Bilateral ventral accessory neurectomy in windsucking horses

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Surgical Procedures
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Windsucking, a form of abnormal behavior, can be distressing and may require intervention.
• The spinal accessory nerve plays a role in head and neck movements, making its branches potential targets for surgical management.
• Previous attempts to manage windsucking have explored various therapeutic avenues with limited success.

Observation:

• This study evaluated the efficacy of bilateral neurectomy of the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve in eight patients with windsucking.
• The surgical procedure involved transecting specific nerve branches to alter motor function related to the behavior.
• Post-operative follow-up was conducted to assess the persistence and degree of windsucking.

Findings:

• Bilateral neurectomy of the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve did not result in permanent improvement in any of the eight cases.
• The surgical intervention failed to effectively control or eliminate the windsucking behavior.
• No significant long-term benefits were observed following the neurectomy procedure.

Implications:

• The findings suggest that neurectomy of the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve is not an effective treatment for windsucking.
• Alternative or more targeted therapeutic strategies may be necessary for managing this condition.
• Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of windsucking and develop effective interventions.