Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging-assisted partial hoof wall resection for keratoma removal.
Authors: Getman, Davidson, Ross, Leitch, Richardson
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Advanced imaging for keratoma removal Keratomas are benign tumours of the hoof that cause chronic lameness and can be challenging to locate and remove without excessive hoof damage. This case series of 10 horses evaluated how computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging could guide surgical planning and partial hoof wall resection to improve outcomes for keratoma extraction. The imaging techniques successfully identified lesion location in all cases, and of the 8 horses with follow-up data, 7 returned to soundness within an average of 2.7 months post-operatively, with most resuming work by 3.6 months. Only 2 horses (20%) experienced postoperative complications—excessive granulation tissue or infection—and importantly, no recurrence occurred. The findings suggest that minimising hoof wall defect size, filling surgical sites with antimicrobial-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate cement, and applying shoes early in recovery can substantially reduce morbidity, making advanced imaging-assisted techniques a worthwhile consideration for practitioners managing these frustrating lesions.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Use CT or MRI preoperatively to precisely locate keratomas and plan minimal hoof wall resection
- •Smaller surgical defects, antimicrobial-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate filling, and early shoeing reduce postoperative complications and support healing
- •Expect 2-4 months recovery time before return to work in most cases
Key Findings
- •CT and MRI can accurately identify keratoma location prior to surgical removal
- •Complications (granulation tissue, infection) occurred in 2/10 horses (20%)
- •No keratoma recurrence was observed in any horse
- •Mean time to soundness was 2.7 months; 7/8 horses with follow-up data returned to work by mean 3.6 months