The post-operative period in horses refers to the timeframe following surgical procedures during which the animal undergoes recovery and rehabilitation. This period involves careful monitoring and management to ensure proper healing and to minimize complications. Key aspects of the post-operative period include pain management, wound care, and the prevention of infections. Horses may require restricted movement, dietary adjustments, and regular veterinary evaluations to assess recovery progress. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the management strategies, physiological responses, and outcomes associated with the post-operative period in equine patients.
Duke-Novakovski T, Palacios-Jimenez C, Wetzel T, Rymes L, Sanchez-Teran AF.To examine the cardiopulmonary effects of two anesthetic protocols for dorsally recumbent horses undergoing carpal arthroscopy. Methods: Prospective, randomized, crossover study. Methods: Six horses weighing 488.3 ± 29.1 kg. Methods: Horses were sedated with intravenous (IV) xylazine and pulmonary artery balloon and right atrial catheters inserted. More xylazine was administered prior to anesthetic induction with ketamine and propofol IV. Anesthesia was maintained for 60 minutes (or until surgery was complete) using either propofol IV infusion or isoflurane to effect. All horses were admi...
Giusto G, Gandini M, Amedeo S.To determine effects of staple size, precompression time, and tissue thickness on staple shape and tissue approximation in side-to-side jejunocecal anastomosis in equine specimens. Methods: Cecum, ileum, and jejunum specimens obtained from 18 healthy horses at an abattoir. Methods: Specimens were allotted into 2 groups. Anastomoses were stapled with 4.8-or 3.8-mm staples. Precompression time was 15 seconds for both groups. Staple lines were cut into proximal, middle, and distal sections. Thickness of intestinal walls was measured with a calibrated tissue micrometer, photographs were obtained, ...
Vitte A, Rossignol F, Mespoulhes-Rivière C, Lechartier A, Röecken M.To report a combination of standing laparoscopic technique for intra-abdominal dissection of the mesovarial pedicle followed by a limited ventral median celiotomy under general anesthesia for removal of enlarged ovaries in mares. Methods: Case series. Methods: Mares (n = 20) aged 3-22 years with unilateral enlarged ovaries. Methods: Enlarged ovaries were confirmed by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. After sedation, 3 laparoscopic portals were made in the paralumbar fossa. The mesovarium was desensitized and dissected using a vessel sealing device, and the ovary was left free in t...
Wormstrand BH, Ihler CF, Diesen R, Krontveit RI.Colic, defined as pain originating from the abdomen, is a common condition in horses. Most of the cases resolve spontaneously or after medical treatment, but a few require surgical treatment. Surgical treatment of colic in horses is resource-demanding and expensive, and information on prognosis is therefore important for both owners and surgeons. In the present study, surgical cases in two equine hospitals in Norway between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed. The aim of the study was to describe associations between prognostic indicators, diagnoses and short term survival by use of random effects log...
Nieto JE, Yamout S, Dechant JE.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...
Hu AJ, Bramlage LR.To assess postoperative probability of racing, career longevity, and convalescent time in Thoroughbred racehorses with moderate to severe superficial digital flexor tendonitis (SDFT) in the forelimbs treated by desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (ie, superior check ligament desmotomy [SCLD]). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 332 Thoroughbred racehorses with SDFT consecutively treated by means of SCLD. Methods: Medical records and racing records were reviewed to assess return to racing, number of races completed, time to first race, and life...
Gonzalez LM, Fogle CA, Baker WT, Hughes FE, Law JM, Motsinger-Reif AA, Blikslager AT.There is an important need for objective parameters that accurately predict the outcome of horses with large colon volvulus. Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of a series of histomorphometric parameters on short-term outcome, as well as the impact of colonic resection on horses with large colon volvulus. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Adult horses admitted to the Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Center at North Carolina State University, Peterson and Smith and Chino Valley Equine Hospitals between 2006 and 2013 that underwent an exploratory coeliotomy, diagnosed with ...
