and owner's complaint although 2 horses did not return to previous performance levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Resection of DSP and interspinous ligament can be successfully performed endoscopically in horses. Hemorrhage was minimal but reduced visibility. Complications were minimal and most horses returned to work by 8 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic resection of DSP is a safe and reliable surgical procedure in horses.
Desbrosse
Francis G
FG
Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, The University of Liverpool, South Wirral, UK.
Perrin
Roland
R
Launois
Thomas
T
Vandeweerd
Jean-Michel E
JM
Clegg
Peter D
PD
D000818:Animals; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint / Q000601:surgery*