Equine Surgery in Gillette
Specialized surgical care for horses is critical for treating a variety of health issues, including some that may be life-threatening. Advanced surgical care, combined with pre-and post-operative care, helps promote better outcomes and can extend the lifespan of the horse.
Our Gillette-based practice is highly trained in specialized equine surgical procedures and is ready to give your horse the care it deserves. If you have a horse in need of advanced treatment, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Red Hills Veterinary Hospital for Your Horse’s Surgical Needs
At Red Hills Veterinary Hospital, we specialize in equine care, with veterinary surgeons skilled in both routine and complex horse procedures. We utilize specialized equipment for diagnosing and performing surgeries such as arthroscopy, laparoscopy, laser surgery, and more. Our veterinary team has years of experience performing these sensitive procedures on horses, so you can feel confident your animal is getting the best possible care.
Additionally, we practice continuing education and training on the latest techniques for providing equine care, so we can ensure we’re providing the most up-to-date medical care and best practices.
We realize that pet care, and chiropractic care especially, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our vets practice a personalized approach to ensure each pet receives the best possible care. Each animal’s unique anatomy, condition, and health history plays a key role in what types of treatment our team recommends and performs.
Common Equine Surgical Procedures & Conditions
Acute abdominal pain (colic)
When horses experience severe abdominal pain, it could require colic surgery, which may involve an exploratory laparotomy to identify and correct the issue, or more complex procedures such as removing a damaged section of the intestine.
Tendon/Ligament Injuries
Injuries to tendons and ligaments, such as bowed tendons or suspensory ligament tears, may require surgical intervention.
Joint Problems
Joint issues, or developmental abnormalities, are often treated with arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the joint to remove damaged tissue and improve mobility.
Fractures or severe lameness
When a horse suffers a fracture or severe lameness due to skeletal injury, surgical fracture repair is performed using plates, screws, or external fixation to stabilize the bone and allow proper healing.
Chronic joint diseases (arthritis, OCD lesions)
Horses with chronic joint diseases like arthritis or osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) may undergo joint injections for pain relief, arthroscopy to remove abnormal cartilage, or even joint fusion procedures to stabilize the affected area and prevent further deterioration.
Soft-tissue injuries (tendon lacerations)
When a horse experiences a severe tendon laceration, tendon repair surgery is needed to suture and reconstruct the damaged tissue, sometimes requiring tendon grafting to restore function.
Navicular disease
Horses suffering from navicular disease, a condition that affects the navicular bone and surrounding structures in the hoof, may undergo navicular bursoscopy to clean out adhesions or a neurectomy.
Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy ("roaring")
Horses with roaring, a condition that restricts airflow due to paralysis of the laryngeal muscles, often undergo a tie-back surgery to permanently hold the airway open and improve breathing.
Guttural pouch disease
Infections or conditions affecting the guttural pouch, such as empyema or fungal plaques, often require laser surgery or drainage procedures to remove blockages and prevent further complications.
Urethral obstructions or bladder stones
Horses experiencing difficulty urinating due to urethral obstructions or bladder stones may need a urethrotomy to create an opening for urine flow or a cystotomy to surgically remove large bladder stones.
Wound repair and degloving injuries
Horses with extensive wounds or degloving injuries, where large sections of skin are torn away, may require skin grafting or flap reconstruction to restore function and protect underlying tissues.
Diagnostic Techniques & Technology Used at Red Hills Veterinary Hospital
At our practice, we diagnose surgical candidates with a variety of modalities and techniques to ensure each animal is getting a personalized treatment plan that fits their needs. This could include digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, or MRI/CT referrals, depending on the needs of each horse. Accurate imaging and lab work is critical for successful outcomes.
Pre and Post-Operative Care for Equine Surgery
Before an equine goes in for surgery, our veterinary team goes through several important steps to ensure they are fully prepped for the procedure. This can include:
Physical exams To check the horse’s overall health profile and ensure they are equipped to handle the surgery.
Blood tests To assess organ function and check for infection.
Sedation/anesthesia protocols A vet will give the horse a sedative to keep it calm, followed by intravenous anesthesia to induce unconsciousness during the surgery.
Aftercare following surgery is also critical to maintaining long-term health. At our practice, we offer post-operative pain management and wound care to each animal. Additionally, we also offer a variety of rehabilitation services when necessary.
Payment Options for Equine Surgery at Red Hills Veterinary Hospital
At Red Hills Veterinary Hospital, we offer flexible financing and insurance options for Equine Surgery. Sign up today with any of our payment plan partners or contact us for specific questions about insurance coverage. Read more about our financing options here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Surgery
Any surgery has risks and potential side effects, but, overall, surgery is safe for horses when performed by a trained specialist. There is a higher risk for an anesthesia-related complication in horses than in other animals. According to a study published by the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, the morbidity and mortality rate is about 1 in 100 for horses undergoing elective procedures.
Whether or not a horse can eat before surgery depends on the type of medical procedure. Typically, for common elective procedures such as colic surgery, horses should avoid feed for several hours in advance of the surgery, although the specific timeline will vary depending on the surgery. The timeline for this fast will be determined by your vet.
Most horses should be able to return to their pre-surgery performance levels if the procedure goes well and proper aftercare tips are followed closely. However, it is essential to follow your vet’s guidelines for proper resting after surgery.
Certain injuries, such as joint or tendon issues, may prevent athletic horses from returning to competition, even after a successful surgery.
Book an Appointment at Red Hills Veterinary Hospital
New pets are always welcome at Red Hills Veterinary Hospital. Our friendly veterinary staff looks forward to providing our neighbors in Citrus Heights and surrounding communities with the veterinary care they need.
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