Background: Injuries, fractures, and craniofacial abnormalities in horses are among the most challenging issues in veterinary surgery, given the critical role of this region in respiration, feeding, and aesthetics. Selecting an appropriate therapeutic approach requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology, and surgical techniques. Objective: This study aimed to provide a scientific review of common surgical techniques used in the management of craniofacial injuries and abnormalities in horses, along with the presentation of five clinical cases. Methods: An overview of the most important surgical methods was first presented, including fixation of nasal and maxillary fractures, mandibular fractures, the application of plastic protectors and intravenous fluid tubes for soft tissue support, staged management of complex fractures, correction of congenital mandibular prognathism, and frontal sinus lavage. Subsequently, five real clinical cases were reported in detail: one case of nasal and maxillary fracture, one case of mandibular fracture, one case of complex fracture in a pregnant mare, one case of mandibular prognathism, and one case of chronic sinusitis treated with sinus lavage. For each case, the anesthesia or sedation protocol, surgical technique, postoperative care, and follow-up outcomes were described. Results: The findings indicated that tailoring surgical methods to the specific conditions of each patient—including the use of minimally invasive approaches, temporary fixation, soft tissue support, and meticulous infection control—resulted in rapid recovery and restoration of normal function. In all cases, medium- and long-term follow-ups demonstrated stable treatment outcomes and no serious complications. Conclusion: Integrating a scientific review of surgical techniques with practical experience derived from clinical cases can significantly enhance the success of managing craniofacial injuries and abnormalities in horses. These findings highlight the importance of selecting treatment methods that are appropriate for the type of lesion, the animal’s physiological status, and the available resources.

A 3-year-old Arabian mare was referred for evaluation of swelling beneath the tongue, unilateral facial swelling, mandibular abscess drainage, severe oral cavity wounds, anorexia, and depression. Radiographic imaging revealed a metallic foreign body located near the caudal molars, adjacent to the laryngeal region. Due to significant trauma-induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis and severe limitation in mouth opening, surgical access was extremely challenging. After extensive planning, the mare was anesthetized and after 90 minutes of delicate manipulation, the foreign object, identified as a hypodermic needle embedded within the daily forage, was successfully retrieved. Postoperative wound management and medical therapy led to complete recovery over two weeks. This case emphasizes the importance of considering intraoral foreign bodies in horses presenting with unexplained facial swelling and oral trauma.

Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, caused by various factors including obstructions, abnormal motility, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This study describes a case of obstructive colic in an 8-year-old Arabian mare, caused by an enterolith impaction in the small colon, which was treated successfully through surgical intervention. The article discusses the clinical signs, diagnostic approach, surgical treatment, and postoperative management, providing insight into this rare condition and its successful outcome.

A 3-year-old Arabian mare was referred for evaluation of swelling beneath the tongue, unilateral facial swelling, mandibular abscess drainage, severe oral cavity wounds, anorexia, and depression. Radiographic imaging revealed a metallic foreign body located near the caudal molars, adjacent to the laryngeal region. Due to significant trauma-induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis and severe limitation in mouth opening, surgical access was extremely challenging. After extensive planning, the mare was anesthetized and after 90 minutes of delicate manipulation, the foreign object, identified as a hypodermic needle embedded within the daily forage, was successfully retrieved. Postoperative wound management and medical therapy led to complete recovery over two weeks. This case emphasizes the importance of considering intraoral foreign bodies in horses presenting with unexplained facial swelling and oral trauma.

Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, caused by various factors including obstructions, abnormal motility, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This study describes a case of obstructive colic in an 8-year-old Arabian mare, caused by an enterolith impaction in the small colon, which was treated successfully through surgical intervention. The article discusses the clinical signs, diagnostic approach, surgical treatment, and postoperative management, providing insight into this rare condition and its successful outcome.