Surgical Services for Horses
At Equine Surgery & Medicine, we understand the importance of using minimally invasive measures whenever possible. Rest assured that we will only recommend surgery when it is in the best interest of your horse.
We offer a thorough consultation before surgery begins and exceptional monitoring and care during the procedures and in recovery. Our goal is to provide a seamless process from start to finish while keeping you fully informed throughout.
Our veterinarians use advanced equipment and techniques to ensure the best results for your horse. We also prioritize safety by choosing standing procedures whenever possible, reducing anesthesia risks.
Whether your horse needs routine surgery or emergency treatment, you can rely on our team to help them feel their best again.
What to Expect With Equine Surgery
We make sure to provide horse owners with complete information on why we recommend a surgical procedure, including the expected recovery period and any necessary post-operative care for your horse at home.
Surgical Procedures at Equine Surgery & Medicine
We offer medical and emergency surgeries to treat diseases, conditions or injuries sustained through trauma in horses.
Our vets are experienced in performing both elective and non-elective surgeries, including:
- Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery in horses can treat various conditions that could otherwise have a detrimental impact on the horse's health and quality of life. Some of the soft tissue surgery can include surgery of the abdomen, urogenital tract, respiratory tract, mouth, and skin.
- Reproductive Surgery
A full range of reproductive surgical procedures can be carried out either at your farm through our mobile services, or for more complex procedures, by our specialist surgeons at our hospital. These include:
Mares: This includes cesarean sections, endometrial cysts removal, and urogenital procedures like Caslick's operation. We also offer ovariectomy, treatment for granulosa cell tumors, ovarian hematoma, abscess or cysts, repair of uterine torsion, correction of foaling injuries, and removal of bladder stones. As well, we offer breeding & reproduction services.
Colts/Stallions: We perform castration and correction of inguinal hernias. We also offer urogenital surgery, including cryptorchid surgery (removal of retained testicle), removal of penile or testicle tumors, amputation of penis, and removal of bladder stones.
- Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a technique used by equine surgeons to evaluate and treat diseases within joints. Similar techniques are also used to evaluate and treat diseases within tendon sheaths and bursae.
A narrow, rigid instrument called an endoscope is placed through a small incision to examine the inside of a joint, tendon sheath, or bursa. The image is then transmitted to a camera for viewing on a monitor. Specially designed surgical instruments are passed through separate small incisions to assist in the treatment of disease within these structures.
- Laparoscopy
Endoscopic surgery of the abdomen and thorax can be very useful in horses for a variety of different problems. It allows visualization and treatment of parts of the abdomen (laparoscopy) and thorax (thoracoscopy) which can be difficult to reach using other forms of surgery and has the significant advantages of being able to be performed with the horse standing and with minimal incisions.
- Wounds
Wounds occur when living tissue has been cut, broken, burnt, torn, or otherwise damaged.
These wounds must be cleaned, disinfected, and appropriately cared for by a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible.
The Surgery Process
Once the consultation and diagnosis have been established and the day of surgery arrives, your horse's well-being is our top priority. Anesthesia will be administered in a sterile environment, ensuring meticulous monitoring throughout the procedure.
Following the surgery, your horse will receive close monitoring and be provided with effective pain management to minimize complications. Please note that the duration of recovery and rehabilitation may vary depending on the specific case.
Owners must maintain regular communication with the veterinarian for follow-up appointments, medication administration, and any necessary therapy.
Standing vs. Traditional Surgery
It's common for surgeries on large animals to be done on patients that are awake and standing up, especially when repairing injuries caused by cuts.
After surgery, the biggest risk for horses is waking up from anesthesia. Performing the surgery while the patient is standing helps reduce that risk. It's also easier to perform some surgeries while the patient is standing. Ultimately, the best approach is to use a standing procedure whenever possible to ensure the patient's safety.
There are certain cases where standing surgery simply cannot be performed. Our veterinary team is experienced with equine surgery and will do everything they can to reduce risks.