Surgery 

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Surgeries that can be performed on a yard (or field surgery) are typically less invasive procedures or those that are straightforward enough to be done in a more controlled, familiar environment like the horse's stable or yard. These surgeries are generally those that do not require complex anaesthesia or specialised equipment that is only available in a fully equipped surgical facility.​

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Field Surgery at Anglesey Equine

 

Preparation:

• Pre-Surgical Consultation - Before performing any surgery in the field, a thorough consultation and examination will be done. This includes history-taking, assessing the horse's overall health, and determining the urgency of the surgery. If the procedure is elective (like castration) or for an emergency (like wound repair), a clear plan will be made.

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• Sterile Field Setup - A clean, controlled environment is essential. The area where surgery will take place should be flat and free from debris. If possible, the horse should be in a well-ventilated, quiet area, with minimal distractions. A sterile drape and sterile instruments are a must for maintaining hygiene.

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• Sedation and Analgesia - Field surgeries are performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. For more invasive procedures, general anaesthesia may be used, but it requires careful monitoring, especially in a field setting.

  • Local Anaesthesia - For procedures like wound repairs, castrations, or minor soft tissue surgeries, local anaesthesia is commonly used to numb the area.

  • Sedation - Sedatives help calm the horse and reduce stress, making the procedure more manageable.​

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Common Surgeries Performed in the Field

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• Castration (Gelding)

  • The removal of the testes in male horses.

  • Performed most commonly with local anaesthesia and sedation, however, general anaesthetic maybe required dependant on the case. An incision is made in the scrotum, and the testicles are removed. Haemostasis (stopping the bleeding) is crucial to avoid complications.

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• Wound Repair (Lacerations, Punctures, Soft Tissue Injuries)

  • Surgical repair of lacerations or puncture wounds to prevent infection, minimise scarring, and ensure proper healing.

  • Wounds are cleaned and debrided (removal of dead tissue). If the wound is large or deep, it may require suturing.

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• Eye Surgery (Enucleation)

  • Removal of a severely damaged or infected eye (enucleation) when medical treatment is no longer effective.

  • Requires sedation, local anesthesia, and a sterile environment. The surgeon carefully removes the eye, and the incision is sutured closed.

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• Hoof Abscess Drainage

  • Draining an abscess in the hoof to relieve pain and prevent the infection from spreading

  • The abscess is carefully located and drained. The area is cleaned, and a bandage is applied to help with healing.

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• Removal of Foreign Bodies

  • Local anaesthesia or sedation is used to perform the procedure. Small incisions may be made to remove foreign objects.

  • Ultrasound guidance maybe required to aid in removal of foreign bodies e.g. black thorns. 

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• Episiotomy (Mare Reproductive Surgery)

  • A surgical procedure often done during or after foaling to correct problems in the mare’s reproductive tract, such as a tear or difficulty passing the placenta.

  • To assist with difficult births (dystocia) or to repair tears that may have occurred during labor.

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• Removal of Skin Masses in Horses

  • A common surgical procedure performed when a horse develops benign or malignant growths on its skin. These masses can be caused by a variety of factors, such as infections, tumours, cysts, or other skin conditions.

  • Depending on the type, size, location, and nature of the mass, it may be necessary to remove it to prevent discomfort, irritation, or further complications like infection or malignancy.

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​Field Surgeries whilst common do carry their own risks. If you have any concerns or questions regarding surgical procedures then please don’t hesitate to contact us.