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.
Henneman K.Addressing poor performance issues in horses is a common yet challenging request to veterinarians. Often, there are limited field diagnostic or therapy choices. Growing lay popularity in integrative therapies, as well as increasing clinical incorporation, is creating more awareness of their clinical applications. Many modalities are showing increasing evidence of positive outcomes with minimal harm, but additional safety and efficacy evaluation is needed. Integrative modalities have unique ways of perceiving disease patterns that are different from more modern approaches, and these different p...
Narinx F, Monclin S, Sauvage A, Vercruysse E, Heimann M, Alloway E, Vandersmissen M, Grauwels M.To describe the clinical presentation and treatment of an ectopic periorbital lymph node in two young horses. Two warm-blood horses were presented at the equine clinic of the University of Liège with a periorbital non-painful mass. Differential diagnosis included neoplasm (lymphoma), (sterile) abscess, cyst, ectopic lacrimal gland tissue, hematoma, adipose tissue, or ectopic lymphoid tissue. Information collected included physical and ophthalmic examination findings, results of the ocular and periocular ultrasound, surgical procedure, histopathology, and follow-up. Masses of 2 × 2 cm and 3 Ã...
Cender AN, Mählmann K, Ehrle A, Merle R, Pieper L, Lischer CJ.Digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) pathology is an important cause of lameness in horses. The outcome after surgical treatment is variable and depends on the exact diagnosis. Objective: To (1) describe the prevalence of lesions associated with lameness caused by nonseptic DFTS tenosynovitis in a large population of German sports and pleasure horses; (2) determine the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic imaging techniques for identifying lesions within the DFTS with tenoscopic diagnosis being the gold standard; (3) explore associations between tenoscopically diagnosed lesions and signalm...
Thurston CC, Stefanovski D, MacKinnon MC, Chapman HS, Richardson DW, Levine DG.The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic ability of serum amyloid A (SAA) and fibrinogen for early detection of surgical site infection (SSI) after equine internal fixation. Horses undergoing internal fixation for fracture, arthrodesis, or osteotomy with internal fixation for limb deformity were included in the study. SAA and fibrinogen were measured on blood samples preoperatively and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 postoperatively. Statistical analysis included use of Spearman's rank correlation, logistic regression, and calculating the area under the receiver operating cha...
Gandini M, Cerullo A, Franci P, Giusto G.Reducing postoperative incisional infection is the main reason to administer postoperative antimicrobials (AMD) after emergency laparotomy in horses, while reducing inflammation and providing analgesia are the reasons to administer anti-inflammatory drugs (AID). The basis for postoperative AMD and AID administration is empirical and only recently has been questioned. Empirical approaches can be changed, and these changes, along with the description of their outcomes, can help produce appropriate stewardship. The aim of this study is to report the changes in AMD and AID regimens in horses under...
Straticò P, Varasano V, Palozzo A, Guerri G, Celani G, Revelant O, Petrizzi L.(1) Background: colic syndrome is a multifactorial life-threatening condition in equids. Awareness of predisposing and prognostic indicators is useful to adequately inform the owner of the outcome and plan the best treatment. The aim of the study was to identify the variables associated with short-term survival in a cohort of horses referred for colic to a veterinary teaching hospital; (2) Methods: medical records of horses referred for colic from 2016 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate regression models were built to assess the odds ratios of discharge from the...
Lean NE, Zedler ST, Van Eps AW, Engiles JB, Ford M, Stefanovski D, Walsh DM, Pollitt CC.Surgical stabilisation of the distal phalanx (DP) is a potential therapeutic strategy for severe acute laminitis. Objective: To evaluate the effects of locking compression plate (LCP) fixation of the DP to the dorsal hoof wall. Methods: Ex vivo and in vivo experiments. Methods: A T-shaped LCP was applied to one limb per pair in six pairs of cadaver forelimbs subjected to a combination of thermally induced lamellar failure and vertical load to simulate severe acute laminitis. Standard radiographic measurements were used to compare DP displacement. The LCP was then applied to one forefoot in 12 ...
