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

Objective: To determine the location of the deep and superficial caudal epigastric arteries in relation to 3 midline positions and the relationship between the location of these arteries, body circumference, and body condition score.

Study Design: Descriptive anatomical study.

Sample Population: Nine horses, aged 1-28 years (mean 10.61 ± 8.89 SD).

Methods: Body condition score and body circumference were measured prior to euthanasia. Angiographic studies of the deep and superficial caudal epigastric arteries were performed on resected abdominal walls. The distances between the deep and the superficial caudal epigastric arteries and 3 midline positions were measured. Correlations among these distances, body circumference, and body condition score were analyzed.

Results: The location of the deep caudal epigastric artery correlated with body circumference and body condition score at the umbilicus (r = 0.53 and 0.68, respectively), midpoint landmark (r = 0.79 and 0.83, respectively), and prepubic tendon attachment (r = 0.69 and 0.78, respectively). The course of this artery could be estimated by multiplying body circumference by 0.04 ± 0.02 at the umbilicus, 0.07 ± 0.01 at the midpoint landmark, and 0.03 ± 0.015 at the prepubic tendon attachment. The course of the superficial caudal epigastric artery did not correlate with anatomic landmarks.

Conclusion: The course of the deep caudal epigastric artery could be estimated at 3 midline landmarks on the basis of body circumference and body condition score in equine cadavers.

Clinical Significance: Predicting the course of the caudal epigastric arteries in the equine abdomen based on correlation among location, body circumference, and body condition score may prevent iatrogenic damage during creation of laparoscopic portals.