Fjordbakk CT, Johansen GM, Løvås AC, Oppegård KL, Storset AK.No recommendations have been made regarding the relative timing of blood collection for autologous conditioned serum (ACS) preparation and surgical procedures. Objective: 1) To identify effects of surgical stress on cytokine levels in ACS, 2) identify haematological markers for prediction of cytokine production in ACS and 3) investigate the necessity for specialised ACS containers when preparing a cytokine-rich serum. Methods: Experimental in vitro study. Methods: Blood was drawn from 15 stallions admitted for elective castration preoperatively and 22-24 h post operatively and incubated in A...
Santschi EM, Williams JM, Morgan JW, Johnson CR, Bertone AL, Juzwiak JS.To determine if medial femoral condylar (MFC) subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) causing lameness will demonstrate radiographic evidence of healing and lameness reduction after placement of a transcondylar screw in lag fashion. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 20) with lameness attributed to a MFC SCL. Methods: A 4.5 mm screw was inserted in lag fashion across MFC SCL in horses with hindlimb lameness. Post-operative radiography and lameness examinations were performed at 30-60 day intervals after surgery for 120 days, and SCL radiographic area and lameness were graded. Tr...
Tappenbeck K, Hoppe S, Geburek F, Feige K, Huber K.By blocking the enteric nervous system (ENS) using tetrodotoxin (TTX), previous studies have documented the contractility-enhancing (CE) effects of lidocaine in equine intestinal smooth muscle (SM) at the level of SM cells and/or interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The present study examined the impact of ENS deactivation on CE lidocaine effects, and investigated the effects of lidocaine on ENS activity. TTX application did not affect the CE effects of lidocaine, indicating that these were not mediated by TTX-sensitive sodium channels. Application of TTX or ≥100 mg/L lidocaine reduced ENS a...
Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Werpy NM, White NA, Mitchell MA, Edwards RB, Mitchell RD, Gold SJ, Allen AK.There is limited knowledge of the foot lesions that influence the outcome of palmar/plantar digital neurectomy (PDN). Objective: 1) To report the short- and long-term outcomes of horses that underwent PDN to alleviate chronic foot pain due to lesions diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2) factors that may influence the outcome of PDN. Methods: Multicentre retrospective study. Methods: Medical records of 50 horses subjected to PDN due to chronic foot pain were reviewed. Age, breed, sex, athletic activity, duration of lameness, affected limb(s), response to anaesthesia of the palma...
Lund CM, Ragle CA, Lutter JD, Farnsworth KD.To describe the use of a motorized morcellator for elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing equids and to evaluate long-term outcome. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 30 equids (20 horses, 9 mules, and 1 pony). Methods: Medical records of equids undergoing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy from 2007 to 2013 were evaluated. Cases were selected on the basis of use of a motorized morcellator for ovary extraction. Data collected included age, breed, reason for surgery, surgery date, surgical approach, intraoperative complications, surgery and morcellation times...
Brooks DE, Plummer CE, Carastro SM, Utter ME.To evaluate the long-term visual outcome of phacoemulsification lens extraction surgery in foals and horses and identify any unique postoperative complications that affect the visual outcome. Methods: This is a retrospective medical records study of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in 95 foals and horses from 1990 to 2013. Results: Cataracts were removed by phacoemulsification from 111 eyes of 95 horses ranging in age from 22 days to 26 years (average 8.0 ± 5.7 years). Forty-four of the 95 animals were foals (46.3%). Sixteen horses or foals had surgery bilaterally. One hundred and two eye...
Fiege JK, Hackett ES, Rao S, Gillette SC, Southwood LL.To report the results of a survey of opinions on current treatments and estimated outcomes of ascending colon volvulus in horses. Methods: Web-based survey. Methods: American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Diplomates (n = 151) who perform gastrointestinal surgery in horses. Methods: ACVS Diplomates with credentials in the large animal specialty obtained by examination in 2010 or earlier (n = 410) were solicited by e-mail to complete a web-based survey designed to determine ascending colon volvulus treatment preferences and outcomes. Results: Responses were obtained from 162 ACVS Diploma...