Boorman S, Rodgerson DH.To report the outcome of foals treated for metacarpophalangeal varus deformity with a single-incision drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal lateral metacarpal physis. Methods: Retrospective case-control cohort study. Methods: Thoroughbred foals (n = 207), 171 age- and sex-matched maternal siblings. Methods: Medical records (2017-2020) were reviewed for signalment, limb(s) treated, location of the surgery, and any reported complications. Follow-up radiographs obtained for the yearling sale were assessed for abnormalities. Horses were matched to maternal siblings using an onl...
Lambert JL, GarcÃa-López JM, Gasiorowski JC. The aim of this study was to describe the use of the locking compression plate (LCP) and locking compression T-plate (LCTP) in cases of carpometacarpal and distal tarsal arthrodesis for the treatment of osteoarthritis and small carpal or tarsal bone fractures, and to document clinical outcomes. Methods:  Case records of horses treated with carpometacarpal or distal tarsal arthrodesis via internal fixation using an LCP or LCTP between 2013 and 2021 were reviewed. All cases were evaluated retrospectively. Follow-up information was gained via phone conversation with owners and referring vete...
Charnock LN, Boveland SD, Groover ES, Moore PA, McMullen RJ.Evaluate the effects of corneoconjunctival transposition (CCT), posterior lamellar keratoplasty (PLK) and modified deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) on streak retinoscopy in equine cadaver eyes. Methods: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was maintained at 25 ± 3 mmHg in 35 equine cadaver eyes. Streak retinoscopy was performed prior to (NO VISCO) and following (VISCO) intracameral injection of 1.0 ml of viscoelastic. Following optical coherence tomography (OCT), an axial CCT [n = 11] or PLK [n = 12], or peripheral DLEK [n = 12] was performed. Streak retinoscopy and OCT were r...
Carvalho JRG, Trindade PHE, Conde G, Antonioli ML, Funnicelli MIG, Dias PP, Canola PA, Chinelatto MA, Ferraz GC.Facial-expression-based analysis has been widely applied as a pain coding system in horses. Herein, we aimed to identify pain in horses undergoing subcutaneously polylactide-based polymer implantation. The sham group was submitted only to surgical incision. The horses were filmed before and 24 and 48 h after implantation. Five statistical methods for evaluating their facial expressions (FEs) were tested. Primarily, three levels of scores (0, 1, and 2) were applied to the seven FEs (ear movements, eyebrow tension, orbicularis tension, dilated nostrils, eye opening, muzzle tension, and masticato...
Seitz-Cherner E, Bauck AG, Denagamage T, Freeman DE.To compare single-layer anastomoses (modified continuous Lembert [mod-CL] and modified-interrupted Lembert [mod-IL]) and a 2-layer simple continuous anastomosis (2Â L; seromuscular and mucosal) for jejunojejunal anastomoses in equine cadavers and to compare ex vivo to in vivo time to complete the anastomosis and stoma size with a mod-IL pattern. Methods: Measurements in jejunum from cadaver and anesthetized horses. Methods: Ten live horses and 18 equine cadavers. Methods: Time to complete anastomosis, bursting pressures (BP), leakage sites, and anastomotic index (size ratio of anastomotic lume...
Lanz S, Howard J, Gerber V, Peters LM.Little is known about the clinical usefulness in horses of the 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6'-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase assay, a biomarker used in other species for the detection of pancreatitis. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of increased DGGR-lipase activity in horses with signs of colic and investigate its association with, and validity to diagnose, underlying gastrointestinal diseases, treatment method (medical or surgical), and outcome (survival or non-survival). Clinical data from 192 horses presented for colic to a teaching h...
Anstey SI, Jenkins C, Jelocnik M.Chlamydia psittaci is a recognised cause of late-term equine foetal loss and poses a zoonotic risk in Australia. However, a management strategy is lacking to protect at-risk humans handling infected aborted material and pregnant mares. This study proposes a protocol for approaching C. psittaci foetal loss after investigating four foetal losses that occurred on a horse stud in the Hunter Valley, Australia in 2021. Swabs from the foetal loss cases (n = 4), close contact mares (n = 59), and foals of the close contact mares (n = 33) were collected and tested for C. psittaci using both isothe...
