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.
Easter JL, Hague BA, Brumbaugh GW, Nguyen J, Chaffin MK, Honnas CM, Kemper DL.To evaluate the effect of peritoneal lavage on pharmacokinetics of gentamicin sulfate in healthy horses after experimental celiotomy. Methods: 13 clinically normal horses. Methods: Horses were randomly assigned to control or experimental groups. All horses received gentamicin (6.6 mg/kg of body weight, IV, q 24 h) before surgery, underwent experimental abdominal surgery, and had abdominal drains placed percutaneously. Horses of the experimental group received postoperative peritoneal lavage; horses of the control group did not receive peritoneal lavage. The day after surgery, 24 hours after th...
Yokoyama S, Matsuo K, Fujiwara T, Jibiki T, Okajima Y, Aotsuka H.We reported a successful case of the modified Norwood operation for a 21-day-old neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (MS and AS) associated with an aberrant right subclavian artery and a persistent left superior vena cava. The modified Norwood operation was performed without total circulatory arrest and Cardiac arrest. A 4 mm Gore-Tex graft, which was anastomosed between the right carotid artery and the right pulmonary artery for systemic-pulmonary shunt, was used for cerebral perfusion during aortic arch reconstruction. Coronary perfusion was performed with a small cannula placed on ...
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...
Hartmann FA, Trostle SS, Klohnen AA.Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from a postoperative wound infection in a horse. Methicillin-resistant S aureus infections in animals have been reported. In human beings, MRSA is an important cause of hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections. Infections caused by MRSA respond poorly to beta-lactam treatment, and resistance of MRSA to multiple antimicrobials, including aminoglycosides, macrolides, clindamycin, and tetracyclines, is common. Identification of MRSA by routine susceptibility testing may be difficult; therefore, techniques for MRSA detection should b...
Klohnen A, Trostle SS, Stone WC, Johanningmeier D, Wilson DG, Hendrickson DA.A yearling horse was presented with a septic, transverse fracture in the frontal plane of the distal phalanx. The fracture fragment was surgically removed from the parent bone via the sole. The foot was managed by corrective farriery and the horse was able to be ridden for pleasure.
Chan CC, Munroe GA.Chronic septic tenosynovitis with concurrent, associated focal osteomyelitis of the lateral proximal sesamoid bone was diagnosed in a seven-year-old thoroughbred gelding. Surgical management of this case consisted of open annular ligament desmotomy and curettage of the affected sesamoid. Following lavage of the digital sheath the incisional wound was closed but a 2 cm gap was left distally to allow for postoperative open drainage. The distal limb was bandaged and the horse treated with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Sepsis resolved and the horse made a gradual return to ful...
Freeman DE.Although earlier reports describe a poor prognosis for small intestinal surgery in the horse, there is growing evidence that the short-term survival rate can exceed 80%. In addition to advancements in surgery and aftercare, early referral contributes considerably to the improved prognosis. Surgical procedures that restore anatomic and physiologic continuity to close to normal can minimize postoperative complications. Jejunojejunostomy carries a better prognosis than jejunocecostomy, probably because the latter involves anastomosis between two intestinal segments with dissimilar functions. Care...
Johnston JK, Freeman DE.Displacements and intraluminal obstructions of the large colon carry a good to excellent prognosis for long-term recovery, and surgery for these diseases is rarely followed by short-term or long-term complications. Entrapment of the large colon over the renosplenic ligament is amenable to medical therapies so that surgery can be avoided in many cases. However, preoperative diagnosis of all nonstrangulating diseases of the large colon can be difficult. Vascular diseases of the large colon, such as thromboembolic diseases and large colon volvulus, are more difficult to treat and carry a poorer p...
Baird AN, Freeman DE.Rectal tears have important medicolegal implications, and severe tears have a poor prognosis. Prompt diagnosis, immediate application of first aid measures, early referral, use of appropriate definitive treatments, and aggressive aftercare will improve the prognosis. The grade of rectal injury will determine the definitive treatment, but there are few guidelines to determine which treatment is best in each case. Bypass procedures, such as colostomy and indwelling rectal liner, have their own advantages and disadvantages, but can facilitate healing and prevent life-threatening complications if ...
