[Laparoscopic ovariectomy in the standing mare].

The research article discusses a case where a standing bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed on an eleven-year-old warmblood mare experiencing recurrent behavioral problems. The procedure enabled the mare to return to training quickly due to its minimally invasive nature.

Objective of the Case Study

• This research report aims to present a case of an eleven-year-old warmblood mare that was referred to Dierenkliniek Emmeloord due to recurrent cyclic behavioral problems. To treat this condition, the medical team performed a standing bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy, which is considered a minimally invasive procedure, allowing the mare to quickly return to training.

About the Procedure: Standing Bilateral Laparoscopic Ovariectomy

• A laparoscopic ovariectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries using a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera attached. The laparoscope is inserted through small incisions, enabling the surgeon to view and perform the surgery without causing significant trauma to the patient.
• In this case, the procedure was performed while the mare was standing, likely under sedation but without the need for comprehensive anesthesia that would require the horse to lie down. This method can reduce the risk of complications associated with general anesthesia and allow quicker recovery times.

The Importance of a Minimally Invasive Technique

• The report emphasizes the benefits of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy. These benefits include less postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and a quicker return to normal activities, in this case, training.
• In this case, the mare could return to training quickly due to the minimal invasive nature of the procedure. It suggests that laparoscopic ovariectomy could be beneficial for female horses experiencing recurrent cyclic behavioral problems linked to ovarian activity.