Gilsenan WF, Getman LM, Parente EJ, Johnson AL.To report headshaking and presumptive trigeminal neuritis as a potential complication after paranasal sinus surgery in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 5) that developed headshaking within 45 days of paranasal sinus surgery. Methods: Medical records (2007-2010) of horses that had been evaluated for headshaking after paranasal sinus surgery were reviewed. Results: Of 5 horses that developed headshaking within 45 days of paranasal sinus surgery, resolution occurred after treatment in 2 horses. One horse was euthanatized because clinical signs associated with h...
McClellan NR, Mudge MC, Scansen BA, Jung SS, Russell D.To describe successful transarterial coil embolization of a palatine artery pseudoaneurysm that extended into the caudal maxillary sinus of a gelding. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: A 24-year-old Morgan gelding with right-sided epistaxis. Methods: The right maxillary sinus was imaged by radiography, computed tomography, and sinoscopy. Angiography was performed to locate the source of bleeding, and transarterial coil embolization of a right palatine artery pseudoaneurysm was performed. Results: There was some mucoid nasal discharge and an intermittent cough postoperatively. No epistaxis was...
Ortved KF, Stewart AW, Fubini SL, Hackett RP.To report surgical management of 4 horses with cryptorchidism caused by failure of regression of the cranial suspensory ligament (CSL). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Cryptorchid horses (n = 4). Methods: Horses with unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism caused by failure of regression of the CSL were treated by removing the retained testes through a standing laparoscopic approach (2), flank laparotomy (1), or paramedian celiotomy (1). After identification of the retained testis attached to the caudal pole of the kidney by the CSL, the vascular pedicle and ductus deferens were li...
Aarnes TK, Bednarski RM, Bertone AL, Hubbell JA, Lerche P.The objective of this study was to compare recovery from desflurane anesthesia in horses with or without post-anesthetic xylazine. Six adult horses were anesthetized on 2 occasions, 14 d apart using a prospective, randomized crossover design. Horses were sedated with xylazine, induced to lateral recumbency with ketamine and diazepam, and anesthesia was maintained with desflurane. One of 2 treatments was administered intravenously at the end of anesthesia: xylazine [0.2 mg/kg body weight (BW)] or an equivalent volume of saline. Recovery parameters were recorded and assessed by 2 blinded observe...
Close K, Epstein KL, Sherlock CE.To (1) compare postoperative complications and survival in horses after small intestinal resection and anastomosis using 2 anastomosis techniques (single layer Lembert; double layer simple continuous oversewn with Cushing), and (2) to compare outcome by anastomosis type (jejunoileostomy; jejunojejunostomy). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 53). Methods: Medical records (July 2006-July 2010) of all horses that had small intestinal resection and anastomosis. Horses were divided into groups based on technique and type of anastomosis. Comparisons of pre- and intraoperative ...
Barrett EJ, Rodgerson DH.To describe an ultrasound assisted arthroscopic approach for removal of non-articular basilar sesamoid fragments in Thoroughbred yearlings. Methods: Thoroughbred yearlings (n = 7). Methods: Basilar sesamoid fragments identified during pre-sale radiographic examination were removed using a palmar/plantar arthroscopic approach to the fetlock joint and ultrasonographic guidance. Complete fragment removal was confirmed by ultrasonography and radiography. Results: Basilar sesamoid fracture fragments were localized and removed successfully using rongeurs and a radiofrequency probe for soft tissu...
Aristizabal FA, Lopes MA, Silva A, Avanza MF, Nieto JE.To evaluate the effect of onlay mesenteric flaps (MFs) with end-to-end jejunojejunostomy on stomal diameter, length of jejunum with reduced stomal diameter, abdominal adhesion formation, and healing. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Healthy adult horses (n = 6). Methods: Two hand sewn end-to-end jejunal anastomoses using a 1 layer simple continuous serosubmucosal suture pattern were performed in each horse ∼ 2 and 5 m oral to the ileocecal fold. Using a random design for selection anastomosis location (oral or aboral), 1 anastomosis was covered with 2 adjacent onlay MFs secured with int...
