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Topic:Surgery

Surgery for horses encompasses a range of procedures performed to diagnose, treat, or manage various medical conditions. These procedures may involve soft tissue or orthopedic interventions and require specialized techniques to accommodate the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of equines. Common surgical procedures in horses include colic surgery, fracture repair, and arthroscopy. The success of equine surgery depends on numerous factors, including the type of procedure, the horse's overall health, and post-operative care. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore surgical techniques, outcomes, and advancements in equine surgical practices.
Cervical articular process joint versus ventral cervical stabilization in horses: A biomechanical study.
Veterinary surgery : VS    October 5, 2026   doi: 10.1111/vsu.70166
Ysebaert MP, Foslien R, David DM, Bonilla AF, Gadomski BC, Easley JT, Nelson BB.To determine the biomechanical properties and modes of failure of a single level equine cervical spine immobilized with unilateral or bilateral articular process joint (APJ) stabilization, ventral cervical stabilization (VCS) and non-stabilized controls. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study. Methods: A total of 24 equine cadaver cervical spines. Methods: Cervical spinal units (C4-C5) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6/group): unilateral APJ stabilization, bilateral APJ stabilization, VCS using pedicle screws and rod constructs, or non-stabilized. Non-destructive testing assessed k...
Optical neuronavigation facilitates transcranial surgical access to the equine pituitary gland.
American journal of veterinary research    October 5, 2026   1-8 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0256
Bonilla A, Pezzanite LM, Kappel S, Duncan CG, Downey A, Easley J.To evaluate the feasibility of an optical neuronavigation-guided transcranial approach to the equine pituitary gland, compare pituitary tissue acquisition using MRI versus CT guidance, and assess an automated tissue resection device versus a standard biopsy needle. Unassigned: 13 equine cadaver heads from horses euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study were used. A fiducial array was secured to the frontal bone before imaging; 7 heads underwent CT, and 6 heads underwent MRI. Images were imported into a neuronavigation system for 3-D reconstruction, surgical planning, and registration. Eig...
Serum amyloid A alone or in combination with white blood cell count and fibrinogen is associated with inflammatory disease status in horses undergoing elective anesthesia.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    October 2, 2026   1-7 doi: 10.2460/javma.26.05.0426
Stewart HL, Frampton A, Crandall A, Stefanovski D, Levine DG.The objective of this study was to assess the clinical utility of common systemic inflammatory markers (WBC count [WBCC], plasma fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A [SAA]) for the detection of disease in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Unassigned: A retrospective review of 1,002 surgical case records (February 2021 to June 2023) was performed. Systemically stable equine patients undergoing elective orthopedic and soft tissue procedures and that had WBCC, fibrinogen, and SAA evaluated preoperatively were eligible for inclusion. Disease status (healthy vs disease) was recorded for each case ...
Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Axial Proximal Sesamoid Osteomyelitis and Intersesamoidean Ligament Rupture in a Horse. Mageed M, Bobrowski P, Przewoźny M, Grabski M.A 7-year-old Warmblood mare used for show jumping was evaluated for progressive left hindlimb lameness of 5 weeks' duration, localized clinically to the metatarsophalangeal region. Radiography revealed ill-defined osteolysis of the axial apical regions of both proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs). Due to rapid clinical deterioration, low-field magnetic resonance imaging was performed and demonstrated aggressive axial osteomyelitis of both PSBs, partial rupture of the intersesamoidean ligament and proximal scutum with herniation of synovium of the plantar joint recess, and an occult penetrating tract...
Predicting outcomes in equine peritonitis: Multivariable analysis of admission and post-admission data from a UK hospital population.
Equine veterinary journal    September 30, 2026   doi: 10.1002/evj.70339
Kopec EK, Carslake H, Archer DC, Morris B, Wilson A.Peritonitis is life-threatening, and limited information exists regarding outcomes and predictors of survival. Objective: To report short- and long-term outcomes in horses diagnosed with peritonitis and identify factors associated with survival. Methods: Retrospective observational. Methods: Data were obtained for horses admitted to a UK referral hospital between 2010 and 2024 diagnosed with peritonitis (peritoneal fluid nucleated cell count >10 × 10/L). Short- and long-term morbidity and mortality were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated w...
