Reasons for performing the study – To evaluate the results of a technique for subtotal ostectomy of impinging dorsal spinal processes (IDSPs) performed with the horse standing. Hypothesis/objectives – The technique would be effective in resolving pain caused by IDSPs and would have few complications. Methods – Affected DSPs of 185 horses with reduced performance caused by IDSPs were resected through a dorsal median incision, with the horse standing and sedated, and the surgical site desensitized with local anesthetic. Results– No horse had a serious complication. Short-term (< 1 year) and long-term-outcomes (>1 year) were obtained for 184 horses. Eight horses were unavailable for short-term evaluation because they were convalescing, and 16 were unavailable for long-term evaluation because less than a year had passed since surgery. Of the 176 horses available for short-term evaluation, 167 (95%) had returned to full athletic function, 8 (5%) had improved but had failed to return to full function, and 1 (<1%) had not improved. Of the 160 horses available for long-term evaluation, 132 had returned to full athletic function (83%), 16 (10%) were improved but not performing at full function, 11 (7%) were not improved, and one (<1%) was worse. Owners of 180 horses (98%) were satisfied with the results. Main study limitations- The results of this study are difficult to compare with those of similar studies because other studies have dissimilar definitions of athletic function. Clinical relevance – Results of subtotal ostectomy of IDSPs performed with the horse standing are usually excellent.
