Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
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.
Use of Locking Compression Plate and Locking Compression T-Plate for Surgical Arthrodesis of the Carpometacarpal and Distal Tarsal Joints in 13 Horses. The aim of this study was to describe the use of the locking compression plate (LCP) and locking compression T-plate (LCTP) in cases of carpometacarpal and distal tarsal arthrodesis for the treatment of osteoarthritis and small carpal or tarsal bone fractures, and to document clinical outcomes. Methods: Case records of horses treated with carpometacarpal or distal tarsal arthrodesis via internal fixation using an LCP or LCTP between 2013 and 2021 were reviewed. All cases were evaluated retrospectively. Follow-up information was gained via phone conversation with owners and referring vete...
Blood Transfusion in Equids-A Practical Approach and Review. Transfusion medicine is a crucial part of equine intensive and critical care. Blood transfusions can save lives in both acute and chronic cases of anemia, hemorrhage, and hemolysis. It is vital to have a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the techniques, implications, risks, and complications. This review covers the physiology and pathophysiology of conditions requiring transfusion, as well as step by step guidance for practitioners of all experience levels. This review is designed to serve as a practical reference for those who are treating horses in either the field or ...
Physiological characterisation of Corynebacterium uterequi associated with pregnancy complications in mares. Increasing cases of equine infertility and early embryonic loss in the Western Cape, South Africa, were documented in recent years. These appeared to be associated with Corynebacterium uterequi isolated from the uteri of infected mares. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate the physiology and potential pathogenicity of this bacterium. Histopathological analyses were conducted on five mares suffering from reproductive complications, and from which Corynebacterium strains were detected on culture of uterine swabs. The histopathology revealed that the mares suffered from variou...
Caecal dysfunction following standing surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to report cases of caecal dysfunction following surgical procedures in the standing horse. The study design is retrospective. Six client-owned horses developed caecal dysfunction following a variety of surgical procedures undertaken in the standing sedated horse. Medical records were reviewed for caecal dysfunctions that had occurred in horses within 2 weeks of standing surgical procedures. Signalment, details of the original standing surgery and medications administered were recorded. Short-term outcome was obtained from clinical records. Long-term outcome was obtain...
Serial venous lactate measurement following gastrointestinal surgery in horses. Prospective clinical study of blood lactate concentration in horses undergoing colic surgery is needed to determine utility in outcome prediction. Objective: To evaluate venous lactate measurements in horses following colic surgery, including immediately after anesthetic recovery and daily throughout hospitalization, as well as to determine if lactate concentrations were significantly higher in horses that developed postoperative complications or did not survive to hospital discharge. Methods: Horses > 1 year of age undergoing surgery for colic and recovered from general anesthesia were sample...
Noninvasive diode laser-an effective and safe treatment of iris cysts in 46 eyes of 35 horses. Iris cysts in horses are often asymptomatic and noticed incidentally. However, cysts can cause local corneal oedema and erratic behaviour like shying, decreased performance and head-shaking. Objective: To describe the use of diode laser as a noninvasive treatment option for iris cysts in the horse and to document factors influencing its efficacy, associated complications, long-term outcome and rate of recurrence. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Case records of horses treated for iris cysts by diode laser at the Utrecht University Equine Clinic were reviewed between 2008 and 2020. ...
Outcomes and Complications Associated with Superior and Inferior Subpalpebral Lavage Treatment Systems Placed in 61 Equine Eyes (2004-2021). Painful eye conditions are a therapeutic challenge in horses. Subpalpebral lavage (SPL) treatment systems allow topical aqueous medications to be conveniently, safely, and frequently administered to the ocular surface. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the outcomes and the complications associated with the location of the SPL treatment systems, in the superior or inferior eyelid in horses in a university practice. Clinical records of all horses admitted to the National Veterinary School of Alfort between January 2004 and October 2021, in which a SPL treatment system was used ...
Dystocia in the Standardbred Mare: A Retrospective Study from 2004 to 2020. Dystocia as a prolonged stage II parturition (>30 min) was associated with a higher risk of complications. The hypothesis of the study was that any type of dystocia could affect the foal’s health, even when the stage II was <30 min. Clinical reports on 222 Standardbred mares and their foals hospitalized at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Bologna from 2004 to 2020 were reviewed. Mares were divided into the Eutocia Group (165, eutocic delivery) and the Dystocia Group (57, dystocic delivery). The incidence of dystocia was 4.9%. Stage II was longer in the Dystocia Gro...
