An injury
can be divided into:
1). Primary
(contusion, lacerations, or hemorrhage causing acute damage);
2). Secondary
(subsequent edema, reperfusion injury, and necrosis).
Causes of head injury in horses include:
1. Direct trauma from a fall;
2. Blows to the head.
The
associated injuries include basisphenoid fractures and avulsion of ventral
straight muscles of the head. Basisphenoid fractures can result in acute optic
nerve damage and cerebral signs. Temporary or permanent blindness may result.
Diagnosis
1. Radiography;
2. CT
Treatment
Treatment is supportive care and is focused on minimizing secondary brain damage.
Head injury therapy is designed to minimize secondary CNS damage.
Horses
with head injury can be severely ataxic and should be handled and moved with
extreme caution.
1. If the horse is down, short-term
general anesthesia is best used while moving.
2. If hypoventilation develops, the
horse should be intubated and ventilation assisted to prevent hyper-capnea.
3. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs) are used to minimize
inflammation.
4. Although controversial,
corticosteroids may be indicated if used in the immediate phase of injury.
5. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is often
used to minimize secondary edema.
6. Magnesium
has recently been proposed as another therapeutic agent for acute head injury.
7. Wound management( debridement,
suture)
8. Fracture treatment
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