Hance SR.Colopexy is a surgical procedure designed to create an adhesion from the ventral colon to the body wall to prevent recurrence of large colon volvulus or displacement, and is a useful technique to prevent recurrence of this disease. Colopexies usually are reserved for broodmares, because this is the population of horses that is most predisposed to recurrence of large colon volvulus.
Edwards GB.Diseases of the small colon are numerous and they can affect horses of any age. Diseases can be simple obstructions, nonstrangulating obstructions, strangulating obstructions, and congenital defects. American Miniature Horses appear prone to luminal obstruction with impacted intestinal contents, and some ischemic diseases are more common in postpartum mares. Enterotomy and enterectomy have a high success rate in the small colon, provided the affected portion can be exteriorized. The beginning and terminal portions of the small colon can be involved in many diseases and are not readily accessib...
Southwood LL, Baxter GM.Adhesions are an important complication after abdominal surgery in horses and foals, especially after small intestinal resection and anastomosis. Prevention therapies used in horses have included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, heparin, dimethyl sulfoxide, carboxymethylcellulose, and meticulous surgical technique; however, the ideal surgical technique and prevention therapy has not been determined. Further, treatment of abdominal adhesions has a poor prognosis, emphasizing the need for improvements in prevention methods.
Van Hoogmoed L, Snyder JR.The medical management of postoperative abdominal disorders remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the equine clinician. Recent advances in the development of techniques and medications to offset or attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury, endotoxemia, and ileus are encouraging and potentially will decrease the incidence of additional complications.
Colbourne CM, Rosenstein DS, Steficek BA, Yovich JV, Stick JA.A progressive ethmoidal hematoma (PEH) was treated successfully in a 4-week-old Belgian filly by surgical removal, using a frontonasal bone flap. The filly had respiratory stridor, epistaxis, and facial enlargement over the left paranasal sinuses, which had progressively increased in size since birth. Computed tomographic images of the head obtained with the foal under general anesthesia were useful in determining the extent and nature of the soft-tissue mass and planning surgical intervention. On the basis of the histologic appearance of the mass, a diagnosis of PEH was made. Twelve months af...
Carson-Dunkerley SA, Hanson RR.To describe the short- and long-term survival rates in horses undergoing ovariectomy for granulosa cell tumors by use of the diagonal paramedian approach. Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: 12 horses with granulosa cell tumors. Methods: A diagonal paramedian approach for unilateral ovariectomy was used for removal of each mare's granulosa cell tumor. Information about complications and outcomes was analyzed. Results: Only minimal complications were detected postoperatively when the diagonal paramedian approach was used, regardless of the preferred technique for ovarian pedicle ligatio...
Munroe GA, Cauvin E.The clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in a case of a comminuted articular fracture of the accessory carpal bone of a thoroughbred chaser are described, and its surgical treatment and aftercare are detailed. The horse made an uneventful recovery and successfully returned to racing.
Hendrickson DA, Wilson DG.This article describes a new technique for laparoscopic cryptorchid castration in standing horses. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: Eight horses aged 11 months to 3 years and weighing between 300 and 643 kg. Methods: Food was withheld for 24 to 36 hours, and then horses were sedated with detomidine HCl (0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg) and butorphanol tartrate (0.02 mg/kg). The paralumbar fossa region was desensitized with 2% mepivacaine in an inverted "L" pattern and caudal epidural anesthesia was administered with either xylazine (0.18 mg/kg diluted to 10 to 15 mL with 0.9% sodium chloride) or a comb...
