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.
Beroza GA, Perry RW, Cotter DM.Permanent implantation of nonabsorbable materials is appropriate in many surgical circumstances but is not commonly used to close equine celiotomies. This paper describes a simple method of continuous nonabsorbable implantation of polyamide suture used successfully to close 48 equine celiotomies. Forty-eight clean or clean-contaminated celiotomies were successfully performed over 5 years using this technique. The postsurgical survival observation period ranged from 1-6 years (median 3.5 years). There were 45 long-term survivors (93.75%). Only 2 minor implant complications (4.4%) were observed ...
van Hoogmoed L, Snyder JR, Pascoe JR, Olander HJ.This report describes the evaluation of uniformity of morphological injury of the large colon following severe colonic torsion in 17 horses presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. In 16 horses, twist occurred at the colonic base and in 1 at the sternal and diaphragmatic flexure. Eleven of the 17 horses were subjected to euthanasia at surgery and 6 of 17 following surgical correction within 4 days postoperatively. The objective of this study was to determine if the degree of histological changes present at the pelvic flexure were uniformly distributed throughout the regions of th...
Mariën T.Standing laparoscopic herniorrhaphy was performed in 9 stallions. Appropriate analgesia was achieved by sedation with detomidine and local flank infiltration with mepivacaine. Three portal sites at the paralumbar fossa were used to perform the herniorrhaphy by means of triangulation. A cylindrical polypropylene mesh was inserted and fixated in the inguinal canal. Subsequent adhesion formation resulted in an obliterated inguinal canal within 2 weeks. This minimal invasive technique allowed us to perform a testis sparing herniorrhaphy in the standing horse.
Huskamp B, Scheidemann W.Ninety-six horses with chronic recurrent caecal impaction associated with hypertrophy of muscle layers in the caecal base or in the whole caecum were examined from 1990 to 1996. Enlargement of the caecocolic orifice was completed surgically in 58 horses. Of those horses having surgery, 50 were discharged from the hospital while 8 were subjected to euthanasia at the hospital due to complications. Twenty-seven of the 50 horses discharged were normal at follow-up while 23 died or were subjected to euthanasia due to acute or recurrent colic, recurrent impaction in the ascending or descending colon...
Mariën T, Adriaenssen A, Segers L.A modified colon tray to perform large colon evacuations in horses was designed. A funnel-shaped accessory was constructed to create a mechanical separation between the sterile and nonsterile part of the tray. Sterile hooks were used to make a temporary and stabile colostomy. Thirty horses with surgical correction of nonstrangulating large colon obstruction underwent a large colon evacuation with this modified tray. The surgical procedure was uncomplicated and resulted in a positive outcome in 29 horses. This less labour-intensive way to evacuate the large colon results in minor contamination ...
Blikslager AT, Tate LP, Tudor R.To document the use and clinical outcome of transendoscopic laser techniques for treatment of rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch (RDPA) in horses. Background: Rostral displacement of the palatopharyngeal arch is a rare cause of upper respiratory noise and exercise intolerance in horses, and may be associated with abnormal laryngeal anatomy. There are few reports of successful treatment of this condition, and no reports of the treatment of RDPA using laser techniques. Methods: The diagnosis of RDPA was based on the presence of palatal tissue covering the dorsal aspect of the aryt...
Freeman DE, Hammock P, Baker GJ, Goetz T, Foreman JH, Schaeffer DJ, Richter RA, Inoue O, Magid JH.The records of 74 horses that recovered from anaesthesia after surgery for a small intestinal lesion from 1994 to 1999 were reviewed. Sixty-three horses (85%) had a strangulating lesion and 43 of these (68%) had a resection and anastomosis. Four of 11 horses (36%) without a strangulating lesion had a resection and anastomosis. Sixty-three horses (85%) survived to discharge, with a survival rate of 53/63 in horses with a strangulating lesion (84%) and 10/11 (91%) in others. For all lesions, short-term survival for all end-to-end anastomoses (91%; 21/23) and for no resection (92%; 23/25) were su...