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Carotid Access and Puncture Closure with Angio-Seal in Horses. There are different indications for endovascular surgery in horses, mainly the treatment of guttural pouch mycosis. Traditionally, these procedures are carried out by open arteriotomy of the common carotid artery (CCA), although less invasive percutaneous ultrasound-guided carotid access (PUGCA) has been described in experimental horses. In human medicine, commercial closure systems are used to seal these arterial puncture sites and reduce complications. The aims of this study are to retrospectively describe our experience with PUGCA in clinical cases and to report, for the first time, the us...
Traumatic avulsion of the tricuspid valve: an unusual cardiac complication of an equine accident. A stablehand in his 20s presented with increasing dyspnoea on exertion and chest pain months after being kicked directly in the chest by a horse. Further investigations revealed severe isolated, primary tricuspid regurgitation due to partial avulsion of the anterior leaflet. Open surgical repair was successfully performed from which he recovered uneventfully with resolution of his symptoms and minimal residual tricuspid regurgitation. Although uncommon, blunt force trauma to the chest is becoming increasingly recognised as a rare cause of tricuspid regurgitation. Symptoms may be insidious, and...
[Venous catheters in horses – early ultrasonographic venous abnormalities and evidence of biofilms]. Complications associated with indwelling intravenous catheters vary from minor to severe. Changes in tissue architecture and vein structure may be detectable prior to clinical alterations. The aim of the study was to characterize and compare changes in a catheterized vein and surrounding tissue by clinical and ultrasonographic examination. Microbiological infestation of catheter specimens was assessed. Methods: In this prospective, observational, clinical study 55 horses with an indwelling intravenous catheter have been included. Subsequent to catheter placement, vein and surrounding tissue we...
Success rate in a clinical equine in vitro embryo production program. In vitro embryo production (IVEP) via Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has become a popular breeding technique in Warmblood mares because of the high success rate and several practical advantages. IVEP offers a solution for a variety of reproductive issues including, but not limited to, sub-fertility in stallions or mares, poor quality or scarce frozen semen, difficulty in synchronizing donor and recipient mares, and inefficient use of recipient mares. In 515 OPU-ICSI sessions performed in our facility in 2021, a mean of 25.9 antral follicles were aspirated yield...
Dorsally placed commercially available subpalpebral lavage systems have low complication rates in horses. To retrospectively evaluate the complication rate following dorsal placement of a commercially available 1-hole subpalpebral lavage system (SPL) at a veterinary teaching hospital. 102 client-owned horses with ophthalmic disease. Medical records of horses (2010 to 2020) with ophthalmic disease were reviewed to determine whether a commercially available SPL system was dorsally placed. Data collected from the medical record included signalment, presenting complaint(s), diagnosis, ophthalmic procedures performed, SPL laterality, hospital service that placed the SPL, anesthetic technique for placem...
Factors Affecting Survival and Future Foaling Rates in Thoroughbred Mares with Hydrops. Prognosis for life and future fertility in broodmares following hydrops is reportedly good, but evidence to support these reports is limited. The objective of this case series was to describe the prognosis for survival and fertility in mares presented to a referral hospital following diagnosis of hydrops. Medical records were reviewed to identify mares diagnosed with hydrops. Data collected included history (gestation, sire of the foal), clinical findings at presentation and throughout hospitalization (complications, treatments, survival to discharge) and future foaling rates. Thirty mares wer...
Collection and administration of blood products in horses: Transfusion indications, materials, methods, complications, donor selection, and blood testing. Blood transfusion is a lifesaving treatment for horses with acute hemorrhage and other causes of anemia. Transfusions improve oxygen delivery to the tissues via increased blood volume and hemoglobin concentration. Certain aspects of equine blood transfusion are challenging, especially in the field situation, and practitioners may be unfamiliar or feel overwhelmed with the process. An understanding of the indications, materials, methods, and techniques as well as donor selection and possible complications will help practitioners successfully implement blood transfusion in clinical practice. Met...