Hopster-Iversen CC, Hopster K, Staszyk C, Rohn K, Freeman DE, Rötting AK.To determine characteristics of the inflammatory reaction in the jejunum of horses in response to various mechanical manipulations. Methods: 12 adult warm blood horses without gastrointestinal tract disorders. Methods: The proximal aspect of the jejunum in each horse was divided into 5 segments, and the following manipulations were performed: manual emptying, placement of Doyen forceps, enterotomy alone, enterotomy with mucosal abrasion, and serosal abrasion. Jejunum samples were collected before (control), immediately after, and 30 minutes after the end of manipulations and histologically eva...
Tappenbeck K, Schmidt S, Feige K, Naim HY, Huber K.Lidocaine is the most commonly chosen prokinetic for treating postoperative ileus in horses, a motility disorder associated with ischaemia-reperfusion injury of intestinal tissues. Despite the frequent use of lidocaine, the mechanism underlying its prokinetic effects is still unclear. Previous studies suggested that lidocaine altered cell membrane characteristics of smooth muscle cells. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate effects of lidocaine administration on characteristics of detergent-resistant membranes in equine jejunal smooth muscle. Lidocaine administration caused significa...
Dalla Costa E, Minero M, Lebelt D, Stucke D, Canali E, Leach MC.The assessment of pain is critical for the welfare of horses, in particular when pain is induced by common management procedures such as castration. Existing pain assessment methods have several limitations, which reduce the applicability in everyday life. Assessment of facial expression changes, as a novel means of pain scoring, may offer numerous advantages and overcome some of these limitations. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a standardised pain scale based on facial expressions in horses (Horse Grimace Scale [HGS]). Results: Forty stallions were assigned to one of ...
Kilcoyne I, Dechant JE.To report the clinical findings, incidence of complications, and outcome associated with perineal urethrotomy in equids. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Equids (n = 27). Methods: Medical records (January 2000 to December 2010) of equids that had a perineal urethrotomy were reviewed. Data retrieved and evaluated were breed, age, surgical technique, use of general anesthesia, complications, time from surgery to development of complications and their management, and outcome. Results: Perineal urethrotomy was performed for urolithiasis (n = 22), for treatment of urethral rents...
Di Salvo A, Della Rocca G, Bazzica C, Giontella A, Cagnardi P, Nannarone S.The study aims to evaluate whether the analgesic effect of intra-articular (IA) route of xylazine administered to horses following arthroscopic surgery is due to a local or a systemic action. Two connected studies were performed. In the first, 1 mg/kg b.w. of xylazine was injected IA, and blood samples were taken to assess drug systemic absorption. In addition, systemic effects of the drug (sedation, ataxia or reduction of respiratory and cardiac rate) were registered. Control horses injected with saline IA were included in the study to exclude the influence of anaesthesia in the occurrence o...
Lang HM, Panizzi L, Smyth TT, Plaxton AE, Lohmann KL, Barber SM.Records were reviewed for 2 horses with partial glossectomy, 1 traumatic and 1 elective. According to long-term follow-up by telephone, both horses had recovered well, experiencing only temporary difficulty while eating, and went on to be ridden successfully using mouth bits. Partial glossectomy, therefore, had a favorable prognosis in 2 performance horses. Les dossiers ont été examinés pour 2 chevaux ayant subi une glossectomie partielle, 1 étant une glossectomie traumatique et 1 étant une glossectomie non urgente. Selon le suivi à long terme par téléphone, les deux chevaux se sont b...
Martin-Flores M, Campoy L, Kinsley MA, Mohammed HO, Gleed RD, Cheetham J.To evaluate the hypothesis that epidural morphine (0.1 mg kg(-1) ) decreases pain in horses after laparoscopic surgery without adversely affecting gastrointestinal (GI) motility. Methods: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: Eighteen horses undergoing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy under general anesthesia. Methods: Horses were randomly assigned to receive either epidural morphine (0.1 mg kg(-1) ) or no epidural before the start of surgery. Pain behaviors were assessed during the first two post-operative days using a numerical rating scale. Barium-filled spheres were administered through a naso...