Hall NP, Heaton KT, Farnsworth KD, Ragle CA.This report evaluates the use of 4.5- and 5.5-mm cannulated drill bits for articular cartilage removal from the proximal interphalangeal joints of equine cadaver limbs. Limbs from 8 equine cadavers, all with normal proximal interphalangeal joints. Proximal interphalangeal joints of 32 limbs from 8 equine cadavers were drilled using either 4.5- or 5.5-mm cannulated drill bits. Pastern joints were then disarticulated, and intra-articular drilling was evaluated by visual inspection. Post-drilling evaluation revealed complete intra-articular drilling occurred in all 32 joints. Canulated 4.5- and 5...
McGovern KF, Gough RL.An 18 hours old foal presented with a suspected meconium impaction. There was no response to treatment and a tentative diagnosis of atresia coli (AC) was made. Surgical intervention was declined and the foal was euthanized 12 hours after admission. Type 3 AC was confirmed on post-mortem examination, with the colon ending at the left ventral colon. A 1,080 large colon volvulus (LCV) at the sternal flexure was present. It is speculated that AC could predispose the foal to LCV. Histopathology was not performed but would be useful in further cases of AC.
Averay K, Wilkins C, de Kantzow M, Simon O, van Galen G, Sykes B, Verwilghen D.Horse owners' motivators and barriers for consent to exploratory laparotomy are poorly understood. Objective: To (1) determine the proportion of Australian and New Zealand horse owners who would consent to exploratory laparotomy and (2) identify motivators and barriers for consent. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: A questionnaire was developed and distributed online. Descriptive statistics were calculated by tabulating respondents by their answers to whether they would consent to exploratory laparotomy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify variables associated wi...
Ciaputa R, Gach J, Baranowski K, Dzimira S, Janus I, Kandefer-Gola M, Żebrowski K, Nowak M.An analysis of samples originating from domestic and exotic animals from Lower Silesia but also from other parts of Poland was carried out based on research conducted in 2014-2017. Unassigned: The materials used for the study were 11,338 tumour samples taken in vivo during surgery and as biopsies and posthumously during necropsies. They were sent to the Department of Pathology at Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences for histopathological diagnosis. Unassigned: The largest group were canine tumours, of which there were 9,745 (85.95%), followed by feline tumours, totalling 1,39...
Giusto G, Cerullo A, Gandini M.Transillumination has been described in human surgery to improve vessel visualization but has not been described in horses. Since the equine mesocolon contains a great amount of fat which restricts visualization of the vessels, this technique could be useful during small colon resection. To describe transillumination of the mesocolon to provide an improved vessel identification during resection and anastomosis of the small colon in horses. Data of horses that underwent resection and anastomosis of small colon were recorded. Two transillumination techniques were used during resection and anasto...
Klein C, Caston S, Troy J.Septic omphalophlebitis is a common disease process with a variety of morbidities and possible mortality. Affected umbilical remnant resection is highly successful but may not always be possible. Umbilical marsupialization can be implemented when total resection cannot be accomplished with minimally reported complications. Umbilical vein marsupialization was performed on three Percheron foals with extensive septic omphalophlebitis using the one-stage paramedian translocation technique and prolonged postoperative antimicrobial therapy. Long-term follow-up revealed herniation at the marsupializa...
Kudrimoti S, Machin J, Arojojoye AS, Awuah SG, Eisenberg R, Fenger C, Maylin G, Lehner AF, Tobin T.Based on structural similarities and equine administration experiments, Barbarin, 5-phenyl-2-oxazolidinethione from Brassicaceae plants, is a possible source of equine urinary identifications of aminorex, (R,S)-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-amine, an amphetamine-related US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) controlled substance considered illegal in sport horses. We now report the synthesis and certification of d -barbarin to facilitate research on the relationship between plant barbarin and such aminorex identifications. D -barbarin synthesis commenced with production of d -2-oxo-2-phe...
Brown JA, Murphy BG, Clapp KS, LaDouceur EEB.Hypercementosis is infrequently reported to affect the cheek teeth of horses and presents as mineral deposits either attached (peripheral) or solitary ovoid (nodular) structures in the tooth bearing region. There is overlap between radiological and histological appearance of hypercementosis, cementoma, and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH). The clinical presentation, imaging features, surgical management, and histological findings of nine horses that presented for dental lesions and associated hypercementosis of cheek teeth are reported. Horses were 4-15 years o...