Liposomal bupivacaine local analgesia reduces systemic inflammatory responses following equine laparoscopic surgery.
American journal of veterinary research    September 29, 2026   1-9 doi: 10.2460/ajvr.26.08.0341
Luedke L, Clark A, Hendrickson DA, Bass L, Kawahisa-Piquini G, Impastato R, Sabino I, Chow L, Dow S, Pezzanite LM, Griffenhagen GM.Liposomal local anesthetics have been shown to extend analgesia duration and improve pain scores dose-dependently in horses. Our objective was to assess concurrent impact on systemic inflammatory markers. Unassigned: 18 mares (age, 2 to 20 years) with normal ovarian anatomy were enrolled. Laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomies were performed standing with sedation. Local analgesia was: 80 mL bupivacaine hydrochloride (BHCl; n = 6), 30 mL 0.75% BHCl + 20 mL (low-dose) liposomal bupivacaine (LB) expanded to 80 mL with saline (LB20, n = 6), or 30 mL 0.75% BHCl + 40 mL (high-dose) LB expanded to equ...
Comparison of blind end closure techniques in equine ileum.
Veterinary surgery : VS    September 22, 2026   doi: 10.1111/vsu.70161
Hilliard RL, Prisk A, Wang S, Hansen S, Munsterman A.To determine the difference in bursting pressure (BP), bursting wall tension (BWT), and closure speed between commonly utilized methods of ileal stump closure. Methods: Randomized experimental study. Methods: A total of 71 ileal segments from 18 healthy horses. Methods: Ileum was collected postmortem from 18 horses and divided into four segments. One end of each segment was closed using one of three techniques: Parker-Kerr (PK), gastrointestinal staples (ST), or gastrointestinal staples with a Lembert staple oversew (SO). Closure time was recorded. Control (C) segments were not altered. Segmen...
Significant changes occur in the ultrasonographic appearance of the lungs in horses following exploratory celiotomy.
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)    September 18, 2026   Volume 320 106892 doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2026.106892
Hepworth-Warren KL, Perez-Quesada J, Harbor K, Qu Y, Hallowell KL, Windrup A, Ballou ME.General anesthesia for short periods of time in healthy horses for elective procedures produces minimal ultrasonographic changes in the lungs, but the effect of general anesthesia for exploratory celiotomy in horses has not previously been investigated. The objective of this study was to identify the degree of ultrasonographic changes in the lungs of horses following exploratory celiotomy and to identify risk factors that could increase the magnitude of change. 63 horses ≥ 2 years of age undergoing exploratory celiotomy were initially enrolled in a prospective observational study. Signalme...
Modified technique for resection of the alar folds to nasal paralysis in a mule: Case report.
Veterinary research communications    September 16, 2026   Volume 50, Issue 6 573 doi: 10.1007/s11259-026-11527-3
Watanabe MJ, de Moura Alonso J, Perandré PI, Cestari H, Gonçalves VF, Ferrari LC, Alves ALG, Hussni CA.Equids are obligate nasal breathers. Therefore, conditions that obstruct or impair this respiratory route can compromise animal welfare by causing severe respiratory distress, while also impacting athletic potential. Nasal paralysis results from injury to the facial nerve and its branches and is characterized by the lack of movement of the alar cartilage, leading to nasal collapse. Its occurrence is uncommon in horses and has not been previously reported in mules. This report describes a 9-month-old mule presented with a history of facial trauma and compression caused by a halter. After unsucc...
Use of a caudal intercostal block in horses undergoing surgery for colic.
