Veterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho — October 2025 Edition

Veterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho — October 2025 Edition

In this episode of the Simini Equine Surgery Podcast, we explore the orthopedic research from the October 2025 issue (Issue 7) of Veterinary Surgery, where two complementary studies examine the future of equine cervical vertebral fusion. Together, they answer two fundamental questions: Which implant performs best mechanically? And how do horses actually perform after surgery?  This episode follows the evolution of cervical fusion—from decades of clinical experience using the kerf cut cylinder (KCC) to emerging 3D-printed titanium plate-and-spacer technology designed to improve construct stability and long-term outcomes. In this episode:  ✅ Cormier et al. — Evaluated intra-articular injection of decellularized porcine amnion/chorion suspension in horses. Both low- and high-dose groups developed inflammatory responses, but the high-dose group had more clinically evident inflammation, including increased lameness, elevated synovial and systemic SAA, and persistent signs requiring lavage and flunixin in some horses. The study concluded that dPACLS at the tested doses is not recommended for intra-articular injection because of the inflammatory response.  ✅ Janicek et al. present the largest multicenter evaluation of C7–T1 ventral interbody fusion using the kerf cut cylinder implant. Reviewing 38 horses treated over a 20-year period, the authors reported an 89% hospital discharge rate, with 79% achieving successful long-term outcomes. Half of the horses returned to athletic work—including dressage, show jumping, barrel racing, hunters, and western pleasure—while many others regained comfortable pasture soundness. The study also provides valuable surgical pearls for one of the most anatomically challenging regions of the equine cervical spine and highlights laryngeal spasm as the most significant perioperative complication requiring careful airway management.  ✅ Zedler et al. evaluated a 3D-printed titanium plate and spacer construct against the traditional 4.5-mm locking compression plate (LCP) in an ex vivo biomechanical model of C4–C5 fusion. Although both constructs demonstrated similar stiffness and failure loads, the 3D implant was significantly less likely to fail through displaced vertebral fracture or screw pullout during extension loading. The findings suggest that modern patient-specific implant design may improve mechanical reliability while providing a scaffold for future osseous integration.  Together, these studies illustrate how clinical experience and engineering innovation are converging to improve treatment options for horses with cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM). Long-term outcomes demonstrate that cervical fusion is no longer simply a salvage procedure—it is increasingly becoming a realistic path back to athletic performance for appropriately selected horses.  🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Cormier et al. — Inflammatory Response Following Intra-Articular Injection of Decellularized Porcine Amnion/Chorion in Horses Janicek et al. — Multicenter Results for C7–T1 Ventral Interbody Fusion in Horses Using the Kerf Cut Cylinder Zedler et al. — Ex Vivo Biomechanical Testing of a Three-Dimensional Printed Titanium Plate and Spacer Construct and 4.5 mm Locking Compression Plate for Ventral Cervical Fusion of C4–C5 in the Horse 📚 From the October 2025 Issue (Issue 7) of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample:  https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

Veterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho & Soft Tissue — August 2025 Edition

In this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we explore two impactful studies from the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery, offering data-driven refinement for both orthopedic and soft tissue equine procedures. We cover: ✅ Ruspi et al. — A 20-year retrospective on medial condylar fractures in 150 racehorses. Despite historical concern, survival to discharge was 98.7%, long-term survival 93.3%, and 71% returned to racing. However, plating came with 7× higher complication risk (28% vs. 4%) than lag screws alone—shaping a critical discussion on fixation choice. ✅ Barnett et al. — A prospective study of laryngeal tie-forward (LTF) outcomes in 56 horses with IDDSP, assessed using post-op overground endoscopy (OGE). While 75% had resolution of displacement, 71% still had palatal instability, and owner/trainer concern post-op predicted 11× higher odds of persistent dysfunction—proving that vigilant follow-up is just as important as the surgery itself. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed: * Ruspi et al. — Short- and long-term survival, complications, return to racing, and racing performance of 150 racehorses with medial condylar fractures of the third metacarpal/ metatarsal bone treated by internal fixation * Barnett et al. — Overground endoscopic examination following laryngeal tie-forward in horses with dorsal displacement of the soft palate 📚 From the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com/] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

Veterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho Part 2 — August 2025 Edition

