Standing surgical procedures of the foot.
Authors: Honnas
Journal: The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Standing Surgical Procedures of the Foot Honnas's review examines the practical and clinical considerations surrounding the management of surgical foot conditions in standing horses, recognising that many pathologies traditionally requiring general anaesthesia can be successfully addressed with the animal conscious and restrained. The article evaluates multiple variables influencing the clinician's decision-making process—including individual horse temperament, reproductive status, and economic constraints—alongside the technical feasibility of performing various procedures in the ambulatory setting. Several foot conditions respond favourably to standing surgical intervention, meaning farriers, veterinarians, and therapeutic practitioners should understand which presentations are amenable to this approach and which demand recumbency. The significance for equine practice lies in expanding treatment options for clients with pregnant mares, those managing difficult temperaments, or those facing financial pressures, whilst maintaining clinical efficacy. Understanding the scope and limitations of standing foot surgery enables practitioners to offer evidence-based advice on the most appropriate management strategy for each individual case, potentially improving compliance and outcomes through reduced anaesthetic risk and cost.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Standing surgical procedures eliminate anesthesia risks and costs, making foot treatment more accessible for ambulatory practice and pregnant mares
- •Patient selection based on temperament and condition type is critical; not all horses or conditions are suitable for standing procedures
- •Understanding which foot pathologies respond well to standing surgery allows practitioners to offer clients economical treatment options without compromising outcomes
Key Findings
- •Multiple surgical foot conditions in horses can be successfully managed with the horse standing rather than under general anesthesia
- •Horse temperament, pregnancy status, and economic considerations are important factors in deciding between standing and anesthetized surgical approaches
- •Ambulatory foot surgery is a viable option for managing various equine podiatric conditions