ABSTRACT
Background: There are no reports describing the long-term outcome of sport horses undergoing unilateral mandibular condylectomy with meniscectomy (UMC) for treatment for severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease (TMD). Whether horses undergoing UMC require a specialized diet, can return to riding with a bit, or return to intended function after surgery is unknown. Objective: To determine the long-term outcome of horses undergoing UMC for treatment of severe TMD. Study Design: A multi-institutional, retrospective study. Methods: Medical records obtained from seven equine referral hospitals of horses with severe TMD that underwent UMC were reviewed. Details regarding the presenting complaints, results of clinical examination, findings of diagnostic imaging, surgical technique, and outcome (including long-term follow-up with an owner questionnaire) were recorded. Results: Eleven horses fit the inclusion criteria. Three had severe idiopathic osteoarthritis, and eight had confirmed septic osteoarthritis of the TMJ. The most common post-operative complications were drainage and peri-incisional swelling (n = 5). One horse developed a hematoma at the surgical site because the facial artery was inadvertently transected during the approach, causing the condylectomy to be postponed. All horses were discharged alive from the hospital, and 10 returned to their previous or intended use. All had complete resolution of clinical signs of TMD. One mare was retired from athletic use due to her genetic value as a broodmare. One horse was euthanized 2 years after UMC due to progressively worsening of clinical signs of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO), which were not present before surgery. When available, owner satisfaction of the results of the procedure was excellent. Main Limitations: Sample size; multiple institutions; owner bias. Conclusions: Unilateral mandibular condylectomy should not be considered a salvage procedure. Horses treated for severe TMD by UMC can return to their previous or intended level of athletic performance and do not require a specialized diet.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of 3 types of bandages on sub-bandage pressures over the distal limb, carpus, and tarsus. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. ANIMALS: Eight healthy horses. METHODS: Each of the 6 following bandages was applied on each horse in randomized order: (1) distal limb compression bandage (DLC), (2) double layer bandage (DL), (3) inner sanctum bandage (IS), (4) carpal compression bandage (CC), (5) tarsal compression bandage (TC), and (6) adhesive elastic carpal bandage (C-ELA). Sub-bandage pressures were measured with the Picopress compression measuring system (Microlab Electonica, Nicolo, Italy) after bandage application. Carpal and tarsal bandage pressures were assessed before and after walking the horses approximately 50 m. TC pressures were also measured after creating a slit over the calcaneus. A generalized linear model was used to test the association of pressure with sensor location, bandage type, time, and potential interactions (P < .05). RESULTS: DLC (165 mmHg) and IS (167 mmHg) generated greater mean combined pressures compared with DL (146 mmHg; P = .0166). At application, CC (154 mmHg) created higher mean combined sub-bandage pressure compared with C-ELA (70 mmHg; P < .001). Pressures resulting from CC and TC decreased after walking (P < .001), whereas those associated with C-ELA were not affected. CONCLUSION: Variations to the standard DLC construct did not increase sub-bandage pressures. CC and TC pressures rapidly decreased with ambulation, whereas C-ELA pressures in healthy horses were not affected by walking. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Variations to the standard DLC offer no additional benefit in regards to increasing sub-bandage pressures. Carpal elastic bandages maintain sub-bandage pressures during ambulation and may be more appropriate for long term bandaging in ambulating horses. Creating a slit over the calcaneal tuber in TC bandages is discouraged due to rapid decreases in sub-bandage pressure.