Cable CS, Fubini SL, Erb HN, Hakes JE.The case records of 119 young horses (all less than age one year) that underwent an exploratory celiotomy during a 17 year period were examined to determine the surgical findings, short- and long-term outcome, and prevalence of small intestinal disease compared to previous reports in the mature horse. Physical and laboratory values were compared for long-term survivors vs. nonsurvivors and the frequency of post operative intra-abdominal adhesions was determined. The most common cause for exploratory celiotomy was small intestinal strangulation, followed by enteritis and uroperitoneum. Six hors...
Davis EW.The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using laparoscopy to remove cryptorchid testes from standing horses. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Eleven client-owned horses ranging in age from 4 months to 2 years. Methods: Abdominal insufflation was initiated and maintained using a 20 F insufflation tube, attached via a stopcock, to the low pressure regulator on a standard carbon dioxide pressure tank. After trocar and laparoscope placement in the ipsilateral flank the testes were identified. Local anesthesia of the structures to be manipulated was administered t...
Orsini JA, Roby KA.A modified surgical procedure for creation of a carotid loop for repeated percutaneous sampling of arterial blood gas was performed on 8 Holstein heifers and 14 horses. This approach permitted sampling of blood gas via fine-needle aspiration (one to three times daily) and/or catheterization for extended periods. It offers several advantages over previously reported techniques, including greater accessibility, absence of postoperative complications such as hematoma formation, and absence of foreign materials supporting the loop.
Crawford WH, Ingle JE.A yearling horse was treated for a chronic wound with a 4 cm deficit in the deep digital tendon. The gap in the tendon was bridged with paired polypropylene braided implants designed for use as a ligament augmentation device. Uncomplicated healing and return to function occurred.
Santschi EM, Juzwiak JS, Moll HD, Slone DE.This clinical report describes surgical correction of diaphragmatic hernia in three young horses. Methods: Retrospective investigation of medical records and subsequent racing performance. Methods: Three young horses with diaphragmatic hernia. Results: Three young horses with signs of abdominal pain had diaphragmatic hernia causing small intestinal strangulation. The strangulated small intestine was resected and an end-to-end jejuno-jejunal (two horses) or a side-to-side jejuno-cecal anastomosis (one horse) was performed. Diaphragmatic hernias were closed with a continuous suture pattern. All ...
Trim CM, Eaton SA, Parks AH.An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with colic was anesthetized for surgical correction of right dorsal displacement of the ascending colon. Removal of the nasogastric tube at the end of surgery resulted in hemorrhage from the nares and loss of 24 L of blood. Treatment included administration of acetated Ringer's solution, hypertonic saline solution, and dobutamine. A blood transfusion was started after hemorrhage was controlled, and arterial pressure was restored to the prehemorrhage value, but was stopped after infusion of 2.7 L of blood because of a suspected adverse reaction. This case indi...
Savelberg HH, Buchner HH, Becker CK.The recovery process of the equine locomotor system after desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (AL-DDFT) was investigated by studying the movement patterns and joint moments in 6 horses before and 10 days and 6 months following surgery. Using a modified CODA-3 system the joint angles and angular velocities of the lower limb were assessed in the operated forelimb as before the operation. Simultaneously ground reaction forces were measured and joint moments calculated. At 10 days and 6 months after the operation the carpal joint started to bend earlier in the sta...
Southwood LL, Stashak TS, Fehr JE, Ray C.A lateral approach to the carpal sheath was used for endoscopic removal of osteochondromas from the distal aspect of the radius in 3 horses. Previously osteochondromas have been removed through an incision into the carpal sheath; however, endoscopy is less invasive, requires less surgery and convalescence time, provides better cosmetic results, is associated with a lower risk of infection, and allows better examination of structures within the sheath. A medial approach for endoscopic removal has been described previously; however, the lateral approach was advantageous, because it avoided the m...
Trim CM.Hemorrhagic myelopathy or myelomalacia is an uncommon cause of failure to stand after general anesthesia. Affected horses are usually young and have been anesthetized for relatively short times in dorsal recumbency. Clinical signs involve the hind limbs and include loss of deep pain perception. Etiology of this condition is not known. Differentiation from other forms of neuropathy and myopathy is important to the prognosis.
