When a pet needs surgery, it is always a big deal. Equine surgery is often an even more intimidating venture due to the sheer size and delicate nature of our horse patients. At Woodside Equine Clinic, though, we are up to the challenge, and are here to help our patients when needed with our comprehensive equine surgery services and expert team. 

Equine Surgery Challenges

Equine surgery can present several unique challenges due to the nature of our horse patients. These factors can complicate both the surgical procedure itself as well as the management of our patients before, during, and after surgery.

Some considerations for equine surgery include: 

• Size — The size and weight of a horse can increase anesthesia risk and blood pressure, oxygen levels, and avoiding the compression of muscles and nerves are important during anesthesia. A ventilator is often needed for longer anesthesia for adult horses so that the lungs can fully expand while recumbent. Their large size also requires specialized equipment to move and position them for surgery.
• Anesthesia recovery — It is difficult to safely manage a horse as it recovers from anesthesia in a sometimes panicked or disoriented state. Padded recovery stalls and other tools as well as a knowledgeable staff are important to decrease the risk of fractures or other injuries during recovery.
• Complications after surgery — Horses can be quite sensitive and are at higher risk of colic, laminitis, and other secondary issues after a surgical procedure. It is also difficult to protect surgical sites from contamination that can lead to infection as well as restrict movement, which can impair healing. 
• Cost  — The logistics and equipment needed for successful equine surgeries are not inexpensive, but the right equipment, good planning, and a skilled team are vital for success. 

Equine surgery can be a complex endeavor due to the horse’s size, physiology, and specific behavioral needs. Thankfully, our team is up for the challenge!

Our Services

Surgical procedures happen daily at our hospital. We are well practiced at everything from emergency needs to sports medicine treatments to orthopedic procedures.

Common equine surgical procedures include:

• Colic surgery for unretractable abdominal pain
• Cesarean section
• Enucleation (eye removal)
• Angular limb deformity surgery
• Arthroscopy and tensocopy for horses
• Castration
• Fracture repair
• Hernia repair in horses (typically umbilical hernia in foals)

Equine surgery is a little more of an undertaking than similar procedures in a small animal, but should your horse need us, we are here to help. Contact us to learn more about our services or enlist our help in caring for your horse.