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Effects of denervation of the digit of the horse
Insights
Digital necrosis in horses after neurectomy may stem from trauma or infection. Osteolysis, or bone loss, appears to be a key factor in the collapse of foot structures.
Area of Science:
- Equine surgery
- Veterinary orthopedics
- Animal pathology
Background:
- Neurectomy is a surgical procedure to sever nerves, often performed in horses to alleviate chronic lameness.
- Digital necrosis, a condition causing tissue death in the hoof, can be a complication following neurectomy.
- The exact mechanisms leading to digital necrosis post-neurectomy require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiological factors contributing to digital necrosis in horses subsequent to neurectomy.
- To identify pathological changes in the denervated digit that may predispose it to necrosis.
Main Methods:
- Six horses underwent unilateral neurectomy of the medial and lateral palmar nerves.
- Digital arteriography was performed before and after surgery.
- Histological examination of bone, nerve, artery, skin, coronary band, and deep flexor tendon was conducted.
Main Results:
- Two horses exhibited clinical signs of digital necrosis during the study period.
- Histological findings revealed alterations in arterial patterns and bone quality.
- Osteolysis was identified as a significant factor in the structural compromise of the foot.
Conclusions:
- Trauma and/or infection of the denervated digit are implicated as primary causes of digital necrosis.
- Osteolysis plays a crucial role in the disruption and collapse of the foot's supporting structures following neurectomy.
Abstract:
A study was conducted in an effort to explain why digital necrosis sometimes follows neurectomy in the horse. Six horses were subjected to unilateral section of the medial and lateral palmar nerves. Arteriography was done on each digit prior to surgery. Terminally, arteriography was repeated. Sections of bone, nerve, artery, skin, coronary band, and deep flexor tendon were examined histologically. Changes in arterial pattern and bone quality were noted. During the study, 2 of the horses had clinical signs of digital necrosis. The composite findings suggested trauma or infection, or both, of the denervated digit as the main cause(s) of the digital necrosis. Osteolysis was believed to be the primary contributing factor in disruption and collapse of the supporting structures of the foot.