Raś A, Rapacz-Leonard A, Raś-Noryńska M, Barański W.Although fetotomy is recommended for all mares when the fetus is dead and difficult to extract, little has been written about fetotomy and heavy draft mares. This lack includes indications for fetotomy in heavy draft mares, differences in treatment and prognosis of heavy mares kept by farmers of low socioeconomic status, and how this procedure affects the mare's further fertility. The literature on mares, in general, also differs on the survival rate of mares that undergo fetotomy, the prevalence of postpartum complications, and further fertility. To answer these questions, we reviewed the me...
Kilcoyne I, Dechant JE.To report the clinical findings, incidence of complications, and outcome associated with perineal urethrotomy in equids. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Equids (n = 27). Methods: Medical records (January 2000 to December 2010) of equids that had a perineal urethrotomy were reviewed. Data retrieved and evaluated were breed, age, surgical technique, use of general anesthesia, complications, time from surgery to development of complications and their management, and outcome. Results: Perineal urethrotomy was performed for urolithiasis (n = 22), for treatment of urethral rents...
Loomes K, Louro LF.The recovery phase after equine general anaesthesia (GA) is a time of considerable risk and therefore has been the subject of extensive research over the last 20 years. Various pharmacological interventions have been developed and studied with the objective of improving recovery quality and reducing anaesthetic-related mortality and morbidity. Nevertheless, some controversy remains regarding the influence of anaesthetic protocol choice on recovery quality from GA and its implications for recovery-related mortality and morbidity. A systematic review of the literature investigating the influenc...
Hammer EJ, Tulleners EP, Parente EJ, Martin BB.To evaluate laryngeal function by means of videoendoscopy during high-speed treadmill exercise in racehorses with grade-III left laryngeal hemiparesis at rest and to determine outcome of treatment. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 26 racehorses. Methods: Videoendoscopy of the larynx was performed while horses were at rest and exercising on a treadmill. Horses were classified as having grade-IIIA, -IIIB, or -IIIC laryngeal hemiparesis on the basis of the degree of arytenoid cartilage abduction maintained during exercise. Postoperative racing performance was determined by evaluating race r...
van der Velden MA.Over a six year period, 14 new-born colt foals were treated surgically because of ruptured inguinal hernia. In all cases, the prolapsed intestines, which were jejunal loops, were situated subcutaneously and protruded through a rent in the parietal vaginal tunic at the level of the inguinal canal. After herniorrhaphy and unilateral castration, the prolapsed loops were replaced into the abdomen, and the superficial inguinal ring closed. Seven foals survived.
Seabaugh KA, Goodrich LR, Bohn AA, Morley PS, Hendrickson DA.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy on peritoneal fluid values in mares and compare how this effect was modified by the method of ovarian vessel hemostasis used. Ten mares undergoing standing bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy were used in a randomized clinical study. During surgery, blood vessels within the mesovarium were either: (1) sealed and transected with a vessel sealing and dividing device (VSDD), or (2) ligated using two loops placed proximal to each ovary and then the mesovarium transected using laparoscopic scissors. The ova...
Young N, Barker W, Minshall G, Wright I.To describe an arthroscopically guided technique for lag screw placement across subchondral bone cyst (SBC) in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and to compare postoperative racing performance with corticosteroid injection and cyst debridement. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: One hundred twenty-three horses with 134 MFC SBCs undergoing treatment at a single referral hospital in the UK between January, 2009, and December, 2020. Methods: Sex, age, limb affected, radiographic cyst dimensions, preoperative and postoperative lameness, surgical technique (lag screw placement, cyst debr...
