Unilateral Surgical Amputation of Horn Due to Suppurative Sinusitis in Cow

Abstract

Dehorning or disbudding is the process of removing or stopping the growth of the horns and horn producing tissues after the
horns have formed from the bud by different methods which can match to the size of the horn and age. The present case report
is aimed to describe and document the surgical procedures, techniques of unilateral horn amputation and its outcome on six
years old local breed cow that was referred to the veterinary teaching hospital (VTH), Addis Ababa University from nearby; Hiddi
Veterinary Clinic. History stipulated as the cow was treated several times with antibiotics but didn’t respond as the condition was
getting worse. Based on the history and clinical findings, the case was diagnosed as suppurative frontal sinusitis. After aseptic
preparation of the surgical site, stabilizing the animal and locally desensitizing the incision area; an elliptical skin incision with a
distance of approximately (~1 cm wide) around the base of a right horn was performed for successful removal of the corium.
Then, skin edge was opposed to assist the skin contraction by using the silk 2-0 size in cross mattress suture pattern. Then the area
was properly bandaged with elastic bandages and properly secured to the normal horn and admitted home. Finally, with regular
dressing, bandaging and lavaging of the dehorned site, the cow was successfully recovered after two months.