Grages AM, Verhaar N, Pfarrer C, Breves G, Burmester M, Neudeck S, Kästner S.In experimental studies investigating strangulating intestinal lesions in horses, different ischaemia models have been used with diverging results. Therefore, the aim was to comparatively describe ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in a low flow (LF) and no flow (NF) model. Under general anaesthesia, 120 min of jejunal ischaemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion was induced in 14 warmbloods. During ischaemia, blood flow was reduced by 80% (LF, n = 7) or by 100% (NF, n = 7). Intestinal blood flow and oxygen saturation were measured by Laser Doppler fluxmetry and spectrophotometry. Clinical, hi...
Bernardino PN, Smith WA, Galuppo LD, Mur PE, Cassano JM.Mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) have been studied to treat many common orthopedic injuries in horses. However, there is limited information available on when and how to use this treatment effectively. The aim of this retrospective study is to report case features, treatment protocols, and clinical outcomes in horses treated with MSCs. Methods: 65 horses presenting with tendinous, ligamentous, and articular injuries, and treated with MSCs prepared by a single laboratory between 2016 and 2019. Outcome information was available for 26 horses. Methods: Signalment, clinical signs, diagnosti...
Salinger A, Mochal-King C, Clinton K, Priddy LB, Elder S, Fontenot R, Eddy A, Wills R, Jaffe M.Frontal plane slab fractures account for the majority of third carpal bone (C3) fractures in racing and performance horses. Recommended treatment is stabilization with a lagged AO cortical screw. Associated complications are fragment splitting, fragment spinning, and irritation of dorsal soft tissue structures. A novel, headless, cannulated screw with interlocking threads the Headless Compression Screw Fastener (HCSF) has been developed to resist multidirectional forces and bending moments; however, it has not been applied in the horse. Simulated C3 frontal plane slab fractures were created in...
Ravanetti P, Kühnle C, Lechartier A, Zucca E.To date, only a few reports describe the treatment. The present report describes an extraarticular surgical approach, with the insertion of an absorbable implant, to treat a Subchondral cystic lesion (SCL) in the humeral head 3year old racing Thoroughbred & in the talus of a 11year old Arabian horse. SCLs were radiographically visible and associated with severe lameness. Scintigraphy showed focal intense radiopharmaceutical uptake in both cases, and CT scan revealed signs of osteoarthrosis associated with SCL in the talus. The use of a biocompatible, osteoinductive and osteoconductive implant ...
Gough RL, McGovern KF, Bladon BM, Carmichael LA.The aim of this study is to report cases of caecal dysfunction following surgical procedures in the standing horse. The study design is retrospective. Six client-owned horses developed caecal dysfunction following a variety of surgical procedures undertaken in the standing sedated horse. Medical records were reviewed for caecal dysfunctions that had occurred in horses within 2Â weeks of standing surgical procedures. Signalment, details of the original standing surgery and medications administered were recorded. Short-term outcome was obtained from clinical records. Long-term outcome was obtain...
Wells HC, Sizeland KH, Kirby N, Haverkamp RG.Thin, strong scaffold materials are needed for surgical applications. New materials are required, particularly those readily available, such as from non-human sources. Bovine amniotic membrane (antepartum) and equine amniotic membrane (postpartum) were characterized with tear and tensile tests. The structural arrangement of the collagen fibrils was determined by small-angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and ultrasonic imaging. Bovine amnion had a thickness-normalized tear strength of 12.6 (3.8) N/mm, while equine amnion was 14.8 (5.3) N/mm. SAXS analysis of the collagen fibri...
Gunsalus K, Taylor R, Croix N.To report the clinical history, surgical management, and histologic findings of meibomian gland calcification and osseous metaplasia in a horse. Methods: A 21-year-old Selle Français gelding presented with a 9 months history of blepharitis, blepharospasm, and epiphora affecting the right eye. The horse was diagnosed with meibomianitis and impaction with associated granulomas, but not treated surgically for 6 years. Methods: Physical and ophthalmic examinations, and systemic bloodwork were performed. A diamond burr debridement was performed on a corneal ulceration, and meibomian gland nodul...