Equine veterinary journal    September 15, 2026   doi: 10.1002/evj.70327
Burke MJ, Sheahan BJ, Young KA, Briley JD, Fogle C.In humans and companion animals, regional anaesthesia is used in multimodal analgesic protocols for abdominal wall surgery. Benefits include earlier patient mobilisation and improved pain scores. Regional anaesthetic techniques for horses undergoing abdominal surgery could provide similar benefits and warrant investigation. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a caudal intercostal block for abdominal surgery (CIBAS) in horses undergoing surgery for colic. Methods: Blinded, randomised clinical trial. Methods: Horses (n = 22) undergoing exploratory celiotomy for colic were rando...
Historical, clinical and nasal endoscopic findings in 1600 cases of equine sinonasal disease and associations with case outcome.
Equine veterinary journal    September 13, 2026   doi: 10.1002/evj.70306
Dixon P, Parente E, Barnett T, Morgan R, O'Leary JM, Vlaminck L, Talbot A, Gillen A, McGinley T, Brennan M, Tremaine H, Polaris E, Dobbs E....No large study has described the signalment, pre-referral management or clinical and nasal endoscopic findings in equine sinonasal disease. Objective: To explore associations between case outcome and signalment, pre-referral treatments, clinical and nasal endoscopic variables in sinonasal disease. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records of 19 equine hospitals on sinonasal disease cases they had examined and which had undergone computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Case outcome was obtained from clinical records and/or by contacting clients and referri...
Associations between treatments and response to treatments from a large multicentre study of equine sinonasal disease.
Equine veterinary journal    September 9, 2026   doi: 10.1002/evj.70319
Dixon P, Barnett T, Parente E, Morgan R, O'Leary JM, Vlaminck L, Talbot A, Gillen A, McGinley T, Brennan M, Tremaine H, Pollaris E, Dobbs E....No large study has examined the treatment and response to treatment of horses with sinonasal disease confirmed by computed tomography (CT). Objective: To report the treatment and response to treatment of referred cases of equine sinonasal disease. To explore associations between case outcome and clinical and endoscopic features, CT findings, disease subtypes, and treatments in a multivariable model. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from medical records from 19 equine hospitals on cases of sinonasal disease, all of which underwent CT imaging. Case outcome was obt...
Pelvic Flexure Enterotomy in Horses: Scoping Review and Synthesis of the Literature (1996-2026).
Veterinary sciences    September 9, 2026   Volume 13, Issue 9 930 doi: 10.3390/vetsci13090930
Albanese V, Straticò P, Munsterman A.This scoping review maps the available literature aimed at identifying the most appropriate technique for suturing pelvic flexure enterotomies in horses. A comprehensive search of Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information was conducted for studies published between January 1996 and February 2026, using terms related to pelvic flexure enterotomy and equine patients. From 22,146 records, only five ex vivo studies on healthy equine colon specimens met the inclusion criteria. The studies compared variables such as suturing time, suture pattern, material,...
Evaluation of tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) frozen, frog skin (Rana catesbeiana), and tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) sterilized with gamma rays dressings, in equine skin wound healing.
Frontiers in pharmacology    September 8, 2026   Volume 17 1896365 doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1896365
Miranda RPDR, de Miranda BA, Aranha AB, Gomes Ramos MFB, Oliveira EP, Dallago BSL, Adorno J, Macêdo IL, Castro MB, Campebell RC.Skin wounds are common in horses due to species-specific behavioral responses. Equine skin morphology, vascularization, and inflammatory responses to wounds are comparable to those in humans, supporting the translational relevance of equine wound-healing studies. Investigating biomaterials such as tilapia and frog skin may improve wound management. This study demonstrated that sterilized tilapia and frog skin exhibit promising wound-healing properties. Unassigned: Macroscopic, microscopic, and thermographic aspects of second-intention wound healing were compared in six horses with surgically i...
[Cutaneous vascular hamartoma in a foal].
Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde    September 1, 2026   Volume 168, Issue 9 157-163 doi: 10.17236/sat00484
Schönbächler D, Schurna L, Fürst A.Vascular hamartomas are rare malformations in foals that typically present as painless masses of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. This case report describes a newborn foal with a vascular mass over the right shoulder. Complete surgical excision was performed at seven days of age. Histologically, the lesion was found to be a well-defined dermal vascular proliferation consistent with a vascular hamartoma. The healing process was uneventful, and no recurrence occurred six months postoperatively. This case adds a rare location on the scapula to the literature and confirms surgical removal as an ef...
