Page 6 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

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CHAPTER 1

Introduction

David A. Wilson

"Chance favors the prepared mind." and disease. Swelling and trauma can significantly

Louis Pasteur alter the anatomy such that previously well-

understood structures may be difficult to identify

This book is written for practitioners and veteri- and in unexpected locations.

nary students attracted to and interested in equine Once the anatomy is understood, the specific

surgery. Procedures are described and illustrated surgical procedure should be thoroughly reviewed.

that can be performed in the field or basic prac- The surgeon should get in the habit of reviewing

tice settings, require a minimum of additional every procedure prior to performing the surgery to

equipment or assistance, generally take less tl1an 1 refresh the surgeon's memory of the specifics of the

hour of anesthesia, and do not involve entering a surgery. Equine practitioners are exposed to a wide

body cavity or joint. Although the procedures range of disorders but do not often see many of

described in this book can be done in the field by any one particular disorder. Therefore, it may be

any qualified veterinarian, it is not the intention months or years between specific surgeries, and a

of this book to be the sole source of preparation procedure that was once very familiar may seem

or reference for the new or relatively inexperi- completely foreign after the first skin incision. Sur-

enced equine practitioner. gical procedures should be practiced on cadaver

Performing surgery in the field has the poten- specimens prior to performing them for the first

tial to be very rewarding but also the potential time on a client's animal. Practice surgeries on

to be very unrewarding. If the procedure goes cadaver specimens to review the pertinent normal

according to plan, the experience can be great. anatomy, confirm the landmarks for the approach,

However, as with many things involving horses, and identify potentially difficult portions of the

there is a seemingly almost unlimited opportunity procedure and to develop familiarity with the

for failure. Preparation is the key to minimizing particular instrument needs for the proposed

these opportunities for failure. A thorough under- surgery.

standing of the presenting problem, indicated Practitioners or new graduates wanting to

surgical procedure, relevant anatomy, available become more familiar with these procedures

facilities, equipment, and assistance, client expec- should consider working with or visiting an expe-

tations, and individual patient characteristics are rienced practitioner. In addition, many continu-

important; these factors must be evaluated when ing education opportunities are available that

considering surgery i11 the field. provide in-depth reviews of these and similar pro-

With any surgical procedure, it is the responsi- cedures. In particular, the annual meetings of the

bility of the surgeon to be thoroughly familiar American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the

with the pertinent anatomy as well as the poten- American Association of Equine Practitioners are

tial deviations from normal expected in health good sources of current surgical information.

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