Equine Surgery

Presently at Oakhurst Equine in Newberg, Oregon, we provide a range of surgeries, which can be performed either in a stall setting using intravenous general anesthesia or in a standing position. If you think you may have a surgical case, please call us at 503-554-0227 or email office@oakhurstequine.com to arrange an appointment with one of our equine veterinarians for consultation and an estimate. Kindly note that at present, we do not offer colic surgeries or arthroscopies. Here is a partial list of some examples of the surgeries we can help you with.

Equine Castration

Routine castration and cryptorchidism are two different conditions related to the reproductive organs of horses. Let's explore each one:

Routine Castration: Routine castration, also known as gelding, is the surgical removal of the testicles in male horses. It is a common procedure performed to render a male horse (stallion or colt) sterile and eliminate behaviors associated with sexual maturity, such as aggression, mounting, and distraction due to mares in heat. Castrated horses, called geldings, are typically more manageable and easier to train.

The castration procedure involves making incisions in the scrotum to remove the testicles. It can be done under general anesthesia or standing sedation, depending on the veterinarian's preference and the horse's condition. Gelding is often performed on healthy horses, usually between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, although it can be done at any age.

Cryptorchidism: Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. In horses, it is more commonly seen as a genetic trait, and affected horses are called "rigs" or "ridglings." Unlike routine castration, cryptorchidism requires additional considerations and sometimes more complex surgery.

In a cryptorchid horse, one or both testicles remain within the abdominal cavity or in the inguinal canal instead of descending into the scrotum. This condition can cause various problems, including reduced fertility and an increased risk of testicular cancer. If left untreated, cryptorchidism can also contribute to behavioral issues.

Surgical intervention is typically required to address cryptorchidism. The procedure, known as cryptorchidectomy, entails a meticulous exploration of either the abdomen or inguinal canal to locate and extract the undescended testicle(s). Compared to routine castration, cryptorchidectomy is a more intricate surgery that demands extensive expertise and experience. At Oakhurst, we are fortunate to have Dr. Jack Root, a highly experienced professional with years of expertise, performing our cryptorchid castrations. His skill and proficiency ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.

It's important to note that both routine castration and cryptorchidectomy should be performed by a skilled veterinarian to ensure the safety and well-being of the horse. If you suspect your horse may have cryptorchidism or if you're considering routine castration, consult with one of our experienced veterinarians for a proper evaluation and guidance specific to your horse's situation.

Interspinous Ligament Desmotomy (or Kissing Spine Surgery)

This minimally invasive standing surgery combines sedation and local anesthesia to effectively treat kissing spines. The procedure involves transecting the interspinous ligament between the dorsal spinous processes of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine. By creating space, this technique prevents the spinous processes from impinging upon each other. Notably, Dr. Jack Root has developed specialized surgical tools that have significantly facilitated the transection process, making the overall procedure more accessible and streamlined. Dr. Root performs Kissing Spine Surgery here at Oakhurst.

Kissing spine, also known as dorsal spinous process impingement (DSPI), is a condition that affects horses. It occurs when the spinous processes (bony projections) of the vertebrae in the horse's back come into contact with or "kiss" each other, causing pain and discomfort.

Kissing spine surgery is one of the treatment options for this condition. It involves removing or modifying the affected spinous processes to alleviate the pain and restore normal function. Here is an overview of the procedure:

Diagnosis: Before considering surgery, a veterinarian will evaluate the horse through a physical examination, including palpation and flexion tests, as well as diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound. These tests help identify the location and severity of the kissing spine.
Pre-operative preparation: Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the horse will undergo a pre-operative evaluation to ensure it is healthy enough for surgery. This may include bloodwork, imaging, and other tests as deemed necessary by the veterinarian.
Surgical procedure: The surgical technique used to address kissing spine can vary depending on the specific case and the veterinarian's preference. There are a few different approaches, including:
a. Surgical resection: This involves removing the affected spinous processes. The veterinarian will make an incision along the horse's back, exposing the affected area. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon will carefully remove or modify the affected spinous processes, aiming to create more space between them to alleviate impingement.
b. Modified techniques: Some surgeons may choose to modify the spinous processes rather than removing them completely. This can involve shaving or trimming the processes to reduce their size and prevent further impingement.
Post-operative care: After the surgery, the horse will need a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may involve stall rest, controlled exercise, and a gradual return to work. The veterinarian will provide specific instructions tailored to the individual horse's needs.

