Complete and partial hoof wall resection for keratoma removal: post operative complications and final outcome in 26 horses (1994-2004)

Abstract

There are no data on the frequency of post operative complications following keratoma removal, such as recurrence, hoof wall instability and excessive granulation tissue formation, or their relation to the method of surgical removal. To identify important factors in the outcome for horses undergoing surgical removal of a keratoma and compare the post operative complications encountered following keratoma removal by complete hoof wall resection (CR) and partial hoof wall resection (PR). Horses undergoing PR would have fewer post operative complications and would return to work more quickly than those undergoing CR. A retrospective review of medical records from one equine hospital identified 26 horses that underwent removal of a keratoma by CR or PR. Clinical, radiological and surgical findings and outcome were analysed. Common clinical signs included lameness and the presence of a subsolar abscess. Fourteen horses underwent CR and 12 PR. The complication rate following CR (71%) was significantly lower than that following PR (25%) (P<0.01). Complications encountered included excess granulation tissue formation, hoof crack formation and keratoma recurrence at the surgical site. The time taken to return to full work post operatively was significantly shorter in horses undergoing PR compared to CR (P<0.01). All horses, except one, returned to their previous exercise level. PR resulted in fewer post operative complications and a more rapid return to athletic activity than CR. Although the overall complication rate for CR was higher than for PR, the overall prognosis for return to soundness and the previous performance level is very good.