In Practice 26: 214-222 (2004)
© 2004 British Veterinary Association

Management of skull fractures in the horse

¹ University of Bristol

INJURIES to the equine head are common, particularly in young horses, possibly due to their inquisitive and excitable nature. Skull fractures may be caused by direct trauma and many are open fractures with communication to the skin, oral and nasal cavities or paranasal sinuses. Despite this, perhaps due to the high vascularity of equine skull bones or the relatively low loads placed on these bones, the prognosis for complete recovery in horses with skull fractures is good, with only minor cosmetic blemishes remaining in most cases. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of skull fractures in the horse.