Standing ophthalmic surgeries in horses.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• Equine Medicine

Background:

• Standing ophthalmic surgery in horses offers an alternative to general anesthesia for specific procedures.
• Key challenges include managing patient movement and limitations in surgical precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and limitations of standing ophthalmic surgery in horses.
• To highlight the importance of sedation and nerve blocks for successful outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Routine ophthalmic procedures such as eyelid lacerations and enucleations were performed.
• Heavy sedation and local nerve blocks targeting motor and sensory nerves were employed.
• Patient movement was managed without the use of an operating microscope.

Main Results:

• Standing surgery is suitable for certain procedures like eyelid lacerations and enucleations.
• Effective sedation and nerve blocks are crucial for managing patient movement.
• The absence of an operating microscope precludes precise corneal and intraocular microsurgeries.

Conclusions:

• Standing ophthalmic surgery in horses is viable for specific procedures when combined with heavy sedation and nerve blocks.
• Limitations exist, particularly for microsurgical interventions requiring advanced visualization and stability.