Preliminary anatomic investigation of three approaches to the equine cranium and brain for limited craniectomy procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To describe surgical approaches to the equine cranium and brain for limited craniectomy.


METHODS
Descriptive anatomic study.


METHODS
Equine cadavers (n=7).


METHODS
Head and neck sections from cadavers were used to establish techniques for exposing areas of the equine brain. Three basic approaches were used: rostrotentorial, suboccipital, and transfrontal. Techniques were adapted from small animal descriptions and modified to account for anatomic differences.


RESULTS
Descriptions of the rostrotentorial, suboccipital, and transfrontal approaches to the equine cranium and brain were defined.


CONCLUSIONS
Dorsal, caudal, lateral, and rostral aspects of the cranium and underlying cerebral cortex can be accessed using the rostrotentorial, suboccipital, and transfrontal approaches. Access to the dorsal, dorsolateral, and rostral aspects of the cerebral cortex is uncomplicated and more superficial compared with access to the extreme caudolateral cerebrum and cerebellum, which is complicated by the location of the transverse and temporal sinuses and deep exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
Many cases of equine brain disorders involve intracranial abscessation or hematoma formation because of trauma. Components of therapy may include microbial culture and surgical drainage or decompression of the affected area through limited craniectomy procedures. Increased use of advanced imaging in equine brain disease has resulted in earlier diagnosis and more precise lesion localization. Subsequently, the number of horses likely to improve with limited surgical intervention has increased. When surgery is indicated, descriptions of surgical approaches to the equine cranium and brain provide important information.
Kramer
Joanne
J
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO, USA. kramerjo@missouri.edu
Coates
Joan R
JR
Hoffman
Anton G
AG
Frappier
Brian L
BL
D000818:Animals; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D002102:Cadaver; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004520:Education, Veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D012016:Reference Values; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*