This week an arytenoidectomy was performed on a horse that had previously had a tie-back procedure (see week one to read about tie-back’s!) years ago and the surgery unfortunately was no longer producing effective results in that horse. An arytenoidectomy involves removal of all or a portion of the non-functioning arytenoid cartilage. A tracheostomy tube was placed beforehand in order to assist the horse with breathing during the procedure.
We also saw a horse with “kissing spines,” which is the term used to describe fused dorsal spinous processes. This finding has to be taken in a clinical context as for some horses kissing spines are very painful whereas other horses don’t seem to be too bothered. Kissing spines are found most often in Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, and Warmbloods.
The clinic’s hyperbaric chamber got used frequently this week as we are currently in the process of treating a horse with exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). EIPH is thought to occur due to the intensity of the exercise performed by racehorses and increased pulmonary arterial pressure. The hyperbaric oxygen chamber works by increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the plasma. In terms of EIPH, decreased bleeding seen on endoscopy and improved performance on the track have been noted after treatment.
That’s all for now! This week was Danielle’s last week at the clinic. Best of luck in small animal world, I know you’re going to be great! We’ll miss you!
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