Sternal Bone Biopsy in Standing Horses

Abstract

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 sternal biopsy site, identified by ultrasonographic examination, was clipped and prepared for aseptic surgery and infiltrated with local anesthetic. An electric bone biopsy drill (Osteocore; Institut Straumann AG, CH‐4437, Waldenburg, Switzerland)), which yielded 4‐mm‐diameter bone specimens, was used to obtain sternal biopsies through a small skin incision. Sections (7 μm) of the bone specimens were stained with toluidine blue and Goldner's green trichrome and observed microscopically to determine suitability for histological and histomorphometric evaluation.Results—The most suitable sternal biopsy site was at the 4th or 5th sternebra. The surgical procedure was easy to perform and well tolerated by the horses, and adequate samples were obtained on the first attempt. The only complications were incisional edema in all horses and wound drainage in 1 horse.Conclusions—Sternal bone biopsy may be successfully performed in standing horses, and the technique described in this report yields architecturally intact bone specimens.Clinical Relevance—The sternum is an accessible site for cancellous bone biopsy specimens in standing horses.