Equine Surgery Suites Undergo Renovation

The Equine Medicine and Surgery service sees more than 2,000 patients per year, and more than half of them are typically hospitalized. Last year 74 colic surgeries and about twice that number of arthroscopies were completed.

"The recent renovations allow us to provide better care for our equine surgery patients and better service for our clients," says Dr. David Freeman, section chief. "We invite clients and referring veterinarians to visit and view the new facilities."

Among the upgrades that have improved equine care is the relocation of the surgical preparation areas from within the operating rooms to just outside them. Patients are anesthetized and intubated and then moved into the operating room on a new Shanks surgical table, which has wheels and a motorized pusher. This change creates more space within the operating room for other surgical equipment and personnel.

 

The new surgical tables have a segmented design for positioning the patient comfortably on its back or side, while surfaces and sides of the table can be raised or lowered hydraulically and padding added or removed to support the patient.

Separation of the preparation area and the surgery suite and elimination of the pits that were under the old floor-mounted tables have improved sterility in the surgical area.

The surgery recovery rooms also got an overhaul. The floors have been lowered to the same level as the hallways and surgery room, making it safer for horses to step out of recovery to return to the equine ward. New floor-to-ceiling padding, new floor drains, and safety locks on the doors also improve the recovery rooms.

Other renovations include a new client waiting room in the Large Animal Clinic, partially funded by the Companion Animal Memorial Fund. Two additional equine technicians have been hired to improve the overall care of equine patients.

To make an appointment to see the new equine facilities, please call Dr. Freeman at 217/333-2000 or send email to dfreeman@cvm.uiuc.edu.