Treatment of fistulous cranial nuchal bursitis by complete surgical resection in two horses

Equine fistulous cranial nuchal bursitis, also known as poll evil, is a serious condition that can progress to cause neurological symptoms and tetraparesis. To date, the only reported effective surgical technique to treat this condition includes the resection of a large portion of the nuchal ligament. This appears to be an outdated and overly invasive surgery with current standards. This case report describes a previously unreported surgical technique, consisting of resection of the entire cranial nuchal bursa under standing sedation and local analgesia. Two horses treated using this technique both had resolution of clinical signs and were able to return to their intended use.