Valle E, Giusto G, Penazzi L, Giribaldi M, Bergero D, Fradinho MJ, Lamas LRGP, Gandini M.Colic is a serious disease for horses and the nutritional management of postoperative colic patients is an extremely important field. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the different factors, especially related to nutritional management, that may be associated with recovery length during hospitalization after a surgical intervention for colic, using a multivariate model. Data were collected from the records of horses presented to two hospitals and undergoing surgery for colic. The length (days) of recovery was the outcome of interest and was taken into account as a reference pa...
Roberts MC, Groenendyk S.Splenectomy was successfully performed on 2 aged horses to facilitate experimental studies of Babesia equi infection. Resection of part of the 17th rib provided the most acceptable approach and avoided many complications encountered on removing part of the 16th rib.
Dabareiner RM, White NA.A 9-year-old Thoroughbred was evaluated for clinical signs of acute abdominal pain. During laparotomy, a rent in the diaphragm and herniation of the small intestine into the thoracic cavity were detected. Because edges of the rent were smooth and fibrous, which suggested the defect was chronic, the abdomen was closed without repairing the rent. After recurrence of clinical signs, a second laparotomy was performed, during which the intestines were found to have reherniated. The diaphragmatic rent was repaired, using a polypropylene mesh secured with stainless steel staples. The horse recovered ...
Németh F, Dik KJ.A sagittal fracture of the navicular bone in five horses was treated by means of lag screw. Intra-operative radiographic monitoring and a specially developed guide apparatus was necessary to implant the screw precisely along the transverse axis of the navicular bone. Internal fixation resulted in progressive radiographic narrowing of the fracture zone. In all five patients the fracture healed (bony union) without superfluous callus formation.
Agreste FR, Moreira JJ, Fülber J, Bogossian PM, Chaible LM, Silva LCLC, Michelacci YM, Baccarin RYA.The synovial membrane (SM) presents itself with distinctive characteristics during arthroscopic procedures in cases of osteoarthritis (OA) as well as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in horses. Most of the arthroscopic findings of the SM are limited to a description of a nonspecific inflammation state. In the present study, the macroscopic and histological aspects of the SM in OA and OCD horses were compared to those of healthy horses. The expression of interleukin (IL) in SM was also investigated. Besides, the concentrations of ILs and keratan sulfate (KS) in the synovial fluid (SF), and the m...
Steiner A, Roussel AJ.Hypodynamic gastrointestinal disorders in horses and cattle that are thought to benefit from treatment with drugs restoring and coordinating gastrointestinal motility include postoperative ileus and large colon impaction in the horse and displacement of the abomasum and dilatation of the cecum in cattle. Important physiologic, pathophysiologic and pharmacologic mechanisms involved in the intrinsic control of gastrointestinal motility include cholinergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and opioid-mediated pathways. Preliminary results suggest that cisapride, acting on 5-Hydroxytrypta...
Getman LM, Ross MW, Elce YA.To report the diagnosis and outcome after surgical correction of bilateral distal ureteral anomalies in a Standardbred filly. Methods: Clinical case report. Methods: An 8-month-old, 310 kg Standardbred filly with left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia. Methods: The filly was admitted for evaluation of incontinence since birth and severe urine scalding of the hindquarters. Diagnosis was made by both direct (cystoscopy and vaginoscopy) and indirect (intravenous pyelography, ultrasonography, and scintigraphy) evaluation of the ureters and bladder. The filly had left ureteral atresia, hy...
Semevolos SA, Ducharme NG, Hackett RP.To compare postoperative complications, short- and long-term survival, and surgical times for hand-sewn end-to-end (EE), stapled functional end-to-end (FEE), and stapled side-to-side (SS) anastomotic techniques for jejunal resection in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 59 horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to obtain signalment, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome for horses that underwent jejunojejunostomy in our hospital. Only horses that recovered from anesthesia were included in the study. Results: Among the 59 horses, there were 33 EE, 15 FEE, and 11 SS anastomoses. ...