Dabareiner RM, White NA, Donaldson LL.To determine whether intraluminal distention and subsequent decompression of the equine jejunum affects intestinal blood flow, hemodynamics, and microvascular permeability. Methods: 5 healthy adu t horses. Methods: Horses were anesthestized and underwent exploratory laparotomy. Two jejunal segments were identified as sham-operated or instrumented segments. After baseline values were obtained, intraluminal distention was created in the experimental segment to induce an ntraluminal pressure of 18 cm H2O. After 120 minutes of distention, the intestine was decompressed for 120 minutes. Mesenteric ...
Bladon BM, Hillyer MH.Extensive resection of the ileum of the horse, using automated stapling equipment followed by a stapled jejunocaecostomy, without closure of the mesenteric defect, was evaluated prospectively as a surgical treatment for lesions involving the distal small intestine. Of 153 horses treated surgically for colic, 10 horses with strangulating lesions involving the distal ileum were treated by extensive resection and jejunocaecal anastomosis leaving a residual mesenteric defect. These were compared with 12 horses with jejunoileal lesions treated by jejunocaecal anastomosis with closure of the mesente...
Mair TS.Eight horses with Grade 3b rectal tears of the peritoneal part of the rectum or small colon were treated by a combination of medical therapy and dietary manipulation. All of the horses developed septic peritonitis during the course of treatment. Medical therapy consisted of a combination of penicillin, gentamicin and flunixin meglumine administered parenterally, metronidazole administered orally and liquid paraffin administered by nasogastric tube. Some horses also received fluid and electrolyte therapy i.v., plasma and heparin i.v. All horses were maintained on a laxative diet. Six of the 8 h...
Santschi EM, Slone DE, Embertson RM, Clayton MK, Markel MD.The purpose of our study was to determine the types of lesions that cause colic in juvenile Thoroughbreds, factors associated with these lesions and the subsequent survival and athletic performance of the juveniles. The age of juvenile Thoroughbreds requiring surgical exploration for abdominal pain has an influence on the type of lesion causing colic. The short-term survival rate (discharge from the hospital) after colic surgery for foals was 85% and was strongly influenced by the lesion causing colic. Thirteen percent of juveniles recovered from the first surgery experienced another severe co...
Garcia-Lopez JM, Provost PJ, Rush JE, Zicker SC, Burmaster H, Freeman LM.To determine the prevalence of hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia in horses with surgical colic. Methods: 35 horses with surgically managed colic. Methods: Serum concentrations of total magnesium (tMg2+) and calcium (tCa2+), as well as ionized magnesium (iMg2+) and calcium (iCa2+) were analyzed before surgery and 1, 3, 5, and 7 days following surgery. A lead-II ECG and pertinent clinical data were also obtained at each time. Results: Preoperative serum tMg2+ and iMg2+ concentrations were below the reference range in 6 (17%) and 19 (54%) horses, respectively. Serum concentrations of tCa2+ and iCa2...
Martin GS.To evaluate effects of sex, fracture configuration, affected limb, and screw placement on outcome of Thoroughbreds with condylar fractures involving the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone. Methods: Cohort study. Animals-56 horses. Methods: Age, sex, affected limb, fracture configuration, fracture length, fracture fragment width, and distance of the most distal screw from the articular surface were analyzed in logistic regression models. Results: Females were more likely to have displaced fractures and race in fewer races after surgery than males. Sex and fracture configuration were associated...
Nieto JE, Snyder JR, Kollias-Baker C, Stanley S.To determine effects of cisapride and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the jejunum of horses. Methods: Jejunal muscle strips from 8 horses. Methods: Muscle strips were suspended in isolated muscle baths. Isometric stress responses to 5-HT and cisapride, with and without specific antagonists, were determined. Results: Muscle strips incubated with atropine and tetrodotoxin responded to 5-HT and cisapride with an increase in contractile force. The 5-HT caused a concentration-dependent increase in contractile amplitude, with a maximum response (Emax) of 1,151+/-214 g/cm2 and a molar concentration tha...
