Procedures
8 flagship equine procedures.
Palmar digital (PD) nerve block
Subcutaneous infiltration over the medial and lateral palmar digital nerves at the proximal pastern, axial to the cartilages of the foot.
Abaxial sesamoid nerve block
Subcutaneous over the medial and lateral palmar nerves at the abaxial surface of the proximal sesamoid bones.
Low palmar (low 4-point) nerve block
Blocks medial + lateral palmar nerves and palmar metacarpal nerves at the distal metacarpus, just proximal to the fetlock.
Coffin joint (DIP) arthrocentesis / medication
Dorsal midline, 1.5 cm proximal to the coronary band, needle perpendicular to the hoof wall.
Navicular bursa injection
Schramme trans-cuneal approach under fluoroscopic guidance — needle through the central sulcus of the frog into the bursa.
Gastroscopy
3-metre endoscope passed via the nostril after a 12–16 h fast.
Upper airway endoscopy
Endoscope passed via the ventral meatus; standing and/or treadmill/overground exercising.
Palmar digital neurectomy
Standing or general anaesthesia; segment of palmar digital nerve excised at the level of the proximal pastern via guillotine technique.