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.
Effects of bites by the European adder (Vipera berus) in seven Swedish horses. The effects on seven horses of bites by the European adder (Vipera berus) are described and compared with previously available information. The clinical signs varied from local swelling and mild systemic signs to severe systemic signs, including systemic inflammatory response, severe tissue necrosis, ventricular tachycardia and dysphagia. Two of the horses were treated with 'Zagreb' antiserum, and three that were not treated with antiserum were euthanased owing to complications related to the bites.
Periparturient hemorrhage in mares: 73 cases (1998-2005). To determine signalment, physical examination and clinicopathologic abnormalities, outcome, and subsequent fertility of mares with periparturient hemorrhage (PPH) and identify factors associated with outcome (ie, survival vs death). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 73 mares. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for information on age, breed, initial complaint, physical examination and clinicopathologic abnormalities, treatment, outcome, and subsequent fertility. Results: Median age was 14.0 years (range, 5 to 24 years), and median number of foals produced prior to the diagnosis o...
Indications for and short- and long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomy performed in standing horses: 82 cases (1995-2005). To identify indications for and short- and long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomy performed in standing horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 82 horses undergoing permanent tracheostomy. Methods: Data obtained from medical records included signalment, diagnosis, surgical technique, complications, use of the horse before and after surgery, and owner satisfaction. Follow-up information was obtained through a telephone questionnaire administered to owners. Results: Indications for permanent tracheostomy included nasopharyngeal cicatrix (n = 59), arytenoid chondropathy (55), an...
Parenteral nutrition in neonatal foals: clinical description, complications and outcome in 53 foals (1995-2005). This retrospective study describes the use of and complications associated with parenteral nutrition (PN) administration to 53 equine neonates at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Medical records were examined and information obtained on signalment, physical examination, clinical diagnosis, outcome, total hospitalization time, insulin administration, microbiology culture results, other complications (i.e. thrombophlebitis) and necropsy findings. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry analytes, venous blood gas, serum electrolyte and glucose concentrations,...
Transpalpebral eye enucleation in 40 standing horses. To report a technique for eye enucleation in standing sedated horses and to report outcome in 40 horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=40) requiring eye enucleation. Methods: The eye was enucleated using a transpalpebral technique in 40 horses restrained in stocks and sedated. Anesthesia of orbital structures was provided by local nerve blocks and infiltration of the surgical site with local anesthetic solution. Results: Affected eyes were successfully enucleated with the horse standing. Short-term complications included moderate swelling (5 horses) and wound discharge (1). ...
Clinical evaluation of the locking compression plate for fetlock arthrodesis in six thoroughbred racehorses. To report use of a locking compression plate (LCP) for fetlock arthrodesis in Thoroughbred racehorses after catastrophic disruption of the suspensory apparatus. Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: Racing Thoroughbreds (n=6) with a catastrophic breakdown injury of the suspensory apparatus. Methods: Medical records (2004-2006) of horses that had fetlock arthrodesis using an LCP were reviewed. Preoperative recorded variables were: age, gender, affected limb, injury type and occurrence, limb support used and time to surgery. Recorded surgical variables were: implants used and cost, surgery...
Evaluation of a thoracoscopic technique using ligating loops to obtain large lung biopsies in standing healthy and heaves-affected horses. To evaluate use of pre-tied ligating loop to perform thoracoscopic, large lung biopsy in normal and heaves-affected horses. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Normal (n=5) and heaves-affected (n=6) horses. Methods: Lung biopsies, 1 from each hemithorax, were collected thoracoscopically using a pre-tied ligating loop. Horses were either normal (C) or heaves-affected with the latter being in remission (Ha) for the initial biopsy and in exacerbation (Hs) for the 2nd biopsy. Clinical variables, PaO(2), and PaCO(2) were used to determine the effect of surgical biopsy. Postoperative pneum...
Retrospective analysis of exploratory laparotomies in 192 Andalusian horses and 276 horses of other breeds. The medical records of 468 horses that underwent 490 exploratory laparotomies for the correction of gastrointestinal diseases were reviewed to search for differences between Andalusian horses and other breeds. The seasonal distribution of surgical colics and their outcome and complications were also investigated. Bivariant analysis was used to compare the horses' age, gender and breed with the type of surgery, the bowel affected and the type of colic, and all these variables were compared in relation to euthanasia during surgery, complications, short-term survival and seasonal distribution. A ...
Retrospective study assessing efficacy of treatment of large colonic impactions. Cases with a history of colic due to a large colonic impaction were recruited retrospectively to assess the treatment efficacy and complications of oral and parenteral fluid therapy regimes for correction of primary large colon impactions. Oral isotonic fluids had been administered at varying intervals following initial treatment with magnesium sulphate and water. There was no significant difference in complication rates between groups. Considering complication rates with impaction clearance, hourly administration of oral fluids appears to be the most appropriate treatment regime of those inve...