Van Hoogmoed L, Snyder JR, Pascoe JR, Olander H.To determine if morphologic evaluation of intraoperative biopsies of the large colon could be used to accurately predict outcome in horses with large colon torsion. Methods: Clinical study. Methods: Fifty-four horses with large colon torsion. Methods: A full-thickness biopsy was collected from the pelvic flexure of the ascending colon after correction of naturally occurring colonic torsion. Morphologic changes were evaluated and graded for interstitial tissue to crypt ratio (I:C ratio), percentage loss of superficial and glandular epithelium, and the degree of hemorrhage and edema. These varia...
Parviainen AK, Trim CM.This retrospective study was initiated to identify complications of anaesthesia occurring during ocular surgery. Records of 74 horses anaesthetised for eye enucleation, 65 horses anaesthetised for surgery of the eye and adnexa, and 51 horses anaesthetised for splint bone excision were reviewed. Fifty-three percent of the horses anaesthetised for eye enucleation moved during surgery which was significantly more frequent than in the other groups (P = 0.001). The incidence of moving was significantly reduced by use of an anaesthetic gas analyser for monitoring (P = 0.001). Transient hypertension ...
Colón JL, Bramlage LR, Hance SR, Embertson RM.The purpose of this study was to examine the longevity of postoperative careers and quality of performance of 461 Thoroughbred racehorses after arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal first phalanx (P1) osteochondral fractures. Six hundred and 59 dorsoproximal P1 chip fractures were removed arthroscopically from 574 joints in 461 horses presented for lameness or decreased performance attributed to the chip fractures. Radiological and arthroscopic examination revealed an average of 1.43 fragment sites/horse, 1.15 fragment sites/joint and 1.25 affected joints/horse. Eighty-nine percent of the hors...
Chan CC, Murphy H, Munroe GA.A modified open annular ligament desmotomy followed by passive open drainage was used to treat 12 horses with chronic digital septic tenosynovitis due to trauma in the form of open wounds or self-sealing punctures. The surgical approach included complete transection of the palmar/plantar annular ligament of the fetlock and proximal digital annular ligament, which facilitated the removal of fibrin, selective debridement and synovectomy, followed by lavage of the digital sheath. The incision was partially closed leaving a 2 cm gap open distally to allow for passive open drainage. Gentamicin was ...
Dechant JE, Trotter GW, Stashak TS, Hendrickson DA.To evaluate the outcome of horses with large fragments of the extensor process of the distal phalanx that were removed by use of arthrotomy. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 14 horses with large fragments of the extensor process of the distal phalanx. Methods: Medical records for horses with large fragments of the extensor process that were removed by use of arthrotomy were reviewed. Data retrieved from medical records included signalment, use of horse, affected limb, lameness history, lameness examination findings, radiographic findings, surgical technique, and outcome. Follow-up evalua...
Ohta M, Oku K, Yamanaka T, Mizuno Y.Eighty-five thoroughbred racehorses with various types of fracture were subjected to arthroscopic surgery (44 horses) or internal fixation (41 horses) under sevoflurane anesthesia. The mean end-tidal sevoflurane concentration during anesthesia ranged from 2.5 to 2.8%. PaCO2 was maintained between 50 and 65 mmHg by controlled ventilation. The mean arterial blood pressure was maintained above 65 mmHg by infusion of dobutamine and fluids, however, heart rate significantly increased with time. Recovery from anesthesia was calm and smooth in almost all cases. No apparent complication was observed d...
