Topic:Complications
Complications in horses refer to unexpected medical or surgical issues that arise during the course of treatment or recovery. These complications can affect various systems within the horse's body and may result from underlying conditions, medical interventions, or environmental factors. Common complications in equines include laminitis, colic, infections, and respiratory issues. Each complication presents distinct clinical challenges and requires careful management to mitigate adverse outcomes. This section compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the incidence, etiology, management strategies, and outcomes associated with complications in equine health.
Predictor variables for and complications associated with Streptococcus equi subsp equi infection in horses. To evaluate predictor variables for and complications associated with Streptococcus equi subsp equi infection (strangles) in horses. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: 108 horses with strangles (cases) and 215 horses without strangles (controls). Methods: Medical records from January 2005 through July 2012 were reviewed. Cases were defined as horses with clinical signs of strangles (pyrexia, retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy, and mucopurulent nasal discharge) that were associated with a confirmed strangles outbreak or had positive results for S equi on PCR assay or bacteriologic...
Preliminary investigation comparing a detomidine continuous rate infusion combined with either morphine or buprenorphine for standing sedation in horses. To compare sedative and analgesic properties of buprenorphine or morphine for standing procedures combined with a detomidine continuous rate infusion (CRI). Methods: Blinded, prospective, randomized clinical pilot study. Methods: Ten horses presented for dental or sinus procedures. Methods: Horses received 0.02 mg kg(-1) acepromazine intravenously (IV), followed 30 minutes later by detomidine 10 μg kg(-1) IV. Five minutes later, buprenorphine 0.01 mg kg(-1) (n = 6) or morphine 0.1 mg kg(-1) (n = 4) was administered IV. Detomidine was administered by CRI (0.2 μg kg(-1) minute(-1)) and adjuste...
Cheek Tooth Extraction Via a Minimally Invasive Transbuccal Approach and Intradental Screw Placement in 54 Equids. To describe (1) preoperative findings and surgical technique, (2) intraoperative difficulties, and (3) postoperative complications and long-term outcome of equine cheek tooth extraction using a minimally invasive transbuccal screw extraction (MITSE) technique. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Fifty-four equids; 50 horses, 3 ponies, and 1 mule. Methods: Fifty-eight MITSE procedures were performed to extract cheek teeth in 54 equids. Peri- and intraoperative difficulties, as well as short- (<1 month) and long-term (>6 months) postoperative complications were recorded. Followup inform...
Enucleation in equids with and without the use of an orbital suture meshwork implant: a retrospective study of 37 cases. This retrospective study on 37 horses was conducted to assess long-term complications, scarring, cosmetic appearance and owner satisfaction of horses that underwent transpalpebral enucleation with (n=26) or without (n=11) non-absorbable sutured meshwork prosthesis between 2006 and 2013. Postoperative complications related to the surgery were wound infection, discharge and dehiscence, and no significant difference between groups was found. In one horse, the meshwork had to be removed in order to treat a chronic fistula. Horses with infection or inflammation before surgery were more likely to en...
Locking Compression Plate Fixation of Equine Tarsal Subluxations. To report the clinical findings and outcome of locking compression plate (LCP) fixation of tarsal subluxations in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 3) and ponies (2). Methods: All horses and ponies diagnosed with tarsal subluxations and treated with LCP fixation at our institution between 2011 and 2013 were included. Data were collected from the medical records, including all radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) studies and reviewed. Long-term (>1 year) followup examination, including owner interview, and clinical and radiographic examinations were perfo...
Peri-anaesthetic complications in an equine referral hospital: Risk factors for post anaesthetic colic. Peri-anaesthetic complications are relatively common in equine patients and further investigations are warranted to identify manageable risk factors. Objective: To report morbidity and mortality rates and identify associated risk factors for horses undergoing general anaesthesia, within a predominantly racing Thoroughbred (TB) population. Methods: Single centre retrospective observational study. Methods: Anaesthetic and case records of all horses ≥12 months old undergoing general anaesthesia at Newmarket Equine Hospital between August 2010 and April 2012 were analysed, excluding emergency ab...
