Summary Computed tomography (CT) in equine orthopaedics is currently limited because of the price, availability, impossibility to transport the scanner into surgical theatre, and the contraindications of general anaesthesia in some patients. A pQCT (peripheral quantitative computerised tomography) scanner was designed by the authors to image the limbs of the horse, both in standing or recumbent position. Standing computed tomography of the foot with a pQCT scanner is feasible and well tolerated by the horse. It enables good visualisation of bony structures but is not suitable to evaluate soft tissues. The technique can also assist surgery by assessing the 3D configuration of bone lesions.

Summary Imaging‐assisted orthopaedic surgery is becoming part of routine orthopaedic practice in horses and several techniques have been reported. However, there are no published reports describing the use of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) for surgical guidance and immediate post operative control in the horse. This use of CT in equine orthopaedics is currently limited because of the logistic problems associated with availability of CT scans in surgical theatres as well as concerns over radiation safety. The aim of this report was retrospectively to report CT assisted orthopaedic surgical cases in our practice through identifying the types of surgery where it was used, to list the technical problems that were encountered, to describe solutions to these, and to discuss the applications of the technique. All surgical procedures were performed with the assistance of a peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scanner. CT assisted orthopaedic surgery in 86 patients during the study period. Reasons for CT included: 1) use of CT at the beginning of the surgical procedure to document the lesion and identify surgical landmarks (n = 75); 2) pre, intra‐ and post operative use of CT in comminuted fractures of the middle or proximal phalanx to guide and control internal fixation (n = 7); and 3) post operative use of CT to monitor the results of the surgical procedure (n = 4). Proper planning in both the draping steps and the use of polyvinyl splints to stabilise the limb allowed for movements of the gantry around the limb. The time required to obtain one slice was not dissimilar to the time that is necessary to take and process a single digital radiograph. The radiation dose with the pQCT described here is <0.5 µSv and its acquisition time should be balanced against radiation risks of conventional CT systems.

Use of CT imaging should be considered in lame horses with pain associated with the proximal aspect of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bones that does not improve with conservative treatment.

Summary This study describes and evaluates the LigaSure for eye enucleation or exenteration in horses. According to the medical records of the Clinique Desbrosse, 17 horses underwent eye removal using the LigaSure between April 2005 and March 2009. It was applied at 7 different steps of the procedure and accounted for the different possible sources of bleeding. The Ligasure was also used to transect the optic pedicle in the 5 most recent cases. Very few complications were encountered with the technique described. Reliable vessel sealing and haemostasis was achieved in all horses.