Mair TS, Walmsley JP, Phillips TJ.The medical records of 45 horses treated for suspected squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and/or prepuce were reviewed. The age of 40 horses was known, and these had a mean age of 17.4 years. The duration of neoplasia was known for only 3 of the 45 horses. The results of histological evaluation of lesions, available for 35 horses, confirmed that the diseased tissue was squamous cell carcinoma. The location of gross neoplastic lesions was recorded for 43 horses; the glans penis was involved in 24 horses, the body of the penis or the inner lamina of the preputial fold in 27 horses, and the ext...
Booth TM, Proudman CJ, Edwards GB.A 6-year-old mare was presented for acute abdominal pain unresponsive to analgesics. Exploratory laparotomy revealed entrapment of the small colon through a 12 cm rent in the mesocolon. The incarcerated small colon was manually reduced and the rent in the mesocolon was sutured closed. The mare made excellent postoperative recovery and was discharged from the hospital 4 days later. The cause of the rent, which was chronic in appearance, is unknown.
Southwood LL, Kawcak CE, Trotter GW, Stashak TS, Frisbie DD.To report the history, clinical findings, and outcome of horses with idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis associated with acute small intestinal obstruction. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Six horses with idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of horses with idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis, with acute abdominal pain and small intestinal obstruction, associated with a focal region of eosinophilic enteritis of unknown cause. Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, physical examination, laboratory fi...
Peroni JF, Robinson NE, Stick JA, Derksen FJ.Six healthy, awake, and pharmacologically restrained mature horses were studied in order to define the changes in cardiopulmonary function during and after exploratory thoracoscopy and to determine the presence of postoperative complications occurring 48 hours after thoracoscopy. In a randomised 3 x 3 latin square design with 2 replications, 18 procedures were performed: 6 right (RTH) and 6 left thoracoscopies (LTH) and 6 sham procedures (STH). Prior to each procedure a physical examination and a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis were performed. During thoracoscopy and sham protocols, hors...
Hubert JD, Hardy J, Holcombe SJ, Moore RM.To report a surgical technique for treatment of nonreducible cecocolic intussusception and outcome in 8 horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Eight horses with nonreducible cecocolic intussusception treated by cecal amputation through a right ventral colotomy. Methods: Data were obtained from medical records and telephone conversations by using a standardized questionnaire. The large colon was exteriorized and, if necessary, evacuated of its contents through a pelvic flexure enterotomy. A second colotomy was made on the ventral surface of the right ventral colon (RVC) centered over or...
Knight PK, Evans DL.To describe the clinical abnormalities found on post-race examination of poorly performing Standardbreds. Methods: The results of 541 post-race veterinary examinations on Standardbreds were analysed. The horses were selected for examination by the stipendiary stewards on the basis of poor performance from a population of approximately 20,000 runners which competed at Harold Park Paceway, Sydney. Results: Clinical abnormalities were detected on post-race examination in 264 of the 541 poorly performing horses. Some horses displayed more than one abnormality. Twenty three individual abnormalities...
Marble GP, Sullins KE.To evaluate the use of arthroscopy as the primary method for removal of large patellar fracture fragments. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 5 performance horses of various breeds with patellar fractures. Methods: Clinical signs of lameness, external evidence of injury, and radiography were used to diagnose and determine fracture orientation. Arthroscopy of the stifle joint was performed on the affected limb with the horse positioned in dorsal recumbency and under general anesthesia. Progress after surgery was determined by evaluating medical records and via telephone conversations with o...
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...
Lores M, Rakestraw P, De Rijck M, Yarbrough T.Application of an autogenous fascia lata graft in the treatment of keratomalacia in the horse has not been reported. The present case describes the use of an autologous fascia lata graft to surgically treat a complicated corneal ulcer in a horse. Methods: A 12-year-old Arabian mare was admitted to Sharjah Equine Hospital with a history of right eye ulcerative keratitis of unknown duration. Following a week of aggressive medical treatment, the condition deteriorated and a keratectomy and pedicle conjunctival graft were performed. A week later, the conjunctival graft partially dehisced and the u...
