Nd:YAG laser-assisted modified Forssell's procedure for treatment of cribbing (crib-biting) in horses.

OBJECTIVE

To report an neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser-assisted modified Forssell's surgical technique and outcome for treatment of cribbing (crib-biting) in horses.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

ANIMALS: Ten adult horses with stereotypic cribbing behavior.

METHODS

Data were obtained from medical records and telephone conversations with owners, trainers, and veterinarians. Surgical technique involved an approximately 34-cm ventral median skin incision starting rostral to the larynx and extending caudally. A 10-cm section of the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve was removed, using an Nd:YAG laser at 25 W and continuous pulse with a contact, sculpted-fiber tip. After neurectomy, approximately 34-cm sections of the paired omohyoideus and sternothyrohyoideus muscles were removed starting 2 cm rostral to the ventral aspect of the larynx, at the basihyoid bone, using the Nd:YAG laser.

RESULTS

Median horse age was 7 years (range, 1 to 11 years). Median surgical time was 90 minutes (range, 75 to 130 minutes). Long-term outcome (range, 7 to 72 months) was available for all horses. None of the horses had cribbing behavior after surgery, and all returned to their previous use. Four horses had complications (two of which were unrelated to the surgical site), but all recovered fully.

CONCLUSION

The successful outcome we obtained is better than reported previously using a modified Forssell's technique.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical treatment for cribbing by Nd: YAG laser-assisted myectomy and neurectomy resulted in an excellent prognosis for resolution of the stereotypical behavior with minimal complications.