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  Discussion on Sinus Flap Surgery
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Member:
indigo

Posted on Sunday, Sep 30, 2007 - 1:42 pm:

Hello Dr. O, I wrote a week or so ago about my mare who had an eye removed, and subsequently developed a bone infection. I took my mare to a surgical clinic (had previously only taken her to my "normal" vet who diagnosed her with a bone infection) and after examining her and taking x-rays from multiple angles, the surgeon has determined that more than likely the bone is NOT involved; however the mare does have a good deal of infection in her sinus cavities as well as the area surrounding her eye. The infection in the sinuses was suprising to me as this mare has exhibited no nasal discharge. At any rate, the recommendation is sinus flap surgery along with surgically scraping the other areas that are infected.

My question is, how effective is this surgery as a general rule? The surgeon warned me that due to the extent of the infection, they might not be able to get everything out, and we might be doing nothing more than prolonging her life somewhat. The other concern I have is that I was told that there is a possibility of excess bleeding during the surgery, which would necessitate them halting the surgery, doing what was necessary to stop the bleeding, and closing her back up. The price quoted me is quite high, more than I can afford right now, but if I thought there was a good chance it would work, I would proceed despite the cost. The thing that concerns me the most is that the surgeon said we only had a 50-50 chance of completely ridding her of the problem, and he feels it is likely that we might be fighting a losing battle with her. Has this been your experience as well, when it comes to this type of condition?

Oh and right now I have her on TMP/SMZ's, which was my "normal" vet's recommendation (she did not recommend any further action/surgery.)

Thank you!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Oct 1, 2007 - 7:23 am:

It is not the surgery that determines the prognosis CCTexas, it is the problem you are trying to fix with the surgery that determines the prognosis. It appears the surgeon is not offering a good prognosis but a guarded to fair one. We really cannot compare cases here as it all depends on your horses individual circumstances which include the extent of infection, its sensitivity to the antibiotics you are using, the ability to reach the diseased tissues with surgery.
DrO
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