Dicht S, Del Chicca F, Fürst A.Ectopic teeth occur because of failure of the first branchial cleft to close during development and are found mostly in young horses. Such dentigerous cysts are often located at the base of the ear, forming a notable swelling with a fistula, as it was the case with the two year old Iceland mare «Runa». In order to confirm the diagnosis, x-ray images were taken, which is also necessary to locate the ectopic tooth correctly. While operating, the whole cystic membrane should be removed and it is important to prevent adjacent nerves and blood vessels from damage. Prognosis for complete healing a...
Hunt DA, Snyder JR, Morgan JP, Stover SM, Pool RR, Pascoe JR.Femoral neck and proximal epiphyseal lengths were measured in 37 femurs from 19 cadaver foals that were 1 day to 12 months old to determine the applicability of a human interfragmentary compression system to equine femoral capital physeal fractures. Because components of the implant system are available only in fixed sizes, its use was possible in foals older than 5 weeks of age, but not in younger foals. The 135 degree angle plate conformed best to the equine femur. Femoral capital physeal fractures were created surgically and repaired with the implant system in three foals. Fracture stabilit...
Steiner JV, Rendano VT.An aneurysmal bone cyst was diagnosed in the distal metaphysis of Mt3 in a 9-month-old-Quarter Horse colt. The lesion developed between the fifth and ninth month of life and clinically appeared as a non-painful swelling which did not cause a lameness. Radiographs of the lesion showed expansion of the cortex and incomplete septa of new bone extending from the cortex into surrounding soft tissue. Surgical intervention revealed a blood filled cavity. The animal died during the immediate post-surgical period. Histopathologic evaluation of the lesion was performed.
Mc Nally TP, Slone DE, Hughes FE, Lynch TM.To describe a tenosynoviotomy technique for treatment of sepsis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) in horses and report long-term outcome. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n = 9). Methods: Horses were positioned in lateral recumbency with the affected limb uppermost. A linear incision was made just lateral to the mesotenon beginning 5 cm proximal to the apices of the proximal sesamoid bones, extending 2 cm distal to the bifurcation of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). The incision was continued through the skin, subcutaneous tissue, palmar/plantar annular ligament, an...
Cohen ND, Honnas CM.To determine the incidence of the risk factors for developing diarrhea in horses after celiotomy for colic. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: 357 adult horses that had celiotomy for colic at the teaching hospital between Jan 1, 1990 and Sep 1, 1994. Methods: Medical records of horses that had celiotomy for colic were reviewed to abstract information regarding development of diarrhea, signalment, history, and treatment. Results: In horses that had celiotomy for colic, the incidence of diarrhea was 53.2% (190/357). Using multiple logistic regression, horses with a disorder of the lar...
Foerner JJ, Ringle MJ, Junkins DS, Fischer AT, MacHarg MA, Phillips TN.A 7-year-old Thoroughbred mare underwent exploratory celiotomy for diagnosis and treatment of colic. An irreducible herniation of the large colon through the epiploic foramen was found. To reduce the hernia, the pelvic flexure was transected and the ends of the large colon were closed. The intercolonic mesentery was divided, and unaffected left ventral colon was moved into the epiploic foramen, providing sufficient space so that affected left dorsal colon could be reduced. The affected left ventral colon was then reduced and the diseased portion of both colons was resected. The colons were res...
Engelbert TA, Tate LP, Bowman KF, Bristol DG.The medical records of 19 horses referred for colic and subsequently found (18 confirmed, 1 suspected) to have small intestinal incarceration through the epiploic foramen were reviewed. These horses were of various ages and breeds; they had clinical signs of colic for an average duration of 13.5 hours before examination. Seventeen horses had nasogastric reflux, and 15 had palpable small intestinal distention. Three horses were killed during surgery because of severe intestinal damage. Of the remaining 16 horses, 13 required intestinal resection and anastomosis. The length of incarcerated small...