MacLellan KN, MacDonald DG, Crawford WH.A 4-month-old colt with stage I flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint was diagnosed as having a type IV nondisplaced fracture of the extensor process of the 3rd phalanx. An inferior check ligament desmotomy and internal fixation of the fracture were performed. Favorable long-term results for internal fixation of extensor process fractures are presented.
Newton SA, Knottenbelt DC, Daniel EA.The surgical repair of a traumatic injury to the parotid (Stenson's) duct of an adult horse is described and compared with previous reports. The diagnosis was confirmed by the analysis of a flow of saliva-like fluid observed while the horse was eating. The repair was attempted under general anaesthesia three days after the injury. Surgical anastomosis was considered to have improved the rate of healing. However, there was some evidence of leakage of saliva from the site for three days after the removal of the in-dwelling catheter, seven days postoperatively. A full recovery followed.
Pál Z, Bodó G.Allograft arthroplasty is a promising cartilage-resurfacing technique. A 14-year-old horse was diagnosed with a medial femoral condyle subchondral bone cyst. Allografts were harvested from a young donor animal and implanted to fill the cyst cavity. A visual assessment of the surgical site was possible during follow-up arthroscopy. In addition to a desirable gliding surface and a good adaptation of the grafts, fibrillation of the cranial ligament of the medial meniscus was noted and debrided. The recipient horse became sound four months after follow-up surgery with a high level of owner satisfa...
Dallap BL, Bramlage LR, Embertson RM.The purpose of this study was to evaluate screw fixation with cortical drilling as a surgical treatment for dorsal cortical stress fractures of MCIII in the Thoroughbred racehorse. Details of age, sex, limb affected, fracture assessment, and post operative recommendations were obtained from medical records and radiographs. Fracture healing was assessed radiographically at the time of screw removal. Performance evaluation was determined from race records obtained from The Jockey Club Information System, Lexington, Kentucky. Fifty-six Thoroughbred racehorses were treated surgically for stress fr...
Mueller PO, Allen D.Recent advances in abdominal surgical techniques in the horse have resulted in improved survival rates and reduced postoperative morbidity. The development of abdominal surgical procedures in horses has paralleled the development of safe anesthetic protocols and innovative technological advancements in humans. Irrespective of the species, the application of sound surgical principles is still the foundation of surgical intervention. This article describes recent advances in equine gastrointestinal surgical techniques. The availability and application of innovative intestinal surgical devices an...
Beste KJ, Ortved KF, Rossignol F, Ducharme NG.To describe the use of a silicone-covered laser guide and diode laser for surgical correction of epiglottic entrapment and report postoperative outcomes in horses with epiglottic entrapment. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses (n = 29) with epiglottic entrapment. Methods: A silicone-covered laser guide was placed endoscopically to direct the diode laser cutting action during transection of the entrapping subepiglottic membrane and to act as a physical barrier between the membrane and the epiglottic cartilage. Postoperative complications and tra...
Dean PW, Cohen ND.A noncurrent prospective study of nonworking horses with arytenoid chondropathy was conducted to confirm a clinical impression that horses with unilateral chondropathy and accompanying lesions had a poorer prognosis after arytenoidectomy than horses with bilateral or uncomplicated unilateral chondropathy. Surgical failure was defined as death, euthanasia, permanent tracheostomy, or reoperation. Survival to surgical failure and clinical improvement data were compared between horses with and without accompanying lesions treated by arytenoidectomy. The probability of surgical failure was signific...
Hewitt-Dedman CL, O'Neill HD, Bladon BM.To describe the removal of palmar intermediate carpal bone (ICB) fracture fragments using a transthecal approach through the carpal flexor tendon sheath. Methods: Case series. Methods: Four horses with fractures of the palmar aspect of the ICB. Methods: Two horses were injured when falling and two during recovery from general anesthesia. Three horses underwent MRI to supplement conventional imaging. Three horses had concurrent fractures of the radial and/or accessory carpal bones. Conventional proximolateral carpal sheath arthroscope and instrument portals were used, supplemented with a medial...
