Ex vivo radiocontrast description of the caudal epigastric arteries in horses.

The study analyzes the location of deep and superficial caudal epigastric arteries in horses and their relation with the horse’s body circumference and body condition score, in an effort to help prevent accidental damage during surgical processes.

Objectives and Methodology

• The primary objective of this research was to find out the location of the deep and superficial caudal epigastric arteries in regard to three midline positions.
• Additionally, the researchers aimed to understand the connection between the position of these arteries, body circumference, and the body condition score.
• For their study, the researchers chose nine horses, their age ranging from 1 to 28 years. The variation in age provided a broad analysis framework.
• Their study method included measuring the body condition and body circumference of the horses before they were euthanized.
• To accurately determine the position of the deep and superficial caudal epigastric arteries, the researchers performed angiographic studies on removed abdominal walls from the horses.

Research Findings

• The analysis revealed the location of the deep caudal epigastric artery was related to the body circumference and body condition score at the umbilicus, midpoint landmark, and prepubic tendon attachment.
• In order to estimate the course of the artery, multiplying the body circumference by certain values at specific points such as the umbilicus, midpoint landmark, and prepubic tendon attachment, could offer useful insights.
• However, no specific relationship was found between the course of the superficial caudal epigastric artery and the anatomical landmarks.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that understanding the course of the deep caudal epigastric artery, based on parameters such as body circumference and body condition score, can be accurately estimated at three midline landmarks.
• This understanding, backed by solid research, would provide significant help in predicting the course of the caudal epigastric arteries in the equine abdomen.
• Having this knowledge can prevent unintended damage during any surgical procedure like creation of laparoscopic portals, thus providing a safety standard for livestock surgery and veterinary practices.