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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Rec / A single-centre retrospective study of surgical site infecti...
The Veterinary record2025; e5227; doi: 10.1002/vetr.5227

A single-centre retrospective study of surgical site infection following equine colic surgery (2013‒2021).

Abstract: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity following equine laparotomy. Therefore, if risk factors for SSI can be identified, morbidity may consequently be reduced. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of SSI in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy at a single hospital over an 8-year period (2013‒2021), investigate the risk factors associated with SSI and report on the bacterial isolates identified. Methods: The medical records of horses that had an exploratory laparotomy performed at the teaching hospital due to colic were retrospectively reviewed. SSI was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision for more than 24 hours duration during hospitalisation. Pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors for SSI were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 143 horses met the criteria for inclusion in the study, of which 38 developed an SSI (26.6%, 95% confidence interval: 19.5-34.6%). Multivariable analysis revealed that the application of a postoperative abdominal bandage was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of SSI (odds ratio = 0.29, p = 0.026). Conclusions: As this was a retrospective study performed at a single hospital, the findings may have limited generalisability. Conclusions: The application of a postoperative abdominal bandage is protective against SSI in horses following exploratory laparotomy for colic.
© 2025 The Author(s). Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2025-03-23 PubMed ID: 40123113DOI: 10.1002/vetr.5227Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research article dives into the study of Surgical site infections (SSI) post equine laparotomy to identify its prevalence, risk factors, and prevention methods. The key finding reveals that the application of a postoperative abdominal bandage significantly reduces the likelihood of SSI in horses.

Study Objectives and Methodology

  • The research focused on identifying the prevalence of SSI in horses that underwent exploratory laparotomy at a particular hospital over an 8-year period from 2013 to 2021.
  • The researchers pursued to identify associated risk factors for SSI by reviewing medical records of horses that had undergone the surgery at the teaching hospital for colic related problems.
  • Others objectives of the study included reporting on the types of bacterial isolates identified during this process.
  • Surgical site infection was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision that lasted for more than 24 hours during hospitalisation.
  • The researchers used a statistical method called multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factors for SSI.

Study Results

  • Out of 143 horses that met the study’s criteria, 38 developed a surgical site infection, which accounts for roughly 26.6% of the cases, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 19.5% to 34.6%.
  • The multivariable analysis revealed a significant result that the application of a postoperative abdominal bandage significantly decreased the probability of SSI, with an odds ratio of 0.29 at a p-value of 0.026 – minimally below the standard statistical significance threshold of 0.05.

Study Conclusions

  • Due to the retrospective nature of the study conducted in a single hospital, the results may not be generalized for the broader horse population.
  • Notwithstanding, the study concluded that the application of a postoperative abdominal bandage post exploratory laparotomy for colic serves as a preventive measure against SSI in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Griessel TS, Muñoz Morán JA, Byaruhanga C, Smit Y. (2025). A single-centre retrospective study of surgical site infection following equine colic surgery (2013‒2021). Vet Rec, e5227. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.5227

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Pages: e5227

Researcher Affiliations

Griessel, Theunis Steyn
  • Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
Muñoz Morán, Juan Alberto
  • Hospital Veterinario Sierra de Madrid, San Agustin de Guadalix, Madrid, Spain.
Byaruhanga, Charles
  • Department of Veterinary and Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
Smit, Yolandi
  • Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.

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