Postoperative care
The stent was removed two days postoperatively and the bandage changed
every forty-eight hours. Antimicrobial therapy was continued for five
days and anti-inflammatories for another fourteen days at decreasing
dosage. The horse also received omeprazole (2mg/kg once daily) and
probiotics during hospitalization. After three days, the horse was
walked outside of the box for the first time since surgery.
Postoperative radiographs showed satisfying reduction of the fracture
and implants in situ (Figure 4) . As the patient did not show
any signs of ataxia, the sling was removed. Food and water were placed
at chest level for another two weeks. The horse continued showing mild
signs of neck stiffness after surgery. A mild seroma developed at the
incision site but resolved spontaneously within two weeks. The horse was
discharged after suture and staple removal three weeks after surgery.
The owner was instructed to keep the horse on box rest for an additional
four weeks and begin hand walking at approximately two months
post-surgery.