Bell C, Hnenny L, Torske K.A 5-year-old Hannovarian warmblood gelding was presented for recurrent headshaking exacerbated with exercise. The horse displayed clinical signs of repetitive vertical head movements, face rubbing on the forelimbs and on the ground, repetitive sneezing, and striking the muzzle with his forelimbs. The clinical signs resulted in a horse that could not be ridden and was dangerous. Clinical signs were most persistent in direct sunlight, but occurred with excitement, exercise, or bridling indoors. A diagnosis of equine trigeminal mediated headshaking syndrome was made. Surgical treatment was perfor...
Owens CD, Hughes KJ, Hilbert BJ, Heller J, Nielsen S, Trope GD.(1) To collect the perceptions of veterinarians performing equine castrations in Australia on techniques, preferences and outcomes, (2) to investigate veterinarian use and experience with the Henderson castrating instrument and (3) to investigate potential associations between demographics, castration methods and techniques, and complications. Methods: Online survey of members of the Australian Veterinary Association's Special Interest Group, Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA). Methods: A link to the survey was included in the EVA e-newsletter and practices on the EVA website were contacted ...
Gygax D, Fürst A, Picek S, Kummer M.To report internal fixation of a fractured axis with a dynamic compression plate (DCP). Methods: Case report. Methods: A 7-year-old Warmblood gelding. Methods: Surgery was performed under anesthesia in sternal recumbency. After fracture reduction the complete transverse fracture in the cranial third of the axis was stabilized with a 7-hole 4.5 mm DCP. Optimal positioning of the plate and the length of the screws were facilitated by fluoroscopy. Recovery from anesthesia was supervised in a pool. Results: The horse had an excellent outcome and returned to its previous activity level. Conclusions...
van Hoogmoed L, Yarbrough TB, Lecouteur RA, Hornof WJ.A 6 week old American Paint filly was admitted for evaluation of a dorsal thoracic mass suspected to be a meningocele. The diagnosis was confirmed by plain and contrast enhanced computed tomography. Surgical repair was performed by dissection of the base of the meningocele followed by ligation. No postoperative complications occurred. Contrast enhanced computed tomography was useful to confirm the diagnosis of meningocele and rule out a meningomyelocele.
Taylor PM.The effects of surgery on endocrine and metabolic responses to anaesthesia were investigated in seven horses and eight ponies. They were anaesthetised twice and surgery was carried out on one occasion. Cardiorespiratory monitoring was performed and blood samples were taken for assay of cortisol, glucose, lactate, insulin, catecholamines and non-esterified fatty acids. All groups developed arterial hypotension which was more marked in the surgical groups where post operative pulse rate was also higher. Plasma cortisol concentration increased in all groups during anaesthesia but remained higher ...
Freeman DE.Many surgical procedures of the head and neck can be safely performed in the standing horse, with easy access to all aspects of the surgical field. Some procedures, such as tracheotomy, are easier to perform with the horse standing with the head in a more natural position than with the horse under general anesthesia. Procedures of the neck and thorax that require evacuation of purulent and necrotic material from confined spaces, such as occur in horses with esophageal ruptures and extensive intrathoracic abscesses, can be done as standing procedures to avoid the risks of general anesthesia on ...
DiFranco B, Schumacher J, Morris D.Three horses were admitted for retrieval of polyurethane nasogastric tube fragments. The fragments were removed from the esophagus or stomach of 2 horses by manipulation of a snare introduced through the biopsy port of an endoscope. The fragments were surgically removed from the stomach of the third horse.
McIlwraith CW.This paper reviews the current status of diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy in the horse. Arthroscopy has been used as a diagnostic aid since 1974 and is useful for evaluation of abnormalities in synovial membrane and articular cartilage. Surgical arthroscopy is a more recent advance that has replaced conventional arthrotomy in 90 per cent of the author's cases. Clinical conditions currently being treated using arthroscopic techniques rather than arthrotomy include all chip fractures in the carpus, chip fractures of the first phalanx, chronic proliferative synovitis in the fetlock and osteoch...