Alonso B, Carregaro A, Cuypers C, Michielsen A, Gasthuys F, Schauvliege S.To evaluate the effects of detomidine or romifidine on cardiovascular function, isoflurane requirements and recovery quality in horses undergoing isoflurane anaesthesia. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical study. Methods: A total of 63 healthy horses undergoing elective surgery during general anaesthesia. Methods: Horses were randomly allocated to three groups of 21 animals each. In group R, horses were given romifidine intravenously (IV) for premedication (80 μg kg), maintenance (40 μg kg hour) and before recovery (20 μg kg). In group D2.5, horses were given detomidine IV f...
Duesterdieck-Zellmer KF.The prevalence of equine urolithiasis has been estimated to be low. In horses with clinical signs of urolithiasis, uroliths are most commonly encountered in the urinary bladder, but it is not uncommon to detect uroliths in more than one location. The most common clinical signs for cystic calculi are urine scalding of the hind limbs, hematuria, tenesmus and dysuria. Numerous surgical techniques and approaches have been described for the treatment of urolithiasis in horses; however, independent of which approach is chosen, the goal should be to remove all calculi completely from the urinary trac...
Caramello V, Zarucco L, Foster D, Boston R, Stefanovski D, Orsini JA.Post-operative complications are reported for all methods of equine cheek tooth extraction but not all methods carry the same risks. An outcome comparison for commonly used methods is needed so that clinicians can make informed treatment decisions. Objective: We conducted a side-by-side comparison of five cheek tooth extraction methods, comparing types and incidence of complications among oral extraction, tooth repulsion (three surgical approaches) and lateral buccotomy techniques. Methods: Retrospective clinical study using hospital medical records. Methods: Medical records of all horses unde...
Hellstrom EA, Ziegler AL, Blikslager AT.Postoperative ileus (POI), a decrease in gastrointestinal motility after surgery, is an important problem facing human and veterinary patients. 37.5% of horses that develop POI following small intestinal (SI) resection will not survive to discharge. The two major components of POI pathophysiology are a neurogenic phase which is then propagated by an inflammatory phase. Perioperative care has been implicated, namely the use of opioid therapy, inappropriate fluid therapy and electrolyte imbalances. Current therapy for POI variably includes an early return to feeding to induce physiological motil...
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...
Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Kalchofner K, Neges K, Kästner S, Fürst A.To examine the clinical suitability of medetomidine-propofol infusions for total intravenous anaesthesia in horses. Methods: Fifty client-owned horses of mixed breed, age [mean +/- SD (range)] 6.6 +/- 4.4 (0.04-18) years, mass 478 +/- 168.3 (80-700) kg presented for a range of operations requiring general anaesthesia. Methods: Pre-anaesthetic medication was intravenous (IV) medetomidine 7 mug kg(-1). Anaesthesia was induced with IV ketamine (2 mg kg(-1)) and diazepam (0.02 mg kg(-1)). After endotracheal intubation, O2 was delivered (FiO2 > 0.85). Positive pressure ventilation was initiated if ...
Doherty TJ.Surgical manipulation of the intestines activates intestinal macrophages that release cytokines and nitric oxide, which results in inhibition of intestinal motility. Subsequent infiltration of circulating leukocytes into the intestinal wall contributes to cytokine and nitric oxide release and exacerbates ileus. Other factors contributing to ileus are endotoxemia; edema of the intestine wall subsequent to excessive fluid therapy; hypocalcemia; and long abdominal incisions. Because treatment of ileus with prokinetic drugs has not proven to be very effective, efforts should be directed at reducin...
Arndt S, Hopster K, Sill V, Rohn K, Kästner SBR.To compare attempts to stand, duration, quality, and occurrence of injuries between head-tail rope assistance and unassisted recoveries in healthy horses undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgeries. Methods: Randomized, prospective, clinical trial. Methods: Three hundred one healthy horses undergoing elective surgeries were randomly assigned to recover with head-tail rope assistance (group A) or unassisted (group U); 305 recoveries (group A, n = 154; group U, n = 151) were analyzed. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and triple drip. For each recovery, attempts to stand, durati...
