Transpalpebral eye enucleation in 40 standing horses.
Authors: Pollock Patrick J, Russell Tom, Hughes Thomas K, Archer Michael R, Perkins Justin D
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Transpalpebral Eye Enucleation in Standing Horses Removal of a diseased equine eye traditionally requires general anaesthesia, which carries inherent risks and substantial cost. Pollock and colleagues evaluated a standing transpalpebral enucleation technique in 40 horses, using stocks for restraint combined with systemic sedation and comprehensive local analgesia (orbital nerve blocks plus local infiltration). All 40 eyes were successfully removed with minimal complications: only five horses experienced moderate post-operative swelling and one developed minor wound discharge, with no long-term sequelae recorded. This approach effectively eliminates the morbidity and expense associated with general anaesthesia, making it a pragmatic alternative for routine ophthalmic cases requiring enucleation. Farriers and equine practitioners should be aware that standing enucleation, performed by experienced surgeons, represents a viable middle-ground option that warrants consideration when discussing eye removal with owners concerned about anaesthetic risk or cost.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Eye enucleation can be safely performed in standing horses under local anesthesia with sedation, avoiding general anesthesia risks and reducing procedural costs
- •Expect minor post-operative swelling in a small percentage of cases, with excellent long-term outcomes
- •This technique allows for safer surgical management of blind or diseased eyes in horses, particularly those at higher risk under general anesthesia
Key Findings
- •Transpalpebral eye enucleation was successfully completed in all 40 standing sedated horses using local anesthesia and nerve blocks
- •Short-term complications were minimal: moderate swelling in 5 horses (12.5%) and wound discharge in 1 horse (2.5%)
- •No long-term complications were observed in the study population
- •Standing enucleation eliminates risks and costs associated with general anesthesia