Sternal bone biopsy in standing horses

Objective-To develop a technique for sternal bone biopsy in standing horses . Study Design-Experimental study. Animals-Five adult horses. Methods-Horses were restrained in a standing stocks and sedated. The sterna l biopsy site, identified by ultrasonographic examination, was clipped and prepared for aseptic surgery and infiltrated with local anesthetic. An elec tric bone biopsy drill (Osteocore; Institut Straumann AG, CH-4437, Waldenbu rg, Switzerland), which yielded 4-mm-diameter bone specimens, was used to o btain sternal biopsies through a small skin incision. Sections (7 mu m) of the bone specimens were stained with toluidine blue and Goldner's green tri chrome and observed microscopically to determine suitability for histologic al and histomorphometric evaluation. Results-The most suitable sternal biopsy site was at the 4th or 5th sterneb ra. The surgical procedure was easy to perform and well tolerated by the ho rses, and adequate samples were obtained on the first attempt. The only com plications were incisional edema in all horses and wound drainage in 1 hors e. Conclusions-Sternal bone biopsy may be successfully performed in standing h orses, and the technique described in this report yields architecturally in tact bone specimens. Clinical Relevance-The sternum is an accessible site f or cancellous bone biopsy specimens in standing horses. (C) Copyright 2000 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.