Enucleation in equids with and without the use of an orbital suture meshwork implant: a retrospective study of 37 cases.

This retrospective study on 37 horses was conducted to assess long-term complications, scarring, cosmetic appearance and owner satisfaction of horses that underwent transpalpebral enucleation with (n=26) or without (n=11) non-absorbable sutured meshwork prosthesis between 2006 and 2013. Postoperative complications related to the surgery were wound infection, discharge and dehiscence, and no significant difference between groups was found. In one horse, the meshwork had to be removed in order to treat a chronic fistula. Horses with infection or inflammation before surgery were more likely to encounter postoperative complications, whether or not a meshwork was used. Most owners were satisfied by the surgical technique for scarring, but contrary to the present hypothesis, most horses with a meshwork implant had a poor sunken-in appearance, and 26 per cent of owners would like to attempt other techniques to improve the cosmetic result. Also, a further 44 per cent of owners would prefer a better cosmetic result if the technique does not increase complication risk or cost. Meshwork implant prosthesis after transpalpebral enucleation was safe. However, in order to achieve a better cosmetic result, further improvements of the technique will be required.