Equine alpha-fetoprotein levels in Lipizzaner mares with normal pregnancies and with pregnancy loss. Alpha-fetoprotein has proved to be a good indicator of fetal well-being in human medicine for decades. Although this molecule is present in most of the mammalian species including horses, reference values in healthy and high-risk pregnant mares have not yet been published. The aim of the present study was to determine whether equine alpha-fetoprotein (eqAFP) is a good indicator of complicated pregnancies in Lipizzaner mares. A total of 111 serum samples from 30 mares have been analyzed for eqAFP levels throughout gestation (Days 60-325). After the pregnancy was confirmed, 23 mares had normal p...
Concentrations of serum amyloid A and plasma fibrinogen in horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. To compare the perioperative response of serum amyloid A (SAA) to fibrinogen in horses requiring exploratory celiotomy for colic and to determine if SAA could be used to predict complications and outcome. Methods: Prospective observational clinical study. Methods: University teaching hospital. Methods: Eighteen horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for colic. Inclusion criteria for the study included survival and anesthetic recovery from exploratory celiotomy, no history of surgery within the past year. Methods: Blood was obtained via jugular venipuncture before surgery (time 0) and at 24, 4...
The Association of Fibrinous Pleural Effusion with Survival and Complications in Horses with Pleuropneumonia (2002-2012): 74 Cases. Fibrinous parapneumonic pleural effusions are associated with decreased efficacy of pleural fluid drainage and increased risk of medical treatment failure in people, but similar associations have not been established in horses. Objective: We hypothesized that fibrin deposition in the pleural cavity of horses with parapneumonic effusions increases the risk of poor outcome. Methods: Seventy four horses with bacterial pleuropneumonia diagnosed by culture and cytology of tracheal aspirates, pleural fluid, or both, and pleural effusion diagnosed by ultrasonographic examination. Methods: Retrospecti...
Early herniorrhaphy of large traumatic abdominal wounds in horses and mules. Surgical treatment of traumatic abdominal hernias is usually delayed for 2-3 months following injury. The residual defects are then repaired by herniorrhaphy or mesh herniorrhaphy. Objective: To describe the outcome following herniorrhaphy (without a mesh) within 21 days of initial injury to repair external traumatic lateral abdominal hernias in horses and mules. Methods: Descriptive case series. Methods: Twenty-two cases were included. Surgical treatment involved exposure of the hernia sac and closing of the abdominal wall defect with interrupted Mayo mattress or cruciate sutures after redu...
[Death of two mares with retained fetal membranes]. Retained fetal membranes in mares is a relative frequent disease which can lead to severe complications. Two case studies are described in which mares died acutely despite intensive care. Pathological examination confirmed severe hemorrhage as the cause of death in both animals.
Autologous vaccination for the treatment of equine sarcoids: 18 cases (2009-2014). The purpose of this retrospective case series was to assess the outcome of an autologous vaccination procedure on single and multiple sarcoid lesions, determine complication rate, and report owner satisfaction. Medical records (18 cases) from January 2009 through May 2014 were evaluated to identify horses undergoing the procedure. Signalment, number, size, anatomic location of lesions, and type of historical treatment were recorded. Follow-up was obtained via standardized owner survey, veterinary examination, and digital images. Data recorded and analyzed included ancillary therapies post-proc...
Endoscopic Balloon Dilation of Esophageal Strictures in 9 Horses. Medical treatment of esophageal strictures in horses is limited and the use of balloon dilatation is described in few cases. Long-term follow up after balloon dilatation and the use of intralesional corticosteroids has not been evaluated. Objective: To describe the use of endoscopic guided, esophageal balloon dilatation in horses for cervical and thoracic esophageal strictures and administration of intralesional corticosteroids at the time of dilatation. Methods: Nine horses from the hospital population with benign esophageal strictures. Methods: Retrospective study: Medical records were revie...
Standing placement of transphyseal screw in the distal radius in 8 Thoroughbred yearlings. This retrospective study describes placement of distal radial transphyseal screws in Thoroughbred yearlings with carpal varus deformities while standing, and identifes short- and long-term complications following the procedure. Data gathered from 2009 to 2013 identified 8 yearlings that met the inclusion criteria. Horses were sedated intravenously and a single 4.5-mm cortical screw was placed in the distal lateral radial physis following application of local anesthetic and surgical preparation of a pre-placed hole. All horses were evaluated weekly after surgery and screw removal was performed ...