Geor RJ, Larsen L, Waterfall HL, Stewart-Hunt L, McCutcheon LJ.No studies in horses have examined the effect of route of carbohydrate (glucose) administration on the rate of muscle glycogen storage following glycogen-depleting exercise. Objective: Glucose delivery from the gastrointestinal tract limits the rate of muscle glycogen storage following glycogen-depleting exercise. Methods: In a crossover design, 7 fit horses completed treadmill exercise (EX) on 3 occasions to deplete muscle glycogen by approximately 50%. After EX horses received: 1) i.v. glucose infusion (IV; 0.5 g/kg bwt/h for 6 h), 2) oral glucose boluses (OR; 1 g/kg bwt at 0, 2 and 4 h post...
Bauck AG.The 3 time periods around colic surgery (preoperative, operative, and postoperative) are all critical to successful outcomes. Although much focus is often paid to the first 2 time periods, the importance of sound clinical judgment and rational decision-making in the postoperative period cannot be overstated. This article will outline the basic principles of monitoring, fluid therapy, antimicrobial therapy, analgesia, nutrition, and other therapeutics routinely used in patients following colic surgery. Discussions of the economics of colic surgery and expectations for normal return to function ...
Mackenzie CJ, Carslake HB, Robin M, Kent RJ, Malalana F.An 8-year-old mare was presented for investigation of a 1-month history of blepharospasm, eyelid swelling, corneal edema, and ocular discharge of the right eye (OD). Ophthalmic examination confirmed mucopurulent ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and a dry, dull appearance to the cornea OD. Schirmer tear test results confirmed an absence of tear production OD (0 mm/min) consistent with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Treatment with topical 0.2% cyclosporine A resulted in an improvement in clinical signs. An episcleral cyclosporine A implant was placed under standing sedation 5 days after in...
Bertone AL.With large colon resection and anastomosis, up to 95 per cent of the length of the large colon has been successfully removed. A hand-sewn end-to-end anastomosis is effective for lesions in the left dorsal colon and pelvic flexure. Transection and a side-to-side anastomosis with stapling equipment is most effective for extensive resections (greater than 50 per cent). Horses with extensive colon resection (95 per cent) have permanent deficiencies of water absorption and digestion of cellulose and protein. Fermentative capacity is reduced, owing to decreased particulate matter retention time in t...
Ibrahim A, Mahmoud UT, Ali MM, Ragab SMM.This study described the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with special regard to its efficiency and welfare impacts. The study was conducted on twelve adult male donkeys, allocated randomly into two groups; subcapsular castration (SC) and open castration (OC) groups, whether the donkeys were subjected to surgical castration either by subcapsular or open castration techniques, respectively. Testosterone, cortisol, lactate, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured before an...
Hurcombe SD, Klein CE, Roessner HA, Engiles JB, Hopster K.To report the use of nylon cable ties (NCT) for omentectomy in the horse. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Eight healthy adult horses. Methods: Horses underwent nylon cable tie (NCT) ligation of the greater omentum after ventral midline celiotomy. The time required to complete the omentectomy was recorded. Horses were recovered for 14 days before repeat celiotomy, adhesions assessment, and histological examination of the omentectomy site using a proposed histologic grading scheme. The total time for omentectomy procedure and histologic score was assessed for normality. Data are expresse...
Pascoe DR, Stover SM.A surgical technique for removal of one conceptus from mares with twin concepti more than 35 days of gestational age was evaluated. One conceptus was removed surgically from each of 15 mares carrying twin concepti that were 41 to 65 days of gestational age. As determined by ultrasonography, eight mares had bicornuate and seven mares had unicornuate twin concepti. For maintenance of pregnancy if surgical trauma should cause prostaglandin release and luteolysis, progesterone was administered prophylactically. Flunixin meglumine was administered perioperatively to minimize prostaglandin release. ...
