Postoperative care
The stent was removed two days postoperatively and the bandage changed every forty-eight hours. Antimicrobial therapy was continued for five days and anti-inflammatories for another fourteen days at decreasing dosage. The horse also received omeprazole (2mg/kg once daily) and probiotics during hospitalization. After three days, the horse was walked outside of the box for the first time since surgery. Postoperative radiographs showed satisfying reduction of the fracture and implants in situ (Figure 4) . As the patient did not show any signs of ataxia, the sling was removed. Food and water were placed at chest level for another two weeks. The horse continued showing mild signs of neck stiffness after surgery. A mild seroma developed at the incision site but resolved spontaneously within two weeks. The horse was discharged after suture and staple removal three weeks after surgery. The owner was instructed to keep the horse on box rest for an additional four weeks and begin hand walking at approximately two months post-surgery.