34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Equine keratomas are keratin masses located in the hoof and are frequently associated with recurrent abscess and lameness. Several techniques have been developed for their removal. The aim of this study is to report short- and long-term post-operative complications in a series of horses presented with keratoma, depending on the surgical technique used.

Methods:

This medical records of horses suffering from a  keratoma or keratoma-like admitted in the equine clinic of Liège between 2004 and 2023 were reviewed. Medical history, clinical signs, x-ray findings, surgical procedures, and short- and long-term postoperative complications were recorded. Follow-up information (>= 6 months post discharge) was obtained through a telephone questionnaire with owners.

Results:

Twenty-nine cases underwent MPR, while seventeen cases underwent CR and one case underwent PR. MPR was associated with fewer complications than CR. Moreover, horses undergoing MPR demonstrated a shorter postoperative recovery time to return to full work compared to those undergoing CR.

Conclusions:

Although PR is a less invasive technique for keratoma removal, severe and extensive hoof abscess precludes this approach. For this reason, the MPR was developed to remove the infected horny tissue while being less invasive than CR. Our study showed that horses operated by MPR have less postoperative complications and a shorter convalescence period compared to horses operated by CR. Although efforts should be made to further reduce postoperative complications, this technique appears to be superior to CR when PR cannot be performed.