Development of a technique for standing hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy in five horses. To develop an experimental standing hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) technique, report the associated peri-operative complications and document the short-term surgical outcomes. Results: Five healthy 300-470 kg horses that underwent standing HALS. Spleens of different weights (2.25-7.0 kg) were removed using this technique. The main complication during surgery was difficulty sectioning the gastrosplenic ligament. The postoperative complications included adhesions of the colon to the nephrosplenic ligament stump and incisional discharge in two horses. Conclusions: Standing HALS...
Medial patellar ligament splitting in horses with upward fixation of the patella: A long-term follow-up. Medial patellar ligament splitting (MPLS) has been shown to be a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for upward fixation of the patella (UFP) in horses. However, long-term follow-up results of this procedure have not previously been reported. Objective: To evaluate the long-term resolution of UFP following MPLS and provide information on complications and recurrence. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from horses that underwent MPLS between 1999 and 2013. All cases had a confirmed diagnosis of UFP that had not responded to conservative therapy. Data ...
West Nile Virus: an overview. West Nile Virus is the most frequent cause of arboviral disease in the United States. It was first identified in the United States in 1999. Since that time, each of the 48 contiguous states in the United States has seen the disease, and it has been found in 96% of the U.S. counties in infected humans, mosquitoes, birds, horses, or other mammals. Although most often the disease resolves on its own, patients can develop serious and life-threatening complications, and may need further monitoring and treatment. This article reviews the prevalence, transmission, signs and symptoms, complications, t...
Adverse reactions in horses that underwent general anesthesia and cervical myelography. The study was prompted by a perceived high prevalence of myelographic complications varying in severity and type, and attributed to the contrast material or the procedure. Objective: 1. Any adverse reaction (AAR) is associated with a change in CSF volume induced either by removal of CSF or addition of contrast material. 2. AAR occurs more frequently in horses with higher premyelography neurologic grade. 3. Nonspecific hyperthermia is attenuated by anti-inflammatory and osmotic agents. Methods: Horses (n = 278) that underwent myelography between 2000 and 2012 at 5 institutions: A (87), B (68), ...
Cryptorchidectomy in equids: 604 cases (1977-2010). To evaluate the management of equids undergoing cryptorchidectomy at a referral hospital. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 604 client-owned equids. Methods: Medical records of all equids undergoing surgical treatment of cryptorchidism from 1977 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Analyses of breed, location of retained testes, accuracy of palpation per rectum for determining the location of retained testes, surgical technique, and postoperative complications were performed. Results: The most frequently affected breed was the Quarter Horse (282/604 [47%]), which was significantly...
Use of a novel silk mesh for ventral midline hernioplasty in a mare. Ventral midline hernia formation following abdominal surgery in horses is an uncommon complication; however, it can have serious consequences leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Currently, mesh hernioplasty is the treatment of choice for large ventral midline hernias in horses to allow potential return to normal function. Complications following mesh hernioplasty using polypropylene or polyester mesh in horses can be serious and similar to complications seen in human patients, including persistent incisional drainage, mesh infection, hernia recurrence, intra-abdominal adhesions, mesh...
Indications, complications, and outcome of horses undergoing repeated celiotomy within 14 days after the first colic surgery: 95 cases (2005-2013). To examine factors associated with short- and long-term prognosis for horses undergoing repeated celiotomy within 14 days after the first colic surgery. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 95 horses that had undergone 2 celiotomies within a 14-day period between 2005 and 2013 at 3 equine referral hospitals. Methods: Historical, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between horses that did not survive and horses that did survive to hospital discharge (short-term survival rate) and to > 3 and > 6 months after hospital discharge (long-term survival rates). Results: Strangulat...
Porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix grafts (ACell Vet® Corneal Discs) for keratomalacia in 17 equids (2012-2013). To describe the clinical course, outcomes, and complications associated with use of commercially available porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) grafts (ACell Vet(®) Corneal Discs) in equid patients with keratomalacia, and to evaluate the efficacy of ECM grafts as a viable alternative to other biomaterials for corneal grafting in equid patients. Methods: Sixteen horses and one donkey (17 eyes) with unilateral keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair between August 2012 and September 2013. Methods: Retrospective medical record review to identify equid patients meetin...
Outcome of adult horses with botulism treated at a veterinary hospital: 92 cases (1989-2013). There are no studies evaluating a large population of adult horses treated for botulism. Reported survival rates in outbreak situations are low; however, many horses in outbreaks do not receive treatment. Objective: That adult horses treated at a veterinary hospital would have improved survival compared to outbreak situations. Additional aims included identification of predictors of nonsurvival. Methods: All horses greater than 6 months of age with a final diagnosis of botulism admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital between 1989 and 2013 were included. Methods: Retrospective study. Histori...