In this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we unpack two orthopedic studies from the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. These papers tackle both surgical mapping and cartilage regeneration—bringing fresh insights for accessing difficult anatomy and improving outcomes in mature horses. We cover: ✅ Kerber et al. — A cadaveric study mapping the medial digital flexor tendon sheath (MDFTS) and evaluating the feasibility of needle endoscopy. Using a 2.4 mm needle scope and a two-portal technique, they successfully navigated this complex space and revealed multiple internal synovial folds that trap debris and resist clearance. Standard arthroscopy was not feasible, often causing iatrogenic damage, and conventional saline lavage left up to 42% of bacteria behind, underscoring the need for targeted lavage solutions like Simini Protect. ✅ Paul et al. — A 25-year retrospective on mosaic arthroplasty for treating subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) in the equine stifle and fetlock. With 68% return to work and 90% lameness improvement, the study breaks the age barrier—showing strong outcomes even in horses over 3 years old. Fewer, larger grafts led to better outcomes (90% success with 2 or fewer vs. 50% with 3+), and overdrilling proud grafts was emphasized to prevent damage. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed: * Kerber et al. — Gross anatomy, computed tomographic contrast tenography, and needle endoscopy of the equine medial digital flexor tendon sheath * Paul et al. — Mosaic arthroplasty in equine stifle and fetlock joints: A retrospective study of 31 cases between 1998 and 2023 📚 From the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1532950x/2025/54/6] 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com/] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

Veterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho Part 1 — August 2025 Edition

In this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we break down two clinical studies from the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery, both centered on smarter, more effective approaches to fetlock joint management—from first-line lavage to deep-pocket fragment removal. We cover: ✅ Beggan et al. — An ex vivo study comparing needle-through-and-through lavage (NTA) to endoscopic lavage (EL) for equine joints. In both the fetlock and DFTS, NTA cleared debris just as well—especially in the first 2 liters, and even outperformed EL in early-stage flushing. But remember: EL remains essential for established sepsis and foreign body removal, and saline alone may leave up to 42% of bacteria behind. ✅ Foucaud et al. — A study introducing a direct dorsal arthroscopic approach to the distal palmar/plantar fetlock pouch, used in 25 horses. It yielded 100% successful fragment removal with zero complications—and was especially useful in horses over 4 years, where 100% had cartilage damage, 73% of which was full-thickness. Flexed radiographs and ultrasound are key to identifying these hidden lesions. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed: * Beggan et al. — Efficacy of needle and endoscopic lavage on the recuperation of microspheres from the adult equine metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint and digital flexor tendon sheath * Foucaud et al. — Direct arthroscopic approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the metacarpophalangeal/ metatarsophalangeal joint in horses 📚 From the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1532950x/2025/54/6] 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com/] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

Veterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Soft Tissue — July 2025 Edition

In this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we explore three practice-changing studies from the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. These investigations revisit long-standing protocols around anesthesia recovery, antibiotic use, and colic prevention—each bringing new clarity to what works, what doesn’t, and why it matters. We cover: ✅ Lindqvist et al. — A prospective crossover study evaluating an adjustable ceiling during anesthesia recovery in horses. Recovery quality scores improved dramatically, but with modest physiologic stress trade-offs. ✅ Sjöberg et al. — A large retrospective review of over 200 hospital-managed suture castrations in stallions. The study found no statistical benefit from surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP)—supporting reduced antibiotic use in clean, aseptic procedures. ✅ Warren et al. — A retrospective cohort study in 188 Thoroughbred broodmares showing that ventral midline cecopexy significantly reduced both general colic and large colon volvulus (LCV) recurrence—without compromising breeding outcomes. Whether you’re focused on reducing complications, refining post-op care, or strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, this episode brings data-driven recommendations to equine soft tissue protocols. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed: * Lindqvist et al. — Effect of an adjustable ceiling to prevent premature rising attempts after general anesthesia in healthy ponies and horses: A pilot study * Sjöberg et al. — Influence of antimicrobial prophylaxis in horses undergoing sutured castrations * Warren et al. — Effect of a ventral midline colopexy on large colon volvulus recurrence and days to next live foal in Thoroughbred broodmares   * 📚 From the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1532950x/2025/54/5] 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com/] Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]