Fischer BL, Ludders JW, Asakawa M, Fortier LA, Fubini SL, Nixon AJ, Radcliffe RM, Erb HN.To compare the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine plus detomidine with that of morphine plus detomidine when administered epidurally in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Methods: Twelve healthy adult horses participating in an orthopedic research study. Group M (n = 6) received morphine (0.2 mg kg(-1)) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg(-1)) epidurally; group B (n = 6) received buprenorphine (0.005 mg kg(-1)) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg(-1)) epidurally. Methods: Horses received one of two epidural treatments following induction of...
Pascoe JR, Meagher DM, Wheat JD.Uterine torsion was diagnosed in 26 mares of various breeds. The mean duration of gestation was 9.6 months. The most common clinical history was intermittent unresponsive colic of varying duration. Diagnosis of uterine torsion was confirmed by rectal palpation, and surgical correction was achieved in most cases by standing flank laparotomy and manual repositioning of the gravid uterus. Recumbent laparotomy was used only if the mare was intractable, the uterus was ruptured, or hysterotomy was indicated. Of 20 foals determined to be alive during surgery, 14 (70%) were subsequently born alive.
Trumble TN, Ingle-Fehr J, Hendrickson DA.A 364-kg (800-lb) 1-year-old mixed-breed horse was admitted for treatment of uncontrolled bleeding after castration. Multiple attempts to ligate the testicular artery through the scrotal incisions prior to referral had been unsuccessful. Because of the owner's concerns about cost, an attempt was made to control the bleeding by applying pressure to the inguinal region and administering formalin IV. However, hemorrhage continued. A decision was made to use laparoscopy to ligate the testicular artery. The horse was anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency, and a routine ventral laparoscop...
Haupt J, García-López JM, Chope K.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...
Mendez-Angulo JL, Tatarniuk DM, Ruiz I, Ernst N.To report long-term outcome in a mare that had extensive rostral mandibulectomy to remove an ameloblastoma. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: A 21-year-old mare. Methods: An ameloblastoma, located in the rostral aspect of the mandible, was removed by complete en-bloc resection of the tumor, removing most of the mandibular symphysis. Results: The day after surgery, the remaining mandibular symphysis (<5 mm) fractured causing marked instability of the hemi-mandibles. Partial wound dehiscence occurred 5 days after surgery; however, the mare was able to eat well and the incision healed within 2...
Juzwiak JS, Slone DE, Santschi EM, Moll HD.The case records of 19 mares undergoing caudal ventral midline celiotomy for cesarean section were reviewed. Surgical exposure to the uterus was good, and the incisions healed by first intention in surviving mares. Seventeen mares (89%) survived to time of hospital discharge. Six foals (32%) were delivered alive, of which three were euthanatized because of severe deformity (1 died on day 6 and 2 survived to time of discharge). The most frequent postoperative complications were abdominal pain (13 mares), anemia (10 mares), and retained placenta (6 mares). Sixteen mares were bred during at least...
Launois T, Moor PL, Berthier A, Merlin N, Rieu F, Schlotterer C, Siegel A, Fruit G, Dugdale A, Vandeweerd JM.Traumatic limb injuries are common in horses. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been proven to promote wound healing in human medicine. It has also been described for the treatment of wounds in horses. In this retrospective study, clinical records of 42 (n = 42) animals were assessed. Categories of wounds, duration of NPWT application, frequency of resetting the NPWT device, technical complications, and tolerance to the procedure were recorded. 42 wounds were classified as bony (n = 15; 36 %), articular (n = 14; 33 %), tenosynovial (n = 9; 21%), muscular (n = 2; 5%) and cuta...
Wefel S, Mendez-Angulo JL, Ernst NS.A 4-year-old Quarter horse stallion was presented for acute abdominal pain. Exploratory celiotomy revealed a mesenteric diverticulum of the jejunum and mesodiverticular band that were associated with small intestinal strangulation. Resection and anastomosis were performed. A second celiotomy was performed due to adhesions. The horse recovered completely and returned to training. Un étalon Quarter horse âgé de 4 ans a été présenté pour une douleur abdominale aiguë. Une laparatomie exploratoire a révélé un diverticule mésentérique du jéjunum et une bande mésodiverticulaire qui on...