It's important to note that kissing spine surgery is not always necessary and is typically considered after conservative treatments, such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physiotherapy, have been unsuccessful.

Kissing spine surgery in horses can alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and enhance performance by addressing the underlying issues associated with the condition.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involve such as post-operative complications such as infection or poor wound healing. It's crucial to have a thorough discussion with your veterinarian about the potential risks and benefits of surgery for your horse's specific condition.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Oakhurst veterinarians specialize in a wide range of soft tissue surgeries aimed at addressing tendon and ligament injuries with utmost precision and care. Our expertise includes procedures like plantar fascial transection and neurectomy, which effectively treat proximal suspensory desmitis in the hind limbs. We also offer inferior check ligament desmotomies to alleviate contracted tendons and club feet. And for cases of severe laminitis, we can perform deep digital flexor tendon tenotomies, ensuring optimal relief and improved outcomes for our patients.

Neurectomy

Neurectomy, specifically palmar digital neurectomy or plantar digital neurectomy, is a surgical procedure performed on horses with chronic navicular disease. Navicular disease is a condition that affects the navicular bone and associated structures in the foot, causing pain and lameness.

Consult with one of our experienced veterinarians to discuss the suitability of neurectomy for a particular horse, as well as the potential risks, benefits, and long-term implications associated with the procedure. It’s important to note that neurectomy is considered a last resort for horses with severe navicular disease that has not been controlled with medical treatment and/or therapeutic shoeing.

Osteomyelitis surgery

Osteomyelitis surgery is a crucial procedure aimed at debriding and treating infected or diseased bone, whether it occurs in a limb or the foot of a horse. Osteomyelitis is a severe condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of bone tissue, often resulting from bacteria entering the bone through an open wound or during a surgery. Surgical intervention becomes necessary when antibiotics alone cannot effectively eliminate the infection or when there is extensive damage to the bone. During the procedure, the experienced veterinarian carefully removes the necrotic or infected bone, by meticulous debridement of the affected area, aiming to preserve as much healthy bone as possible, to promote healing and restore structural integrity. The goal of osteomyelitis surgery is to eradicate the infection, relieve pain, and facilitate the horse's rehabilitation and return to normal function.

Angular Limb Deformity Correction (Foals)

Angular limb deformities (ALDs) occur when a foal’s limb bones grow unevenly, resulting in inward (varus) or outward (valgus) deviation. These conditions are common in young, growing horses and are often very treatable when addressed early. Our surgical approach focuses on guiding normal growth to restore proper limb alignment and optimize long-term soundness.

Periosteal Stripping (Periosteal Transection): Periosteal stripping is a minimally invasive procedure used to stimulate growth on the shorter side of a developing bone. By releasing the periosteum (a thin tissue layer covering the bone), we encourage the limb to gradually straighten as the foal grows.
This procedure is most effective in:
- Younger foals
- Mild to moderate deformities
- Cases with significant growth remaining
Because no implants are placed, periosteal stripping does not require a second procedure for removal.
2; Growth Modulation with Transphyseal Bridging (Screws/Wires):I n cases requiring a more controlled or rapid correction, we may recommend transphyseal bridging. This technique uses small implants (typically screws and/or wire) placed across the growth plate on the longer side of the bone to temporarily slow growth, allowing the opposite side to catch up.
This approach is commonly used for:
- Moderate to severe deformities
- Older foals with less growth remaining
- Situations where precise correction is needed
These implants are temporary and are removed once the limb has straightened to prevent overcorrection.

Individualized Surgical Planning

The decision between periosteal stripping and transphyseal bridging is based on:

Foal age and growth potential
Severity and location of the deformity
Rate of progression

In some cases, techniques may be combined to achieve the best outcome.

Timing is Critical

Because growth plates close quickly, early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential. Regular monitoring allows us to adjust treatment and ensure optimal correction.

If you have concerns about your foal’s limb alignment, our team is happy to evaluate and discuss the best treatment options.

Enucleation of the Eye

The surgical procedure to remove an eye from a horse is commonly referred to as "enucleation." Enucleation involves the removal of the entire eyeball and associated structures. It is typically performed as a last resort in cases of severe injury, infection, end-stage uveitis, cancer, or other medical conditions that cannot be treated effectively using a different method. The procedure is performed by one of our experienced veterinarians utilizing standing sedation or general anesthesia.

After enucleation, horses typically recover well with appropriate postoperative care. Horses can adapt well to the loss of an eye and usually resume their normal activities without significant limitations.