Comparing Blind and Ultrasound-Guided Retrobulbar Nerve Blocks in Equine Cadavers: The Training Effect. In standing ophthalmic surgery in horses, a retrobulbar nerve block (RNB) is often placed blindly for anesthesia and akinesia. The ultrasound (US)-guided RNB may have fewer complications, but the two techniques have only been compared once in equine cadavers. This study compares the techniques for success and complication rates and analyzes the effect of training on US guidance. Twenty-two equine cadavers were divided into three groups: blind RNBs were performed bilaterally in eight cadavers, US-guided RNBs were performed bilaterally in seven cadavers, and after US-guided training, blind RNBs ...
Fragment size is associated with post-operative complications following elective arthroscopy of the tibiotarsal joint of horses. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the occurrence of joint-related complications after elective arthroscopy of the tibiotarsal joint (TTJ) in 329 horses, and the association with specific clinical parameters. Data were collected from medical records of horses undergoing elective tibiotarsal joint arthroscopy for fragment removal. Exact conditional univariate regression was used to determine significant risk factors for joint-related post-operative complications. Of 485 joints, 2 (0.4%) developed surgical site infection, 4 (0.8%) developed septic arthritis, 1 (0.2%) deve...
Complications and Comorbidities in Foals Undergoing Surgical Repair for Uroperitoneum. Surgical repair is frequently effective at resolving uroperitoneum in foals, though complications occur. Despite their occurrence, management strategies used to address these complications, and their impact on survival are not clearly defined. To better describe the complications following surgical correction of uroperitoneum and to document treatment strategies and outcomes after intervention, a multi-center retrospective case series was performed. Medical record data of foals undergoing surgical treatment for uroperitoneum were retrieved from three surgical centers, and cases identified with...
Partial parotid sialoadenectomy in a horse with parotid ductal carcinoma: Surgical description and case report. To describe the surgical findings, histopathological features, and long-term outcome for a horse with parotid salivary carcinoma. Methods: Case report ANIMALS: Twelve year old American Quarter Horse gelding. Methods: The gelding was presented for a 10 × 10 cm swelling below the base of the right ear. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a mass involving the right parotid salivary gland. Incisional biopsy was consistent with parotid carcinoma. The tumor was marginally excised. The lateral wall of the guttural pouch was excised with the mass and was reconstructed with a porcine small int...
Evaluation of totally implantable catheters in healthy horses. For horses requiring prolonged daily cephalic intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP), the use of a totally implantable catheter (TIC) could be indicated to reduce complications associated with frequent venipuncture or external catheterization. This study aims to evaluate the implantation technique of the TIC in the cephalic vein of horses for IVRLP, describe the complications associated with the device's placement and use, and assess its viability up to 60 days after implantation. Totally implantable catheters, cut to 15 cm (n = 5) and 46 cm (n = 5) in length, were implanted...
Comparison of liberal and goal-directed fluid therapy after small intestinal surgery for strangulating lesions in horses. There are few guidelines for the appropriate mode of fluid administration during and after colic surgery, and is challenging to reach the right balance while avoiding overhydration. This study aimed to compare goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) and 'liberal' fluid regimens (LFRs) in horses undergoing small intestinal surgery. Methods: Eighteen horses subjected to small intestinal surgery were matched according to the surgical lesion, type of anastomosis, length of resection, and duration of clinical signs. Horses in the LFR group were administered intravenous (IV) fluids for at least 24 h. In ...
Acute abdominal dehiscence following laparotomy: A multicentre, international retrospective study. Incisional complications are a common cause of morbidity following laparotomy. Although uncommon, acute abdominal dehiscence (AAD) is a potentially fatal post-operative complication. However, few AAD cases are described in the literature. Objective: To describe common features of cases of AAD following ventral midline laparotomy, management and outcomes. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Hospital records of horses that underwent a ventral midline laparotomy at nine hospitals in the UK, Ireland and USA over a 10-year period (2009-2019) were reviewed. Data were collected for pre-, int...
Outcomes following single, caudally based bilateral versus unilateral frontonasal sinusotomy for treatment of equine paranasal sinus disease. Bilateral sinus disease is relatively uncommon in horses, accounting for 3%-4.5% of horses with sinonasal disease, but may require bilateral paranasal surgery for complete resolution. Complications and recurrence following bilateral sinusotomy have not been reported or compared to those following unilateral procedures. To describe clinical features and outcomes in horses undergoing standing single, caudally based bilateral frontonasal sinusotomy compared to unilateral frontonasal surgery. Records of horses (n = 37) undergoing surgical treatment for sinus disease (five bilateral, 32 unilatera...
