Summary Reasons for performing study: Repair of spiral and long diaphyseal metacarpal and metatarsal fractures under anaesthesia can be problematic and associated with a high incidence of complications, including fracture propagation necessitating euthanasia. Objective: To report on a practical repair technique for which general anaesthesia is not required. Methods: Thirteen racehorses with a spiral/propagating condylar fracture had the fracture repaired using local anaesthesia and sedation, without the need for general anaesthetic. Results: Ten of the horses returned to training and 8 raced again. Two horses were retired directly to stud. One horse had propagation of the fracture 3 days post surgery, and was subjected to euthanasia. Conclusions and potential relevance: Results achieved were comparable to those gained using standard repair techniques under general anaesthesia. The described technique removes the need for general anaesthesia for repair of selected condylar fractures.

Enucleating an equine eye in the standing position eliminates the risks and costs of general anesthesia.

Sixty-seven cases of thoracic intervertebral disc protrusion are reported with an analysis of clinical and radiological findings. The findings include the fact that male: female ratio is approximately equal, peak incidence is in the 3rd to 5th decade with another peak at age 30-40 in men. This latter peak appears to be associated with trauma which is otherwise uncommon. Results of surgical treatment indicate that the transthoracic and costotransversectomy routes are almost equally effective; laminectomy is not advised.

Septic physitis in foals may be treated using surgical curettage in selected cases. Removal of septic material might be expected to expedite resolution of infection, especially important in immunologically challenged neonates, where septic tissue may act as a reservoir for seeding of infection to other sites.