Soft Tissue Surgery

Our surgical specialists offer a range of soft tissue surgeries, these include surgery of skin, abdomen, eye, urogenital and respiratory systems. Ranging from complex surgeries such as an exploratory laparotomy (colic surgery) to skin lumps. We also offer laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for a number of procedures such as removal of abnormal ovaries (laparoscopic ovariectomy) or testicles (cryptorchid or rig operations).

Laser surgery

Laser surgery in horse can be facilitated at the hospital or in some case at your yard.

The use of laser surgery in horses has significantly grown over the last two decades providing a better alternative to more conventional surgical techniques.

To offer laser surgery specialised equipment and operator training are necessary. The laser machine generates an intense beam of light that can be used by the surgeon to cut, seal and/or vaporise tissue.

Most commonly the machine generates the laser which is then directed down a long fiber. This very thin fiber can then be connected to a hand piece or directed down an endoscope to perform endoscopic surgery.

The two main uses of laser surgery in horses are treatment of skin conditions and lumps such as:

• Melanomas
• Sarcoids

When used for skin lumps laser can be used alone or in combination with other treatments

e.g. intra or postoperative chemotherapy and smart surgery for example.

The advantages of laser surgery in these most cases are reduced intraoperative bleeding, reduced inflammation, reduced oedema, lower risk of recurrence due to further cautery occurring beyond the operation site and quicker recovery.

Endoscopic surgery

• upper respiratory tract/airway conditions such as:

1. some forms of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (Hobday procedure)
2. epiglottic entrapment,
3. dorsal displacement of the soft palate
4. conditions of the guttural pouches
5. recurrent ethmoidal hematoma

• urogenital
• ophthalmic procedures

The use of endoscopic surgery obviates the need for a surgical incision and therefore allows for a quicker post-operative recovery. Endoscopic laser surgery can also be used for a number of urogenital procedures.

Please get in touch if you think that your horse has a condition that can be treated using laser surgery and one of our surgeons will be in touch.