Kelmer G, Schumacher J.Abdominal incisional hernias in over 40 horses were repaired by exposing the hernial sac and ring and closing the ring with absorbable, interrupted, inverted, cruciate sutures after inverting the hernial sac into the peritoneal cavity. A mesh was sutured, under tension, over the closed ring. Placing the mesh subcutaneously, rather than in the retroperitoneal space, simplified the dissection and minimised the likelihood of penetrating the peritoneal cavity, a problem common to techniques of hernia repair in which the mesh is implanted into the retroperitoneal space. Implanting the mesh subcutan...
Short CE, Brunson DB.Anesthetic management of the pleasure horse consists of the appropriate selection and administration of pre-anesthetic medications including anticholinergics, tranquilizers and narcotics followed by appropriate techniques of anesthetic induction. The anesthetic induction must vary somewhat for the pleasure horse practice since many of the procedures are completed on farms and ranches. As a result the inducing of anesthesia will frequently be with the same agent which will be used to maintain anesthesia. Noticeably will be the reduction and duration of anesthesia and surgical time. The inductio...
Pope AM, Campbell DL, Davidson JP.Foal heat was significantly delayed in 15 Thoroughbred and Quarter-horse mares by 200 mg progesterone in oil from Days 5--14 post partum. Nine of these mares subsequently received daily i.v. injections of 2 mg of a synthetic GnRH preparation (AY-24,031) from Day 2 of the progesterone-delayed oestrus but this treatment did not significantly shorten oestrus or hasten ovulation. Uterine biopsies taken on Day 15 post partum from all the mares showed a mixed endometrial morphology having both oestrous and dioestrous characteristics. There was an increased proliferation of endometrial glands in thes...
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...
Troy JR, Holcombe SJ, Fogle CA, Epstein KL, Woodie JB.To determine the influence of hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) membranes applied to intestinal anastomoses or enterotomies on postoperative complications after emergency exploratory celiotomy. Methods: Multicenter retrospective case-controlled series. Methods: Adult horses (59 in the HA-CMC group and 91 controls). Methods: Medical records from 4 referral hospitals were searched for horses ≥1 year of age, treated between 2008 and 2014 with emergency exploratory celiotomy, and surviving at least 24 hours postoperatively. Horses receiving repeat celiotomy during the same hospitalizat...
Ducharme NG, Horney FD, Hulland TJ, Partlow GD, Schnurr D, Zutrauen K.The purpose of this project was to attempt restoration of abduction of a recently experimentally denervated left dorsal cricoarytenoid muscle by implanting a transected nerve-end into the paralyzed muscle. In six ponies the cut end of the second cervical nerve was implanted into a slit made in the left dorsal cricoarytenoid muscle. The nerve end was secured in place with one 5-0 polypropylene suture connecting the epineurium to the epimysium. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve was transected during this procedure. All six ponies showed signs of complete left laryngeal hemiplegia immediately af...
Dieckmann M, Deegen E.Twelve horses with clinical symptoms of a gastric disorder were studied by gastroscopy. Symptoms of gastric disorders were periprandial colic, bruxism, ructus and reflux. Preliminary to gastroscopy the horses were fasted for 24 h. Access to water was not restricted. The gastroscopy could be conducted easily using a fiberscope 2.5 m in length and 11 mm in outer diameter. While ulcers were present in the squamous fundus of all horses only one horse showed ulceration of the glandular fundus. Solitary ulcers near the margo plicatus were found in horses with mild clinical symptoms. In contrast, dif...