Large colon resection and anastomosis in horses: 52 cases (1996-2006). Large colon resection and anastomosis (LCRA) is the most aggressive method of surgical management of a colon with questionable viability. Currently, published studies are comprised mostly of broodmares and discuss short-term survival. Objective: To determine the prognosis for survival after LCRA in a diverse population of horses, report the incidence of post operative complications, and determine if associations between analysed variables and survival rate exist. Methods: The medical records of 52 horses that underwent LCRA were evaluated. Data were used to identify univariable associations wi...
Surgical treatment of colic in the miniature horse: a retrospective study of 57 cases (1993-2006). It has been suggested that the rate of post operative abdominal adhesions in miniature horses is higher than that for other breeds. However, few reports exist in the veterinary literature describing complications and long-term survival following surgical treatment of colic in these horses. Objective: To determine the prevalence of surgical lesions in miniature horses with acute abdominal disease in terms of clinical signs, surgical management, post operative treatment and complications, as well as short- and long-term survival. Methods: Medical records of 57 American Miniature Horses undergoin...
Corneal transplantation for inflammatory keratopathies in the horse: visual outcome in 206 cases (1993-2007). To evaluate the visual outcome of three techniques of corneal transplantation surgery in treating severe inflammatory keratopathies in the horse. Methods: Retrospective medical records study. Methods: Medical records of 206 horses that received corneal transplantation surgery at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center from 1993 to 2007 were reviewed. Methods: Data collected from the medical records included signalment, types of ocular lesions, type of transplant surgery performed, length of follow-up, complications, and visual outcomes. Results: Full thickness penetrating keratopla...
Coagulation abnormalities and complications after percutaneous liver biopsy in horses. Liver biopsy is useful in the diagnosis of liver disease in horses. However, bleeding is the major complication. Liver dysfunction can result in abnormalities in coagulation, although there is no definitive association between risk of hemorrhage after biopsy and coagulopathy in humans. Frequency of coagulopathies in horses with liver disease and the nature and frequency of complications after liver biopsy are not reported. Objective: To determine whether there is an association between coagulopathy and hemorrhage after liver biopsy in horses. Methods: Horses with suspected liver disease from w...
Evaluation of common vaginal tunic ligation during field castration in draught colts. The objective of this study was to determine if ligation of the common vaginal tunic could prevent or reduce the incidence of omental herniation and eventration in draught colts undergoing routine field castration. It was found that common vaginal tunic ligation, while not completely preventing omental herniation and evisceration, significantly reduced the incidence of these complications and should be considered in those males deemed at increased risk of significant post castration complications.
Endoscope-guided, transoral axial division of an entrapping epiglottic fold in fifteen standing horses. To describe and evaluate the use of a transoral, endoscope-guided technique for transection of an entrapping epiglottic fold in sedated standing horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=16) with epiglottic fold entrapment (EFE). Methods: Medical records (2005-2006) of 16 horses with EFE were reviewed to determine history, physical and endoscopic examination findings, postoperative complications, and outcome after axial division of EFE using a hooked bistoury, under an endoscopic-guided, transoral approach. Results: EFE was confirmed by endoscopy. Axial division was successfully...
Fertility and complications after fetotomy in 20 brood mares (2001-2006). To report fertility (foals conceived, live foal births) of mares after partial fetotomy to resolve dystocia and complications associated with fetotomy. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=20). Methods: Medical records (2001-2006) of mares that had partial fetotomy (1-3 cuts) for dystocia were reviewed. Complications and subsequent fertility were obtained by interview and live foal data were recorded by the Jockey Club. Postfetotomy conception and live foals produced over 21 breeding seasons (defined as years each mare was bred regardless of conception) were recorded. Results: Twen...
Multidisciplinary management of a complicated orbital injury inflicted by a horse. This case report describes an unusual and complicated orbital injury inflicted by a horse. Definitive management required multidisciplinary surgical collaboration to prevent significant ocular sequelae. The diagnostic role of good imaging and the potential use of bio-models are highlighted.
Standing myelography in the horse using a nonionic contrast agent. Standing myelography in the horse has been previously described. In that study, metrizamide was used and significant complications were reported. In recent years, the introduction of less-toxic nonionic contrast media has reduced the incidence of complications. This study was undertaken to determine whether standing myelography using a nonionic contrast medium could provide a diagnostic study and be performed safely in the equine patient. Standing myelography was performed in eight horses. The contrast medium used was iohexol. In five horses a myelogram of diagnostic quality was achieved; in o...
