Short- and long-term postoperative complications after keratoma resection in horses: a retrospective study (2004-2023)

Introduction
Keratomas area keratin masses found in the hoof in horses. This study aims to document
both short- and long-term postoperative complications associated with various surgical
techniques in a series of keratoma cases.
Materials
This study involved a retrospective review of medical records from horses with keratoma
or keratoma-like conditions admitted in a hospital between 2004 and 2023. Medical
history, clinical signs, x-ray findings, surgical procedures, and short- and long-term
postoperative complications. Follow-up information was obtained through a six-month
post-discharge telephone questionnaire with horse owners.
Results
Twenty-nine cases underwent modified partial hoof wall resection (Modified PR), while
seventeen cases underwent complete hoof wall resection (CR). Modified PR was
associated with fewer complications than CR. Moreover, horses undergoing Modified PR
demonstrated a significantly shorter postoperative recovery time to return to full work
compared to those undergoing CR.
Conclusion
Modified PR exhibited a notable reduction in both short and long-term postoperative
complications compared to CR. Additionally, horses undergoing Modified PR
experienced a swifter return to their preoperative performance levels or even
demonstrated improvement. The overall prognosis for soundness and restoration to
previous performance levels following Modified PR is deemed very good.