Mycobacterial Cell Wall Stimulant in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Series Regarding Treatment in Equine, Bovine and Caprine Patients. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common dermatological neoplasia found in large animal species. Treatment options, such as surgery and cryotherapy may be difficult or not feasible. Alternative therapies, such as immunomodulating drugs, can potentially be used for companion large animals. The hypothesis of the following retrospective study is: following multiple intravenous and intralesional injections of a mycobacterial cell wall stimulant (MCW) regression of SCC in equine, bovine and caprine patients will be observed. In this observational-retrospective case series, patients included are 2 ...
Use of Tubo-Ovarian Ligation Via Colpotomy as A Potential Method for Sterilization in Mares. The goal of this study was to develop a safe, effective, and economical method for permanent sterilization of mares based upon tubo-ovarian ligation performed via colpotomy. In this study, we evaluated the application of a nylon cable tie (zip-tie) to the ovarian pedicle and oviduct of mares to induce ovarian ischemia and tubal ligation without removal of ovaries. Initially, efficiency of zip-ties on the ovarian pedicle was tested in vitro and in vivo. Based on the absence of leakage through the zip-tie ligated vessels in anatomic specimens, we confirmed the potential efficacy of the technique...
Removal of equine cryptorchid testes through an enlarged umbilical portal in dorsally recumbent horses after intra-abdominal laparoscopic castration. Laparoscopic removal of cryptorchid testes has been routinely reported through enlarged parainguinal incisions in dorsally recumbent horses. Outcomes following removal through an extended umbilical incision have not been previously reported. Objective: To describe the surgical technique of removing cryptorchid testes in dorsally recumbent horses through an enlarged umbilical portal after laparoscopic intra-abdominal castration. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for horses that underwent laparoscopic removal of unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid testes ...
Castration Complications: A Review of Castration Techniques and How to Manage Complications. Castration is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in equine practice. Open, closed, and semiclosed techniques are described for castration of horses, and the procedure may be performed in a standing, sedated animal or in a recumbent animal under general anesthesia. Although a relatively routine procedure, complications can occur, with reported complication rates ranging from 10.2% to 60%. Most complications are mild and resolve rapidly with appropriate treatment, but more serious or life-threatening complications can also occur. A thorough knowledge of male reproductive anatom...
Computed tomographic guidance for internal fixation of type II distal phalangeal fractures in 51 horses. Type II distal phalanx (P3) fractures are a well-described cause of lameness in horses. Reports on outcome following internal fixation of type II P3 fractures are lacking, and with little emphasis on complications. Objective: To describe a technique for internal fixation of type II P3 fractures, and evaluate whether specific variables influenced post-operative complications or a horse's ability to return to work. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records of 51 horses with CT-guided internal fixation of type II P3 fractures were reviewed. Outcome data were acquired from race ...
Proximal interphalangeal locking compression plate for pastern arthrodesis in horses. Outcomes following proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis by a variety of surgical methods are available. Reports detailing clinical outcomes following PIPJ arthrodesis utilising the proximal interphalangeal joint locking compression plate (PIP-LCP) and abaxial transarticular lag screws technique are limited. Objective: To report survival, radiographic and clinical outcomes following PIPJ arthrodesis with PIP-LCP and abaxial transarticular lag screw fixation. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records of all horses undergoing pastern arthrodesis from 2009 to 2018 w...
A Pilot Randomised Clinical Trial Comparing a Short-Term Perioperative Prophylaxis Regimen to a Long-Term Standard Protocol in Equine Colic Surgery. For surgical interventions classified as clean or clean-contaminated, including laparotomy, guidelines in human and veterinary medicine recommend a short-term perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP). In equine colic surgery, however, PAP commonly exceeds 24 h. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare a single-shot to a 5-day lasting PAP considering surgical site infections (SSI) and other adverse effects probably associated with the particular antimicrobial regimen. Methods: The study was designed as a randomised non-inferiority pilot study including horses subjected to colic surgery...
