equis - Articles
Lip trauma: repair
Introduction
- Lip lacerations occur commonly in horses often due to self-trauma on rigid protruding objects, eg nails or hooks.
- The lips have a tremendous capacity for healing by second intention Wound: healing - second intention.
- To achieve the best cosmetic and functional result requires surgical intervention.
- Careful attention to basic principles of debridement, lavage and careful anatomical reconstruction is essential for a good result.
Uses
- Repair of acute and chronic lacerations involving the upper and lower lips.
Advantages
- Superior functional and cosmetic result.
Disadvantages
- General anesthetic Anesthesia: general - overview (GA) may be required.
Technical problems
- Constant motion and contamination may lead to failure of the repair.
Alternative techniques
- If lacerated tissue is very small or devitalized, removal may be preferred.
Time required
Preparation
- GA induction and maintenance: 20 min (if repair with standing sedation is not possible).
- Local anesthesia: 5-10 min.
- Aseptic preparation: 10 min.
Procedure
- Depends upon severity and type of injury: 30-90 min.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Size of wound.
- Degree of contamination.
- Temperature of patient.
- Viability of tissue.
Risk assessment
- General anesthetic problems.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Hague B A & Honnas C M (1998) Traumatic dental disease and soft tissue injuries of the oral cavity. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 14 (2), 333-347 PubMed.
- Modransky P, Welker B & Pickett J P (1989) Management of facial injuries. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 5 (3), 665-682 PubMed.
- Smyth G B et al (1988) Delayed repair of an extensive lip laceration in a colt using an Estlander flap. Vet Surg 17 (6), 350-352 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Dixon P D & Gerard M P (2019) Oral Cavity and Salivary Glands. In: Equine Surgery. 5th edn. Eds: Auer J & Stick J. Saunders, USA. pp 440-474.