Curtis MB, Eicker SW, Archer RM, Lindsay WA.A 5-year old Arabian mare fell during recovery from general anesthesia after an exploratory laparotomy. This fall resulted in dehiscence of the abdominal closure, and a substantial amount of intestines were exteriorized. Chemical and manual restraints were rapidly used to prevent trauma to the exposed intestines. A second general anesthesia was initiated to clean the intestines and close the incision. Multiple anesthetic problems were encountered, including arterial hypotension and hypoxemia. The horse recovered from the second general anesthesia and surgery, and all complications gradually re...
Pye J, Clulow J, Adkins A.To describe the laparoscopic transection of restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx as a useful adjunct to the topical application of prostaglandin E to treat mares with suspected uterine tubal blockage. Methods: A standard left flank laparoscopic approach was made to the abdomen using three laparoscopic portals. If restrictive bands of the mesosalpinx were observed traversing the uterine tube perpendicularly, they were carefully transected and 1 mg of prostaglandin E was then applied to the external surface of the uterine tube. Skin incisions were closed with surgical staples and the procedure...
Murphy DJ, Peck LS, Detrisac CJ, Widenhouse CW, Goldberg EP.To evaluate efficacy and safety of IP administration of high-molecular-weight carboxymethylcellulose (HMW CMC) for the prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions in ponies. Methods: 10 ponies. Methods: A 1% solution of HMW CMC was instilled intra-abdominally prior to surgery in 5 ponies, whereas 5 control ponies did not receive HMW CMC. Postoperative adhesions were induced by use of a bowel-abrasion method comprising laparotomy, typhlotomy, and abrasion of jejunal serosa at multiple sites with placement of 3 sutures at each site. Day of surgery was day 0. After surgery, ponies were ...
Schulze N, Ehrle A, Noguera Cender AC, Lischer C.To report surgical treatment of a complete luxation of the atlantoaxial articulation with a 4.5-mm T-locking compression plate (T-LCP) in a horse. Methods: Case report. Methods: A one-year-old American quarter horse filly. Methods: A one-year-old American quarter horse filly presented with a complete luxation of the atlantoaxial articulation. Closed and open reduction of the luxation were attempted under general anesthesia with the aid of a pulley system. Because the manual reduction was unsuccessful, the dens axis was excised, and the atlas and axis were stabilized with a 4.5-mm T-LCP. Fo...
Tapio H, Argüelles D, Gracia-Calvo LA, Raekallio M.To describe a modified technique for permanent translocation of the common carotid artery (CCA) to a subcutaneous position in standing horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Healthy adult Standardbred and Warmblood horses (n = 8). Methods: Surgery was performed with the horses standing under sedation and with local anesthesia. A combination of previously described techniques was used modifying the approach and closure of the incision. The right CCA was approached through a linear skin incision dorsal and parallel to the jugular vein and through the brachiocephalicus and omohyoideus ...
Harrington JT, McMullen RJ, Clode AB, Gilger BC.A 2-month-old, 110-kg Saddlebred filly presented for evaluation of bilateral cataracts. A hypermature cataract in the left eye (OS) and an incipient nuclear cataract in the right eye (OD) were diagnosed. Electroretinography and ocular ultrasound revealed no contraindications for surgical removal of the cataractous lens OS. Phacoemulsification and implantation of a +14 diopter (D) intraocular lens (IOL) OS were performed at 4 months of age without complication, with the exception of a partial iridectomy performed on a small iris section that prolapsed through the corneal incision. Complete opht...
Barr AR, Wotton SF, Dow SM, Waterman AE, Goodship AE, Duance VC.The effects of osteochondral defect location and post-operative walking exercise on structural repair and recovery of joint function were examined in the midcarpal joints of ponies. Functional recovery was monitored by measuring ground reaction forces using a force plate. Structural repair was evaluated histologically and by measuring the total collagen and uronic acid content and relative proportions of Type I and II collagen in the repair tissue. Central defects tended to cause a more marked functional disturbance but were repaired with fibrocartilage rather than fibrous tissue in 3 out of 6...
