Hand-assisted laparoscopic cystotomy for cystic calculus removal in male horses (3 cases).

A technique for hand-assisted laparoscopic removal of cystic calculi in male horses is described. Three cystic calculi ranging from 5 to 10 cm in diameter were removed successfully using bilateral para-inguinal laparoscopic portals assisted by a human hand within the abdomen, effectively sealing the midline incision. Long-term follow-up information obtained from referring veterinarians and owners indicated that the patients returned to their previous activity level and had no recurrence of clinical signs in the following 6 to 12 months.

Cecal entrapment within the epiploic foramen in a mare.

An 11-year-old Thoroughbred mare with colic unresponsive to medical treatment underwent exploratory laparotomy. During surgery the cecum was found entrapped within the epiploic foramen from left to right. The entrapped cecum was reduced through the foramen by gentle traction.

Ex-Vivo Evaluation of a Modified Teno Fix(®) Device Repair Pattern Versus a 3-Loop Pulley for Repair of Equine Flexor Tendons.

Objective: To compare the load to ultimate failure, load to a 2 mm gap, mode of failure, and gap at failure (mm) of the Teno Fix(®) (TF) to the 3-loop pulley (3LP) for repair of equine tendon lacerations. The use of 4TF devices versus 5TF devices on load to ultimate failure and load to a 2 mm gap was also compared.

Study Design: Ex vivo biomechanical study; unbalanced incomplete block (horse) design.

Thoracic trauma in horses.

Traumatic injuries involving the thorax can be superficial, necessitating only routine wound care, or they may extend to deeper tissue planes and disrupt structures immediately vital to respiratory and cardiac function. Diagnostic imaging, especially ultrasound, should be considered part of a comprehensive examination, both at admission and during follow-up. Horses generally respond well to diligent monitoring, intervention for complications, and appropriate medical or surgical care after sustaining traumatic wounds of the thorax.

Biomechanical testing of a novel tendon implant device for the repair of equine flexor tendon lacerations.

Objective: To compare in vitro strength and failure characteristics of a tendon implant against a 3 loop pulley suture pattern for equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) laceration repair.

Study Design: Experimental.

Study Population: Cadaveric equine forelimb SDFT (n = 16).

Ultrasound assisted arthroscopic approach for removal of basilar sesamoid fragments of the proximal sesamoid bones in horses.

Objective: To describe an ultrasound assisted arthroscopic approach for removal of non-articular basilar sesamoid fragments in Thoroughbred yearlings.

Animals: Thoroughbred yearlings (n = 7).

Methods: Basilar sesamoid fragments identified during pre-sale radiographic examination were removed using a palmar/plantar arthroscopic approach to the fetlock joint and ultrasonographic guidance.

Effects of gastric distension on intraabdominal pressures in horses.

Objective: To determine the effect of gastric distension on intraabdominal pressures (IAP) measured directly from the intraperitoneal space.

Design: Prospective, experimental study.

Setting: A university-based equine research facility.

Effects of compressive abdominal bandaging and transrectal palpation on intra-abdominal pressures in horses.

Objective: To determine the effect of an abdominal support wrap and transrectal abdominal palpation on intra-abdominal pressures (IAPs) measured directly from the peritoneal space.

Design: Prospective, experimental study.

Setting: A university-based equine research facility.