Judy CE, Galuppo LD.To describe a technique for endoscope-assisted disruption and removal of urinary calculi using a holmium:YAG laser in sedated, standing horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Six horses with urinary calculi. Methods: A holmium:YAG laser was used to disrupt naturally occurring urinary calculi in horses (4 geldings, 1 stallion, 1 mare). Ischial urethrotomy was performed in male horses to provide a portal for the endoscope and laser fiber. Calculus fragments were removed by a combination of lavage, transendoscopic basket snare removal, forceps, and digital manipulation. Ischial urethrotom...
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...
Byron CR, Stick JA, Brown JA, Lugo J.A 2-year-old sexually intact male Paint horse weighing 427 kg (940 lb) was admitted for examination and treatment of intermittent non-weight-bearing lameness of the right hind limb of 1 week's duration. Radiography revealed a displaced Salter-Harris type-III fracture of the right femoral condyle with the sagittal component of the fracture line located in the intercondylar space and the transverse component exiting on the medial aspect of the femur. The fracture was repaired with a condylar screw plate designed for repair of femoral condylar fractures in humans. The owner reported by telephone ...
Honnas CM, Schumacher J, McClure SR, Crabill MR, Carter GK, Schmitz DG, Hoffman AG.Medical records of 10 horses with olecranon bursitis were reviewed to examine treatments, evaluate a technique for en bloc resection of the bursa in standing horses, and determine outcome of the horses after treatment. Before admission, 6 horses had been treated by needle aspiration of fluid from the mass, followed by injection of corticosteroids. Subsequent treatment for 2 of these 6 horses included open drainage and packing of the cavity with gauze soaked in 7% iodine solution. None resolved after these treatments. After admission to the hospital, 5 horses were treated medically and 5 were t...
Auffret V, Bonilla AG. The aim of this article was to describe the technique and outcomes of standing surgical management of splint bone fractures and to compare outcome variables and hospitalization cost to a group with similar fractures treated under general anaesthesia. Methods: It is a single-institution retrospective study. Surgical technique, surgical time, hospitalization cost and complications were retrieved from the medical records of horses treated surgically for splint bone fractures (2008-2020). Owner telephone follow-up provided data about athletic outcome, client satisfaction and cosmetic appeara...
Huhtinen M, Reilas T, Katila T.The pregnancy rate is lower in mares inseminated at the first post-partum (p.p.) oestrus (40-50%) compared with pregnancy rates in subsequent oestrous cycles (55-65%). The causes of the lowered pregnancy rate are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to examine if embryonic defects could be one of the reasons for lowered pregnancy rate. A total of 23 p.p. and 14 non-lactating control mares were flushed 7 days after detection of ovulation. Embryo recovery rate was 48% and 71% in p.p. and control mares, respectively (p = 0.16). Embryos were photographed, measured, graded and sta...
Straticò P, Hattab J, Guerri G, Carluccio A, Bandera L, Celani G, Marruchella G, Varasano V, Petrizzi L.Owner complaints of estrus-related behavior in mares are a common cause of referral for laparoscopic ovariectomy. Granulosa cell tumors are a common neoplastic condition affecting the equine ovary, causing behavioral changes at rest and reduced performance. The reported success rate of ovariectomy in treating behavioral disorders is 64-86%. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the long-term follow-up of laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares in our case series, focusing on the owner's perspective of the behavior of the mares after surgery. In addition, the histopathological feature...
Wright IM.The 118 horses diagnosed as suffering from navicular disease by prospective criteria were treated by desmotomy of the ligamenta sesamoidea collateralia (navicular suspensory desmotomy). Three techniques were used and a standard post-operative programme was followed with clinical and radiological evaluations at 6-monthly intervals for periods of 6-36 months after surgery. At 6 and 36 months after treatment, 76% and 42.9% of horses were sound respectively. The clinical features of age, period of lameness, severity of lameness and angular limb deformities adversely affected response to surgery. T...