Westerman TL, Foster CM, Tornquist SJ, Poulsen KP.To evaluate the use of the acute-phase proteins serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin as prognostic indicators in horses with colic with regard to the need for surgical intervention, development of complications, and hospitalization cost and duration. Methods: Prospective observational study. Methods: 20 clinically normal horses and 42 horses with colic. Methods: Total WBC and neutrophil counts and plasma fibrinogen, SAA, and haptoglobin concentrations were compared between healthy (control) horses and horses admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital for colic. Clinicopathologic values were c...
Santschi EM, Williams JM, Morgan JW, Johnson CR, Bertone AL, Juzwiak JS.To determine if medial femoral condylar (MFC) subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) causing lameness will demonstrate radiographic evidence of healing and lameness reduction after placement of a transcondylar screw in lag fashion. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 20) with lameness attributed to a MFC SCL. Methods: A 4.5 mm screw was inserted in lag fashion across MFC SCL in horses with hindlimb lameness. Post-operative radiography and lameness examinations were performed at 30-60 day intervals after surgery for 120 days, and SCL radiographic area and lameness were graded. Tr...
Plummer CE, Smith S, Andrew SE, Lassaline ME, Gelatt KN, Brooks DE, Kallberg ME, Ollivier FJ.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative beta-irradiation with strontium-90 as an adjunctive treatment to superficial keratectomy and permanent bulbar conjunctival graft for removal of equine corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), in decreasing recurrence rate. Methods: The retrospective case study included 38 horses diagnosed and treated for SCC of the eye that involved the limbus and/or cornea. The patients were treated between 1990 and 2002, with strontium-90 irradiation immediately after corneal and conjunctival graft surgery. Recurrence was defined...
Perrier M, Lu Y, Nemke B, Kobayashi H, Peterson A, Markel M.To compare the efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)/calcium phosphate (CP) to autogenous cancellous bone graft (CBG) and to no treatment on bone healing, in surgically induced osteotomies and ostectomies of the accessory metatarsal bones in an equine model. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Adult horses (n=9). Methods: Segmental ostectomies of the second metatarsal bone (MT2) and osteotomies of the fourth metatarsal bone (MT4) were performed bilaterally in 9 horses. There were a total of 35 defects (1 MT4 was previously fractured) created and supplemented randomly...
Bosu WT, Van Camp SC, Miller RB, Owen RR.A five year prospective study of equine ovarian problems requiring surgical correction was undertaken at the Ontario Veterinary College. Thirty mares were studied, of which 14 had granulosa cell tumors, six were with anovulatory persistent follicular "structures", five had ovarian hemotoma, two presented ovarian hypoplasia and one each of ovarian dysgerminoma, teratoma and abscessation. The clinical signs manifested by the affected animals were varied. The affected ovaries were removed via flank or midline laparotomy or through colpotomy. Their morphology was studied and representative portion...
Petersen SL, Botes C, Olivier A, Guthrie AJ.Laser therapy is used in many countries, including South Africa, for the treatment of skin wounds. Low level galium aluminium arsenide (GaAlAs) laser was administered to full thickness skin wounds (3 x 3 cm) induced surgically on the dorsal aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joints of 6 crossbred horses in a randomised, blind, controlled study. Treated wounds that received a daily laser dosage of 2 J/cm2 were compared with nontreated control wounds on the opposite leg. There were no wound complications. Both groups of wounds were cleaned daily using tap water. Wound contraction and epithelialis...
Buschmann E, Van Steenkiste G, Boussy T, Vernemmen I, Schauvliege S, Decloedt A, van Loon G.We describe the diagnosis and treatment of an atrioventricular accessory pathway (AP) in a horse using 3-dimensional electro-anatomical mapping (3D EAM) and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). During routine evaluation of the horse, intermittent ventricular pre-excitation was identified on the ECG, characterized by a short PQ interval and abnormal QRS morphology. A right cranial location of the AP was suspected from the 12-lead ECG and vectorcardiography. After precise localization of the AP using 3D EAM, ablation was performed and AP conduction was eliminated. Immediately after recovery ...
Hopster K, Kästner SB, Rohn K, Ohnesorge B.To compare, ventilation using intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) with constant positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and alveolar recruitment manoeuvres (RM) to classical IPPV without PEEP on gas exchange during anaesthesia and early recovery. Methods: Prospective randomized study. Methods: Twenty-four warm-blood horses, weight mean 548 ± SD 49 kg undergoing surgery for colic. Methods: Premedication, induction and maintenance (isoflurane in oxygen) were identical in all horses. Group C (n = 12) was ventilated using conventional IPPV, inspiratory pressure (PIP) 35-45 cmH2O; gr...
