Evaluation of modified partial hoof wall resection for keratoma Removal | Évaluation de la tecnique de resection partielle modifiée de muraille en traitement de kératomes

Keratomas are abnormal tissue growths in the hooves of equids, and surgery is the treatment of choice. Complete Resection (CR) is an invasive treatment used for this disease. The aim of this study is to present a less invasive technique, Modified Partial Resection (MPR), and to report both short- and long-term postoperative complications associated with this technique. Our hypothesis is that MPR results in fewer complications compared to more invasive procedures. This study, include the medical records of horses with keratoma or keratoma-like admitted to the Equine Clinic of Liege University between 2004 and 2023. Long-term follow-up information was gathered through a telephone questionnaire with the owners at least six months post-discharge. Of the cases reviewed, 30 underwent MPR and 18 CR. The short-term complication rate was 20% for MPR cases compared to 67% for CR cases. Exuberant granulation tissue was the most frequent complication for both CR and MPR cases (55% vs 20%, respectively). Other short-term complications recorded were hoof wall instability, mechanical laminitis, bone sequestrum, P3 fracture, and severe colic. Long-term follow-up information (6 months - 13 years) was available for 20 MPR and 16 CR. No long-term complications were observed of 75% MPR cases and 56% of CR cases. Lameness was the most frequent complication in both procedures. Hoof abscess and hoof cracks were recorded in 25 and 19% of CR cases, but in none of the MPR cases. To the best of our knowledge, recurrence of keratoma was found in only 3 CR cases. In conclusion, MPR appears advantageous to CR for keratoma removal as it was associated with fewer short and long term complications.