Serial Postoperative Blood and Peritoneal Fluid Analysis and Ultrasonographic Assessment in Client-Owned Horses Undergoing Ventral Midline Exploratory Celiotomy for Colic.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    September 1, 2026   Volume 16, Issue 17 2720 doi: 10.3390/ani16172720
Kownurko K, Mudge M, Selmic LE, Schroeder E, Gardner A, Millward L, Rice H.Postoperative monitoring, including evaluation of peritoneal fluid, is used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment plan for complications after colic surgery. The primary objective of this study was to determine serial venous and peritoneal postoperative variables, including L-lactate values in horses after ventral midline exploratory celiotomy. A secondary objective was to evaluate postoperative abdominal ultrasonography as a predictor of complications. A total of 36 client-owned horses with signs of colic undergoing ventral midline exploratory celiotomy were prospectively enrolled in the stud...
Centrifugation of peritoneal fluid improves visual assessment of strangulating lesions in equine colic.
Equine veterinary journal    August 31, 2026   doi: 10.1002/evj.70325
Kilcoyne I, Nieto JE, Dechant JE, Kass PH.Early and accurate recognition of a strangulating lesion is essential to expedite surgical intervention in horses presenting with colic. Objective: To evaluate the use of a colour grading scale in the visual assessment of peritoneal fluid, before and after centrifugation, and assess its ability to predict the presence of a strangulating lesion. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Peritoneal fluid samples from 231 equids presenting with colic were visually analysed immediately after collection and assigned a numerical value based on a developed colour scale. Peritoneal fluid was centr...
Race Performance Following Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoropatellar and Tarsocrural Osteochondrosis in Juvenile Thoroughbreds.
Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T    August 30, 2026   doi: 10.1055/a-2939-6108
Pepe F, Pressanto MC, Beccati F, Bonaspetti F, Pepe M.The objective of this study is to evaluate racing performance of Thoroughbred yearlings following arthroscopic surgery for osteochondrosis (OC) of the femoropatellar (FP) and tarsocrural (TC) joints. Unassigned: This is a retrospective study of Thoroughbreds  0.05). In both groups, no significant performance differences were found between unilateral and bilateral cases ( > 0.05). Unassigned: Racing performance after FP or TC OC surgery was comparable to that of unaffected controls. Bilateral cases performed as successfully as unilateral.
Successful outcome of open distal interphalangeal joint luxation in equids treated by surgical debridement without internal implants.
Veterinary research communications    August 29, 2026   Volume 50, Issue 6 543 doi: 10.1007/s11259-026-11487-8
Ferrari LC, Apolonio EVP, de Oliveira-Gonçalves SL, Rambo ALA, Bergamasco JV, Alonso JM, Watanabe MJ, Alves ALG.The distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) plays a crucial role in the function of the hoof and digit. Dislocations and subluxations in this region are rare and primarily of traumatic origin. Methods: This case report aims to describe two unusual cases of open DIPJ dislocation, including clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, treatment, and long-term follow-up. Both animals presented with open traumatic distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) luxation. In Case 1, the animal received initial care on the property 5 h post-trauma and presented with joint exposure and articular surface contact with th...
Surgical Management of Unilateral Maxillary Molar Teeth Impaction in a Horse.
Journal of veterinary dentistry    August 24, 2026   8987564261478738 doi: 10.1177/08987564261478738
Clarysse M, Korsos S, Cuypers C, Raes E, Vlaminck L.Impaction of equine permanent cheek teeth is most commonly reported in the mandible, whereas maxillary involvement is rare. This report describes an uncommon presentation of congenital impaction of 3 successive maxillary molar teeth in a 4-year-old mare. Computed tomography revealed complex spatial relationships between the impacted teeth, the sinus floor and adjacent structures, which were not fully appreciated on conventional radiography and were essential for surgical planning. Surgical extraction via a maxillary sinus bone flap permitted controlled sectioning and subsequent removal of all ...