Schambourg MA, Farley JA, Marcoux M, Laverty S.Transrectal ultrasonography is a reliable technique to identify intra-abdominal testes, but can be hazardous or impractical in fractious, juvenile or small equids. The transabdominal approach therefore requires validation. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal ultrasonography to localise cryptorchid testes. Methods: Thirty-eight horses admitted for cryptorchidism underwent transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes. Location of the testes was confirmed during surgery (n = 37) or necropsy (n = 1). Results: Horses weighed 175-760 kg. Twenty-two test...
Kauter A, Epping L, Ghazisaeedi F, Lübke-Becker A, Wolf SA, Kannapin D, Stoeckle SD, Semmler T, Günther S, Gehlen H, Walther B.Previous research identified veterinary clinics as hotspots with respect to accumulation and spread of multidrug resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing (EC). Therefore, promoting the prudent use of antibiotics to decrease selective pressure in that particular clinical environment is preferable to enhance biosecurity for animal patients and hospital staff. Accordingly, this study comparatively investigated the impact of two distinct perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) regimens (short-term versus prolonged) on ESBL-EC carriage of horses subjected to colic surgery. Whil...
Belda E, Blissitt KJ, Duncan JC, Laredo FG, Escobar Gil de Montes M, Clutton RE.To record the bispectral index (BIS) when horses moved during either halothane or sevoflurane anaesthesia and when they made volitional movements during recovery from these anaesthetics. Methods: Randomized prospective clinical study. Methods: Twenty-five client-owned horses undergoing surgery aged 8.8 (+/- 5.3; 1-19) years (mean +/- SD; range). Methods: Baseline BIS values were recorded before pre-anaesthetic medication (BIS(B)) and during anaesthesia (BIS(A)) maintained with halothane (group H; n = 12) or sevoflurane (group S; n =13) at approximately 0.8-0.9 x minimum alveolar concentrations...
Grissom MJ, Temple-Wong MM, Adams MS, Tom M, Schumacher BL, McIlwraith CW, Goodrich LR, Chu CR, Sah RL.Following various types of naturally-occurring traumatic injury to an articular joint, the lubricating ability of synovial fluid is impaired, with a correlated alteration in the concentration and/or structure of lubricant molecules, hyaluronan and proteoglycan-4. However, the effect of arthroscopic cartilage repair surgery on synovial fluid lubricant function and composition is unknown. Objective: Arthroscopic treatment of full-thickness chondral defects in horses with (1) platelet-enriched fibrin or (2) platelet-enriched fibrin+mesenchymal stem cells leads to equine synovial fluid with impair...
Sherman AB, Clode AB, Gilger BC.To determine the significance of Aspergillus and Fusarium spp., as identified by culture, on clinical outcome in equine keratomycosis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 66 horses (66 eyes) evaluated at the NCSU-VH diagnosed with keratomycosis from which Aspergillus or Fusarium spp. were cultured. Horses were classified into those who improved with medical management alone or those who required surgical intervention to improve. Horses who underwent surgery were divided into globe-sparing procedures or enucleation. Effects of bacterial co-infection, previous topical steroid or antifungal use, a...
Reig Codina L, Werre SR, Brown JA.Umbilical remnant infection and patent urachus are an important cause of morbidity for the equine neonate. Left untreated, fatal complications can develop. Identifying risk factors for post-operative complications after surgery are important for estimating prognosis. Objective: To identify risk factors associated with post-operative complications in foals undergoing umbilical remnant resection due to patent and/or infected umbilical remnants. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Foals undergoing umbilical remnant resection due to patent urachus or infected remnants at the Marion duPont...
McDï¿® LA, Pack L, Lores M, Wright GM, Esparza-Gonzalez B, Masaoud E.To compare the efficacy of osteoprogenitors in fibrin glue to fibrin glue alone in bone healing of surgically induced ostectomies of the fourth metacarpal bones in an equine model. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Adult horses (n = 10). Methods: Segmental ostectomies of the 4th metacarpal bone (MC4) were performed bilaterally in 10 horses. There was 1 treatment and 1 control limb in each horse. Bone defects were randomly injected with either fibrin glue and osteoprogenitor cells or fibrin glue alone. Radiography was performed every week until the study endpoint at 12 weeks. After euthanasia, bo...