Stephen JO, Corley KT, Johnston JK, Pfeiffer D.To determine historical, physical, and clinical factors that may affect morbidity and mortality in horses with small intestinal volvulus unrelated to other causes (e.g., incarceration, lipoma, etc.). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Client-owned horses (115), aged 1 month to 21 years. Methods: Data were obtained from medical records, identified by computer search and manual review. Continuous variables were compared between affected and non-affected horses with Mann-Whitney U-tests and non-continuous variables with Fisher's exact test (2 x 2 tables) or chi(2)-tests (larger tables). Stepw...
Markel MD, Orsini JA, Gentile DG, Freeman DE, Tulleners EP, Harrison IW.Four horses operated on for left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) had major intraoperative or postoperative complications. One horse was euthanatized during surgery because of extensive necrosis of the large colon. Three horses that were discharged after surgical correction of LDDLC were readmitted with signs of abdominal pain between 5 weeks and 13 months after surgery. Two horses had recurrence of LDDLC, and the third horse had an omental adhesion attached to and obstructing the pelvic flexure. The displacements were corrected, the adhesion was broken down, and the horses were ...
Tirosh-Levy S, Perl S, Valentine BA, Kelmer G.Hepatoblastoma was diagnosed in a 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with forelimb lameness with bilateral fatigue fractures of the proximal third metacarpal bones. An abdominal mass was detected on ultrasound examination of the abdomen. Absolute erythrocytosis was diagnosed after clinical and haematological evaluation. The fractured metacarpal bones were surgically removed but complications after surgery were fatal. The liver mass was diagnosed as a hepatoblastoma based on histology and immunochemical staining. The combination of hepatoblastoma and fatigue fractures has not been descri...
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...
Stack JD, Cousty M, Sanders R, David F.To describe our experience using intraoperative ultrasound for various conditions in horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n=113). Methods: Medical records including surgical reports at 2 equine hospitals (2007-2013) were reviewed to identify ultrasound-assisted surgeries. The diagnosis, reasons for using intraoperative ultrasound, the technique employed, and the surgical procedure performed (e.g., synovial endoscopy, cut-down, resection, dissection, curettage, and implant placement/removal) were recorded for each surgery. Intraoperative ultrasound was used to mark the o...
Freeman DE, Ross MW, Donawick WJ, Hamir AN.Balloon-tipped catheters were used to occlude the external carotid artery and its branches in nine horses with hemorrhage caused by guttural pouch mycosis. The internal carotid artery on the affected side was occluded simultaneously in four horses and had been occluded previously in two others. In three horses, a single balloon-tipped catheter was inserted in the external carotid artery beneath the floor of the guttural pouch and its tip was advanced blindly into distal branches. In one horse, the superficial temporal artery was occluded briefly during surgery by a balloon-tipped catheter so a...
Katila T.Altogether 156 equine endometrial biopsies were carried out during the post partum (p.p.) period: immediately after parturition until 15 days after foaling. The histological changes are described. The rapid restoration of the equine endometrium is remarkable. The destruction of the luminal epithelium is minor and regeneration takes place rapidly. Remnants of the placenta, the microcotyledons and desquamated cells, have disappeared by 5 p.p. The transformation of glands from a pronounced secretory pattern to normal appearance also takes only 5 days. The occurrence of neutrophils and lymphocytes...
Chesen AB, Rakestraw PC.To identify indications for and short- and long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomy performed in standing horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 82 horses undergoing permanent tracheostomy. Methods: Data obtained from medical records included signalment, diagnosis, surgical technique, complications, use of the horse before and after surgery, and owner satisfaction. Follow-up information was obtained through a telephone questionnaire administered to owners. Results: Indications for permanent tracheostomy included nasopharyngeal cicatrix (n = 59), arytenoid chondropathy (55), an...
Swain JM, Licka T, Rhind SM, Hudson NP.A seven-year-old standardbred gelding developed marked signs of colic associated with an acute small intestinal obstruction. Surgical exploration revealed three intramural, circumferential constricting lesions in the small intestine, the two most severe of which were in the jejunum and were resected. The horse was euthanased owing to postoperative complications. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic multifocal eosinophilic enteritis.