Depth and distribution of colonic sand accumulation in a desert population of horses and its association with diagnosis of sand colic.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    August 21, 2026   1-6 doi: 10.2460/javma.26.02.0122
Sikorska Z, Stapley E, Oliveira J, Lazala JE, Fernandes T, David F, Vinardell T, Jamieson C.To describe patient and management characteristics associated with radiographic sand accumulation in a desert population of horses, as well as identify factors independently associated with a diagnosis of sand colic and need for surgical intervention. Unassigned: Horses were prospectively allocated into 3 groups: control horses, horses with sand colic, and horses with non-sand-associated colic. Signalment, radiographs, and management outcomes were compared between groups. Unassigned: Median depth of sand was significantly greater in horses diagnosed with sand colic compared to other groups (11...
[Puncture wounds of the equine hoof – a retrospective study of 96 cases – Part 2: Management and prognosis].
Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere    August 20, 2026   Volume 54, Issue 4 244-252 doi: 10.1055/a-2794-3232
Herschel TL, Winter K, Scharner D.Puncture wounds are a common and potentially life-threatening injury in equine veterinary practice. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze data from horses presenting to the clinic with a puncture wound. Unassigned: A retrospective study was conducted on patient data from horses with a puncture wound in the period from September 2008 to August 2024. Analyzed data included medical management and surgical treatment, complications, duration and costs of hospitalization, short-term survival rate and treatment success. Unassigned: A total of 96 horses met the inclusion criteria. Seven ...
Osteosynthesis of bilateral, displaced incisive bone fracture in a horse.
Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere    August 20, 2026   Volume 54, Issue 4 285-291 doi: 10.1055/a-2854-9577
Štakonaitė M, Fischer H, Maleh S.A nine-year-old Trakehner mare was presented three days after an episode of severe epistaxis, showing intermittent foul-smelling nasal discharge with feed material and rostral displacement of the upper incisor teeth. Radiographic and computed tomography examinations revealed a complete comminuted fracture of the right side and an oblique complete fracture of the left side nasal processes of the incisive bone and maxillary bone, as well as open fractures of the nasal septum and palatine bone with displacement of the incisor part rostrally and development of an oronasal communication. The fractu...
Equine Fungal Keratitis due to Cladorrhinum bulbillosum.
Veterinary ophthalmology    August 17, 2026   Volume 29, Issue 5 e70249 doi: 10.1111/vop.70249
Hamilton A, Lacy L, Scherrer N.To describe the case details and treatment of an equine fungal keratitis case caused by Cladorrhinum bulbillosum. Methods: A 14-year-old Bashkir Curly gelding with a complicated corneal ulcer of the left eye. Methods: Corneal cytology was performed, and intraoperative samples were collected for polymerase chain reaction and for aerobic and mycologic cultures. Under general anesthesia, an inferior eyelid subpalpebral lavage system (SPL) was placed to facilitate postoperative therapy. Anterior stromal keratectomy was performed followed by cryotherapy of the keratectomy bed. A biological scaffold...
Intratracheal Leiomyosarcoma in a 13-Year-Old German Riding Pony Mare.
Veterinary sciences    August 13, 2026   Volume 13, Issue 8 800 doi: 10.3390/vetsci13080800
Hiekel J, Kühnle C, Blaszczyk KZ.A 13-year-old German Riding Pony mare was referred for evaluation of progressive respiratory noise and mixed dyspnoea, which rapidly deteriorated to respiratory distress. Clinical examination revealed marked rattling inspiratory and expiratory tracheal sounds and severe, rattling, vesicular lung sounds. Arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated moderate hypoxaemia (partial pressure of arterial oxygen 76 mmHg at rest). Upper airway endoscopy identified a pink, cauliflower-like pedunculated mass originating from the dorsal tracheal wall approximately 15 cm cranial to the tracheal bifurcation, cau...
