Laparoscopic closure of the vaginal rings in the standing horse using a tacked intraperitoneal slitted mesh (TISM) technique.

Background: Indirect inguinal herniation (IIH) is a potentially life-threatening condition in stallions. The ideal preventive measure for breeding stallions ensures a minimally invasive closure of the vaginal ring that avoids recurrence of IIH while preserving both testicles.

Objectives: To describe a minimally invasive laparoscopic tacked intra-peritoneal slitted mesh (TISM) technique in the standing horse to close the vaginal rings and to evaluate its efficacy in preventing recurrence of IIH in stallions.

A retrospective report (2003-2013) of the complications associated with the use of a one-man (head and tail) rope recovery system in horses following general anaesthesia.

Background: The mortality rate of horses undergoing general anaesthesia is high when compared to humans or small animal patients. One of the most critical periods during equine anaesthesia is recovery, as the horse attempts to regain a standing position. This study was performed in a private equine practice in Belgium that uses a purpose-designed one-man (head and tail) rope recovery system to assist the horse during the standing process.

Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection and septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy in horses.

Objective: To determine the incidence of infection and associated risk factors, after elective arthroscopy.

Study Design: Retrospective case study.

Animals: Horses (n=1079) undergoing elective arthroscopy.

Fracture of the medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia in horses treated by arthroscopic fragment removal (21 horses).

Background: Fractures of the medial intercondylar eminence of the tibia (MICET) are scarcely reported in horses.

Objectives: To report the clinical and diagnostic findings, surgical treatment and outcome in a series of horses presented with MICET fracture and treated with arthroscopic fragment removal.

Study Design: Multicentre retrospective case series.

Evaluation of direct Etest for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria isolated from synovial fluid of horses using enrichment bottles.

This study evaluated the Etest for direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of bacteria from equine synovial specimens, incubated in BACTEC enrichment bottles. Ninety-four culture-positive broths were inoculated onto agar to directly determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 13 antimicrobials, using the Etest (direct Etest). Results were compared with those obtained with the agar dilution reference method, the standard Etest, and the disc diffusion method, after subculture and standardisation of the inoculum.