Kummer M, Gygax D, Jackson M, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Fürst A.Complications associated with equine castration can have medical and financial consequences. This retrospective study investigated a novel method of castration via an inguinal approach in mature stallions and compared the incidence of complications with other methods. Objective: Castration via an inguinal approach has a low complication rate at the site of surgery compared with other castration techniques. Methods: Mature stallions (n = 238) were castrated under general anaesthesia in dorsal recumbency using an inguinal approach. The vaginal process was incised, the spermatic cord ligated twic...
Borg H, Carmalt JL.To determine the frequency of postoperative septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy in the absence of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy and to report complication rate of 444 consecutive equine arthroscopies. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 444). Methods: Medical records of 444 consecutive elective equine arthroscopies (2008-2010) were reviewed. Horses that had septic arthritis on admission or those admitted for tenoscopy and bursoscopy, or had arthroscopic assisted internal fracture fixation were not included. Age and sex of horse, duration of anesthesia, joint e...
Schaer TP, Bramlage LR, Embertson RM, Hance S.The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new method of internal fixation technique for pastern arthrodesis. Pastern arthrodeses are performed commonly in horses with chronic osteoarthritis of the pastern joint or, in cases of acute traumatic injury to the pastern, in which the weightbearing bony column must be restored. Chronic osteoarthritis of the pastern is a frequent cause of lameness in the equine athlete and is evidenced by chronic lameness localised to the pastern joint, and supported radiographically by periosteal proliferation and loss of joint space. Nonsurgical and surgical treat...
Rigotti C, De Vries A, Taylor PM.A prospective, randomised, blinded, clinical trial in 47 ponies compared butorphanol and buprenorphine administered intravenously with detomidine prior to castration under anaesthesia. Detomidine 12 μg/kg intravenously was followed by butorphanol 25 μg/kg (BUT) or buprenorphine 5 μg/kg (BUP) before induction of anaesthesia with intravenous ketamine and diazepam. Quality of sedation, induction and recovery from anaesthesia, response to tactile stimulation, and surgical conditions were scored. If anaesthesia was inadequate 'rescue' was given with intravenous ketamine (maximum three dose...
RuÃz-López P, Morgaz J, Quirós-Carmona S, Navarrete-Calvo R, DomÃnguez JM, Gómez-Villamandos RJ, Granados MM.Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity can modify cardiovascular parameters in response to nociceptive stimuli or drugs in anesthetized animals. The aim of this study was to determine if a surgical nociceptive stimulus and morphine, ketamine, and dobutamine administration would modify ANS activity observed as a change in the mean parasympathetic tone activity (PTAm) in anesthetized horses. In 20 anesthetized horses, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and PTAm were monitored before and 1, 3, and 5 min after surgical incision, and before and 10 min after the administration of morphi...
McConachie E, Giguère S, Barton MH.The prevalence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in horses with acute surgical gastrointestinal (GI) disease is unknown. Currently, there are no validated criteria to confirm MODS in adult horses. Objective: To develop criteria for a MODS score for horses with acute surgical colic (MODS SGI) and evaluate the association with 6-month survival. To compare the MODS SGI score with a MODS score extrapolated from criteria used in people (MODS EQ). Methods: Adult horses that required exploratory laparotomy (n = 62) for colic. Healthy adult horses undergoing elective surgical procedures (n...
Taylor PM, Hoare HR, de Vries A, Love EJ, Coumbe KM, White KL, Murrell JC.Buprenorphine, a μ-agonist opioid, has recently been licensed for equine use, but butorphanol, a κ-agonist opioid, is more commonly used in horses. The effect of the 2 opioids has not previously been compared in a large clinical study. Objective: To compare post operative analgesia and physiological variables in horses undergoing elective surgery following premedication with either buprenorphine or butorphanol in a conventional clinical setting. Methods: Multicentre, prospective, randomised, blinded clinical investigation. Methods: Eighty-nine healthy horses admitted for elective surgery to ...