Concurrent Small Intestinal Neoplasia And Large Colon Volvulus In A Standardbred Yearling.
Journal of equine veterinary science    August 10, 2026   106124 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2026.106124
Barros V, Cascais J, Holbert K, Ruby R, Freeland R.Large colon volvulus is a common, life-threatening cause of colic in horses. Gastrointestinal neoplasia is a rare cause of abdominal pain in young horses. A 1-year-old Standardbred colt presented with acute colic unresponsive to medical treatment. An exploratory laparotomy identified extensive gastrointestinal pathology, and euthanasia was elected due to a poor prognosis. Necropsy revealed a 360-degree volvulus of the caecum and large colon with adhesions, enterotyphlocolitis, and a well-circumscribed mesenteric mass arising from the small intestine. Histopathology in combination with immunohi...
Comparison of Fogarty and Vollmar thrombectomy for chronic jugular thrombosis in horses.
Equine veterinary journal    August 9, 2026   doi: 10.1002/evj.70305
Pizzigatti D, Alonso JM, Cerqueira NF, Rosa VBB, Rafael LA, Rodrigues CA, Watanabe MJ, Alves ALG, Hussni CA.Chronic jugular vein thrombosis may result in persistent venous obstruction and impaired head drainage. Although surgical thrombectomy is performed in selected cases, experimental comparisons between mechanical techniques for chronic thrombus removal in horses are lacking. Objective: To compare Fogarty catheter thrombectomy alone with a combined Vollmar ring-Fogarty technique for restoration and maintenance of luminal patency in experimentally induced chronic jugular thrombosis. Methods: Randomised in vivo study. Methods: Chronic right jugular thrombosis was induced in 10 healthy adult horses....
Complications Following Nictitating Membrane Resection in Horses: 92 Eyes (2015-2024).
Veterinary ophthalmology    August 6, 2026   Volume 29, Issue 5 e70243 doi: 10.1111/vop.70243
Wu T, Stefanovski D, Scherrer NM.The goal of this retrospective study is to evaluate the complications following nictitating membrane resection in horses with the aim of providing valuable information on the risks of this surgical procedure. Methods: 83 horses (92 eyes). Methods: Medical records for 83 horses that underwent nictitating membrane resection in 92 eyes between February 2015 and June 2024 were reviewed. Horses were included if they had at least 1 month of follow-up data available. Owners were contacted via telephone or email questionnaire to obtain follow-up information. Complications were recorded only when pre...
Core decompression augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate for refractory distal sesamoid bone pathology in horses: A retrospective clinical study.
Veterinary surgery : VS    August 1, 2026   doi: 10.1111/vsu.70139
Maleas G, Mageed M, Hargitaiova K.To determine short- and long-term outcomes of core decompression combined with autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in treating moderate-to-severe refractory distal sesamoid bone (DSB) trabecular pathology in horses. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: A total of 21 client-owned Warmblood horses with DSB pathology unresponsive to conservative management. Methods: Preoperative diagnosis included lameness localization by diagnostic analgesia and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmation of DSB trabecular pathology. Horses underwent arthroscopic core decompressi...
Favorable survival of horses with guttural pouch mycosis following hospital-based treatment.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association    July 29, 2026   1-6 doi: 10.2460/javma.26.04.0248
Phillips NAI, McOnie RC, Delvescovo B, Radcliffe R, Ducharme NG, Hackett ES.To report the clinical outcomes and survival time in horses undergoing treatment of guttural pouch mycosis. Unassigned: Client-owned horses with guttural pouch mycosis admitted between 2005 and 2024 for evaluation and treatment were identified by medical record search. Signalment, disease history, and surgical and treatment details were recorded. Owners were contacted for follow-up information. Unassigned: 41 horses with guttural pouch mycosis were identified, of which 28 had epistaxis or a history of epistaxis on presentation. Thirty-five horses underwent surgical treatment, and the procedure...
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