Surgical management of small intestinal incarceration through the gastrosplenic ligament: 14 cases (1994-2006). To determine prevalence, clinical findings, and long-term survival rate after surgery associated with incarceration of the small intestine through the gastrosplenic ligament (ISIGL) in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 14 horses with ISIGL. Methods: Medical records of horses with ISIGL examined between January 1994 and December 2006 were reviewed. Signalment, initial physical examination findings, results of abdominal fluid analysis, and clinical laboratory values were recorded, along with surgical findings, including segment of incarcerated intestine and surgical procedures...
Management and complications of anesthesia for transvenous electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in horses: 62 cases (2002-2006). To describe management of anesthesia for transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) in horses and report perianesthetic complications. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 62 horses with atrial fibrillation and without underlying cardiac disease and 60 horses without atrial fibrillation. Methods: Medical records of horses with atrial fibrillation anesthetized for TVEC were reviewed, as were records of horses without atrial fibrillation anesthetized for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The TVEC group horses were compared with MRI group horses for incidence of intraoperative bradycardi...
Clinical use of the locking compression plate (LCP) in horses: a retrospective study of 31 cases (2004-2006). Fracture repair and arthrodesis in horses require rigid fixation in order to achieve early post operative comfort. The locking compression plate (LCP) was designed to allow greater stability and less periosteal disruption than conventional plates. Objective: To describe a series of clinical cases in which the LCP was used for fracture stabilisation or arthrodesis. Methods: Medical records, radiographs and follow-up for 31 horses having fracture stabilisation or arthrodesis with the LCP were reviewed. Reasons for treatment included fracture of the olecranon (n = 2), metatarsal III (n = 2), ilia...
Evidence-based gastrointestinal surgery in horses. Colic surgery is now performed at many equine hospitals around the world. Despite the tremendous improvements in survival rates over the past 30 years, the morbidity and mortality rates remain relatively high. This fact, coupled with the high cost of treatment, makes it important to apply evidence-based medicine principles to establish the best possible treatment plans and surgical techniques whereby the outcomes can be optimized. Factors affecting survival rates and rates of major complications (incisional complications and postoperative ileus) are discussed. Preoperative assessment and posto...
A surgical approach to the lateral compartment of the equine guttural pouch in the standing horse: modification of the forgotten “Garm technique”. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and complications following lavage and drainage of the lateral compartment (LC) of the equine guttural pouch (GP) using a modified Garm's technique (MGT). In an ex vivo study (study 1), six cadaver heads were examined to assess the anatomical limits of the surgical approach and whether vital structures might be damaged. This was followed by an in vivo study (study 2) in which a lavage/drainage tube was placed for 3 days into each LC of four standing horses using the MGT. In both studies, the procedure offered direct access i...
Standing enucleation in the horse: a report of 5 cases. Enucleation was performed in 5 horses under local anesthesia and sedation with the horse standing. Minimal hemorrhage occurred during the surgical procedure, and there were no other reported complications. Standing enucleation is a surgery that is safe to perform in horses. L’énucléation a été réalisée chez 5 chevaux en position debout sous anesthésie locale et sédation. Une hémorragie minime est survenue pendant la procédure chirurgicale et il n’y a pas eu de complications rapportées. L’énucléation debout est une chirurgie sécuritaire chez le cheval. (Traduit par Docteur ...
Electrosurgery as the sole means of haemostasis during the laparoscopic removal of pathologically enlarged ovaries in mares: a report of 55 cases. There is little published clinical evidence on the use of a laparoscopic approach for the removal of pathologically enlarged ovaries in standing mares. Objective: To show the orders of success and complication rates that can be expected if pathologically enlarged ovaries are removed from standing, sedated mares under laparoscopic guidance using only electrosurgical means of haemostasis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of 55 mares in which the removal of an enlarged ovary was attempted by applying a standard laparoscopic procedure for routine ovariectomy in standing mares including a...
Incisional complications following exploratory celiotomy: does an abdominal bandage reduce the risk? Post operative complications following exploratory laparotomy can be potentially life-threatening, increase post operative morbidity and result in an increase in the length of hospitalisation of the affected individual. No study has evaluated the efficacy of specific strategies to reduce the incidence of post operative incisional complications. Objective: The use of an abdominal bandage following colic surgery through a celiotomy incision would significantly reduce the prevalence of post operative incisional complications. Methods: A controlled, randomised clinical trial to test the hypothesis...
Survival rate and short-term fertility rate associated with the use of fetotomy for resolution of dystocia in mares: 72 cases (1991-2005). To determine survival rate, complications, and short-term fertility rate after fetotomy in mares. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 72 mares with severe dystocia. Methods: Records from 1991 to 2005 were searched for mares with dystocia in which a fetotomy was performed. Data relating to presentation and position of foals; survival rate, complications, and short-term fertility rate in mares; and 45-day pregnancy rate in mares bred 2 to 3 months after fetotomy were recorded. Results: Anterior fetal presentation was detected for 54 of 72 (75%) mares, posterior presentation was detected for 1...