Staple removal

The animal is anesthetized and prepared for aseptic surgery using identical technique as described before.
The previous incision site is circumcised and the staple identified. A curved strong periosteal elevator is placed between the bone and one corner of the staple and by rotating it, one limb is partially withdrawn. The same procedure is repeated on the other side of the staple. The staple is grabbed with flat-nosed pliers and removed using rotating or rocking motions.
Any periosteal reactions are removed with rongeurs or an osteotome. The subcutaneous tissues and the skin are closed in two layers using simple continuous suture pattern. The skin sutures should be placed intradermally.

A foal in which the staple withdrew itself after a few weeks and can prominently be identified under the skin. In this case its removal was simple and did not involve much effort other than incising the skin over the staple, and removing it. The excessive skin was removed and the incision closed in two layers.

The limb is covered with a tight bandage up to the carpus/tarsus. The bandage is changed every 4 days.
The foal is kept with the mare in a box stall for two weeks. The skin sutures are removed at that time.
A light bandage is reapplied and left in place for 4 more days. After that the foal can go on pasture.