Equine Surgery in Flagstaff, AZ
Aspen Veterinary Clinic is truly a full-service hospital complete with a large animal surgical suite that was recently updated with a brand-new anesthesia machine and ventilator. Our surgical services include but are not limited to castrations, hernia repairs, laceration repairs, molar removal, sinus surgery, neurectomies, eye enucleations, mass removals, and more. Our equine technicians have advanced training in equine anesthesia and our hospital is well equipped to safely anesthetize, carefully monitor and hand-recover our large animal anesthesia patients.
Here's a list of some equine surgeries that we perform at Aspen Veterinary Clinic:
- Dentistry and oral surgery (large molar/cheek teeth extractions)
- Sinus surgery (opening and flushing sinuses for chronic sinus issues)
- Laceration repairs
- Castrations
- Umbilical hernia repairs
- Joint injections and PRP (performance/lameness cases)
Reach out if you are inquiring about other surgical services.
If you are ready to book an appointment and/or would like to speak with our team about a surgery consultation, give us a call or request an appointment online!
Everything You Need to Know About Equine Surgery
What are the most common surgeries performed on horses?
Common surgeries are castration, colic surgery, mass removals, eye enucleations (removal), laceration repair and tie-back surgery.
What is colic surgery for horses?
Colic surgery is basically an abdominal exploratory surgery and intestinal repair.
What is tie-back surgery for horses?
This surgery is typically done on horses who experience “roaring” or exercise intolerance. It consists of permanently suturing a paralyzed arytenoid cartilage open.
Will the surgery on my horse be done on-site?
Any type of surgery is best done in the clinic due to having a more controlled and clean environment.
How do I prepare my horse for surgery?
Be sure you have a good, clean, safe environment for recovery at home. Follow your veterinarians recommendation on feeding prior to surgery.
How long does it take a horse to recover from different surgeries?
- Colic - Recovery for colic surgery will require a 5 to 10 day hospital stay and 4 to 6 months of rest.
- Tie Back - It can take 60 to 90 days of rest before starting to work again.
- Most incisions take about 14 days to heal, but recovery can be longer depending on the area of surgery or injury.
Will my horse be sedated for surgery?
Yes, horses are sedated for surgery although most minor surgeries will be done with the horse still standing.
Are there any risks associated with the different surgeries for my horse?
There is always risk with any surgery, your veterinarian should discuss those risks with you based on the type of surgery your horse will be having.
Are there any alternatives to surgery for treating horse injuries?
Many injuries are treated without surgery. Your veterinarian will go over your treatment options after evaluating the particular injury.
FAQs - Understanding Equine Surgery
Can a horse have surgery on a broken bone?
Yes, they can. Surgery options vary greatly depending on which bone is broken and the horse's temperament for recovery.
Can a lame horse become not lame?
Yes, most lameness issues are treatable.
Can horses recover from a broken leg?
The possibility of recovery is greatly dependent on they type of fracture and location. Hairline fractures can be treated with success but complete or compound fractures have a poor prognosis.
What sports injuries require surgery for horses?
Sports injuries in horses requiring surgery often involve severe orthopedic trauma, such as fractures, ligament tears, or joint issues like OCD (osteochondrosis) or chip fractures. Soft tissue surgeries are also common, including treatments for tendon injuries, suspensory ligament desmitis, and upper respiratory conditions.
Do I need a specialized equine surgeon to operate on my horse?
Minor surgeries can be done locally, but if your horse is facing a complicated orthopedic or colic surgery, it recommended that you take your horse to an equine specialist.
What is “the kissing spine” surgery on horses?
Surgical treatment is an option in severe cases. One approach is to remove about half (3 inches) of the bone at the top of each of the dorsal spinous processes.
Questions?
If you have more questions about Equine Surgery at Aspen Veterinary Clinic in Flagstaff, AZ, feel free to reach out to our team or request an appointment online!