Gray SM, Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Secor EJ.To report our experience with partial arytenoidectomy in sedated standing horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Fourteen client-owned adult horses. Methods: The medical records (2013-2017) of horses treated with unilateral partial arytenoidectomy while standing and sedated were reviewed. Demographics, endoscopic findings, previous treatments, and outcome after surgery were investigated and recorded. Results: Thirteen horses had unilateral left-sided recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) and 1 horse had bilateral RLN. Five horses had a previous failed prosthetic laryngoplasty. Left-side...
Toews AR, Campbell JR.To assess the value of CBC as a preoperative test in healthy horses undergoing cryptorchidectomy. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 117 horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to identify horses that had had cryptorchidectomy. Of the 117 horses identified, 102 were found that did not have a known medical condition believed to adversely affect surgery. Preoperative CBC was assessed in terms of abnormalities detected and effects of these abnormalities on development of complications during and after surgery and patient management. Results: Of 102 CBC performed, 55 contained abnormali...
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...
Graham S, Freeman D.The widespread use of laparoscopy in equine surgery has increased interest in the standing approach to a wide range of procedures typically regarded as feasible only through a ventral midline incision. Although a commonly cited benefit of standing surgery relates to avoiding costs of general anesthesia and risks associated with it, some procedures and horses are not suitable candidates for standing abdominal procedures. Some procedures, such as nephrectomy, colostomy, and closure of the nephrosplenic space, are not only suitable for standing surgery but are performed more easily and more safel...
Droutsas K, Giachos I, Katsiampoula V, Kourti P, Kymionis G, Petrou P.To describe the off-label use of lyophilized equine pericardium for tectonic enhancement of the sclera in a case of progressive scleromalacia perforans. Methods: An 82-year-old woman with a history of varicella zoster virus sclerokeratitis presented with a progressively expanding scleral thinning at the superonasal quadrant of the anterior sclera of her left eye. The eye was blind because of intractable glaucoma. To avoid perforation of the exposed choroid, a single layer of lyophilized equine pericardium was sutured over the scleral perforation. After performing a conjunctival peritomy in the...
Lang HM, Nixon AJ.To characterize discrete palmar carpal osteochondral fragmentation in horses and to document the effect of osteoarthritis and surgical removal of these fragments on functional outcome. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 25 horses. Methods: Medical records and radiographic views were reviewed to identify horses that had radiographic evidence of palmar carpal fragmentation, which was subsequently treated by arthroscopic removal. Information collected included cause of fracture, initial and long-term clinical and radiographic findings, and functional outcome. Results: Palmar carpal frag...
Stegmann GF, Jones RS.The cortisol response to anaesthesia and surgery was studied in 2 groups of horses undergoing either abdominal or non-abdominal surgery. The preoperative mean plasma cortisol concentration (pcc) of 381.7 nmol/l (s.d. 254.7) was markedly higher in the abdominal group than the early-morning mean pcc of 115.6 nmol/l (s.d. 78.4) in the non-abdominal group. During halothane anaesthesia and surgery the mean pcc increased significantly (p < 0.05) from the preoperative mean of 119.2 to 215.9 nmol/l (s.d. 79.8) after 30 min of surgery in the non-abdominal group. In the abdominal group a decrease occ...
Scherrer NM, Hopster K.To study the surgical, anesthetic and recovery qualities of horses receiving either a neuromuscular blocking agent (atracurium) or intravenous lidocaine (treatment groups A and L, respectively). Methods: A total of thirty horses presented for ocular surgery were used in this study. Methods: Horses were randomly assigned to receive either atracurium (group A) or a lidocaine constant rate infusion (group L). Surgical quality was graded on a scale from 1 (excellent)-5 (poor). While anesthetized, the heart rate, oxygen saturation and mean arterial blood pressure, and end-expiratory carbon dioxide ...