Modified lamellar keratoplasties for the treatment of deep stromal abscesses in horses. To describe a surgical modification of deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) and posterior lamellar keratoplasty (PLK) procedures, to facilitate surgery on standing horses under-sedation. Methods: Four client-owned horses, for which the owners declined surgery under general anesthesia, underwent standing corneal lamellar keratoplasty procedures for the treatment of deep corneal stromal abscesses. Methods: All four horses were placed in stocks and sedated with detomidine. Local eyelid and retrobulbar blocks were performed to provide local analgesia and akinesia, and each horse's head wa...
Outcome of Surgical and Medical Management of Cecal Impaction in 150 Horses (1991-2011). To evaluate short- and long-term outcome after medical and surgical management of horses with cecal impaction and to determine reasons for death or euthanasia. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 150). Methods: Data collected from medical records (1991-2011) of horses with a diagnosis of cecal impaction, included signalment, history of recent disease/surgical procedure, admission data, management (medical, typhlotomy alone, jejunocolostomy), complications, and outcome. Short-term outcome (alive or dead at discharge) and long-term outcome (alive or dead at ≥1 year) we...
Short-term complications after colic surgery in geriatric versus mature non-geriatric horses. To compare in geriatric and mature horses the occurrence of short-term complications and short-term outcome associated with complications after colic surgery. Methods: Retrospective case-control study. Methods: Horses aged ≥20 years (geriatric, n = 78) and 4-15 years (mature non-geriatric, n = 156) that had exploratory celiotomy for colic and survived recovery from general anesthesia. Methods: Medical records (2000-2010) of horses that recovered from general anesthesia after colic surgery were reviewed. Postoperative complications evaluated included postoperative reflux (POR), diarrh...
Second carpal bone slab fracture and subluxation of the middle carpal joint in a horse subsequent to arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint. To report complications of arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint using a drilling technique in an adult horse. Methods: Case report. Methods: Horse (n = 1). Methods: A 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare with CMC osteoarthritis (CMC-OA) had arthrodesis under general anesthesia in right lateral recumbency. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a 4.5 mm drill bit was inserted at 3 drilling sites 5-6 cm into the CMC joint and was fanned 30-45° in the plane of the joint and 5-10° in the long axis of the limb to destroy articular cartilage and expose the subchondral bone. Results: The horse pr...
Occurrence of Incisional Complications After Closure of Equine Celiotomies With USP 7 Polydioxanone. To report the occurrence of, and risk factors associated with, incisional complications of equine ventral median celiotomies closed with USP 7 polydioxanone (7PD). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 73; 75 celiotomies). Methods: Medical records (2000-2010) were retrieved and reviewed for horses that had a ventral celiotomy closed with 7PD and survived ≥14 days. Follow-up (>1 year) was obtained from the medical record, owner, or referring veterinarian. Independent variables were selected based on risk factors identified in previous studies, perceived clinical relevan...
Mechanical ventilation and management of an adult horse with presumptive botulism. To describe the clinical course, management, and outcome of a horse with a presumptive diagnosis of botulism treated with long-term mechanical ventilation. Methods: A 6-year-old Quarter Horse gelding with a history of esophageal obstruction was evaluated for progressive tetraparesis. Generalized and progressive skeletal muscle weakness characterized by recumbency, decreased tongue, tail, eyelid, and anal tone, and respiratory failure was observed. Anticholinergic signs including decreased salivation, xerophthalmia, and ileus were also noted. A presumptive diagnosis of botulism was made, althou...
Sinusitis associated with nasogastric intubation in 3 horses. Sinusitis has not been reported as a complication of long-term nasogastric intubation in horses. We describe 3 horses that developed nosocomial sinusitis following abdominal surgery with associated perioperative nasogastric intubation. Sinusitis was suspected by the presence of malodorous discharge and confirmed by percussion, upper airway endoscopy, radiographs (n = 3), and bacterial culture (n = 1). La sinusite n’a a pas été signalée comme une complication de l’intubation naso-gastrique à long terme chez les chevaux. Nous décrivons 3 chevaux qui ont développé une sinusite nosocom...