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Summary: This report describes the likely development and growth of bilateral granulosa cell tumours (GCTs) in a Warmblood pony mare, during the first trimester of pregnancy after artificial insemination. The GCTs were initially suspected to be ovarian haematomas and were managed conservatively. However, they ultimately led to life‐threatening haemoperitoneum (HP) and were later diagnosed as GCTs with histopathology. The case was successfully managed with emergency standing laparoscopic‐assisted bilateral ovariectomy after haemodynamic supportive therapy. The mare made a full recovery and delivered a live filly foal at term. GCTs can be a rare cause of life‐threatening HP and can be successfully managed with haemodynamic support and standing laparoscopic‐assisted removal. Bilateral ovariectomy in a pregnant mare after 70 days of gestation can result in successful delivery of a live foal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 5‐year‐old gelding used for showing was presented for surgical repair of a full‐thickness 15 mm diameter defect in the right pinna, which had occurred as a delayed complication following laser excision of a sarcoid. The defect had resulted in progressive deformity of the ear, and the horse was considered at risk of further injury if the defect became entrapped on a fixed object. Two artificial dermis meshes were inserted to encourage the formation of granulation tissue across the defect, and a commercially available skin expander was implanted adjacent to the site. Eighteen days later, a second surgery was performed to remove the skin expander and to mobilise a local rotational skin flap to close the defect. Both surgeries were performed under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. The site healed well, avoiding further potential trauma to the ear and deformity due to tissue contracture at the site, although some deformation of the lateral aspect of the cartilage remained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 6‐year‐old Cleveland Bay mare was referred to the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital for repair of an iatrogenic nasocutaneous fistula. The fistula had developed following attempted ablation of an epidermal inclusion cyst located in the right nasal diverticulum with intra‐lesional formalin 6 weeks previously. Subsequent tissue necrosis resulted in the formation of a full‐thickness defect in the overlying tissues and the creation of a 5 × 5 cm nasocutaneous fistula. Surgical management consisted of initial debridement of the fistula and use of a commercial dermal regeneration mesh to bridge the defect, acting as a tissue scaffold. The levator labii superioris muscle was utilised to cover the scaffold by transecting it close to its proximal origin and reflecting it rostrally. Finally, a transposition skin flap was created adjacent to the site and was rotated to cover the defect. The mare made an excellent recovery, and follow‐up confirmed complete healing of the surgical site with an excellent cosmetic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This case report discusses a successful partial splenectomy for treatment of a splenic abscess in a horse. A 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred colt was hospitalised 5 weeks after an episode of severe colic that was followed by gradual weight loss and anorexia, pyrexia for 5 days and dehydration on the day of referral. A large splenic abscess was identified ultrasonographically. Following initial medical treatment, an exploratory laparotomy was performed. Multiple adhesions were released and a partial splenectomy conducted to remove the abscess. Migrant metallic wires penetrating from the small intestine into the splenic parenchyma were found to be the cause for the adhesions and the abscess. This paper summarises the potential advantages of utilising a partial vs. a total splenectomy and highlights the potential complications of these surgical procedure in equines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) affects grazing animals including horses but the extent to which it affects UK horses is unknown. Objectives: To define how liver fluke affects the UK horse population. Study design: Descriptive, cross‐sectional, observational study. Methods: An F. hepatica excretory‐secretory antibody detection ELISA with a diagnostic sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 97% was validated and used to analyse serum samples. An abattoir study was performed to determine prevalence. A case‐control study of 269 horses compared fluke exposure between horses with liver disease and controls. Data on clinical signs and blood test results were collected for sero‐positive horses. Genotyping of adult fluke was used to produce a multilocus genotype for each parasite. Results: Four (2.2%) of 183 horses registered in the UK, sampled in the abattoir, had adult flukes in the liver, and the sero‐prevalence of F. hepatica was estimated as 8.7%. In the case‐control study, horses showing signs consistent with liver disease had significantly higher odds of testing positive for F. hepatica on ELISA than control horses. In 23 sero‐positive horses, a range of non‐specific clinical signs and blood test abnormalities was reported, with a third of the horses showing no signs. Genotypic analysis of liver flukes from horses provided evidence that these came from the same population as flukes from sheep and cattle. Main limitations: Bias could have arisen in the prevalence and case‐control studies due to convenience sampling methods, in particular the geographic origin of the horses. Only a small number of horses tested positive so the data on clinical signs are limited. Conclusions: Exposure to liver fluke occurs frequently in horses and may be an under‐recognised cause of liver disease. Flukes isolated from horses are from the same population as those found in ruminants. When designing and implementing parasite control plans, fluke should be considered, and horses should be tested if appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Critical appraisal skills enabling assessment of the validity and importance of evidence are essential for clinicians to make informed decisions regarding what new information should be incorporated into their clinical practice. This review highlights key points to consider in a critical review concentrating on common study designs used in the equine literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: An 18‐month‐old Welsh Cob was referred to a university teaching hospital for investigation of abnormal respiratory noise at rest. Video‐endoscopy revealed persistent displacement of the soft palate with bilateral 2–3 cm diameter raised areas on either side of the midline. Neither trans‐nasal nor oral approaches allowed sufficient visualisation of the caudal soft palate for diagnosis or treatment. Latero‐lateral radiographs showed a blunted, thickened caudal edge of the soft palate consistent with a palatal cyst. Two palatal cysts were thermally ablated with a transendoscopic diode laser via temporary tracheotomy. The horse recovered uneventfully and resolution of the displacement was evident on follow‐up endoscopy 11 months later. This report documents a novel surgical approach to the caudal aspect of the soft palate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: There is limited information about bacterial isolates that are present on the equine midline incision during and following exploratory laparotomy. Objectives: To investigate the bacterial species cultured from the ventral midline pre‐, intra‐ and post‐ laparotomy, whether particular bacterial isolates are associated with the development of surgical site infections (SSIs) and to report the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of these isolates. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: The ventral midline of 31 horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy was sampled for bacterial culture at set time‐points pre, intra and post‐operatively. Inclusion criteria were that horses must have undergone exploratory laparotomy within 90 min of the initial colic examination upon hospital admission and must not have been placed in a stable prior to surgery. SSI was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision of >24 h duration. Results: Seven horses (22.6%) developed a SSI. None of the variables tested were associated with the altered risk of SSI. The prevalence of a positive bacterial culture from the incision increased progressively over time and a variety of bacteria were isolated. A positive intra‐operative culture was not a predictor of SSI; and when a SSI did occur, it was due to a different bacterial isolate. MRSA and ESBL‐producers were identified in the post‐operative period in one and four different horses respectively, but none of these developed a SSI. Main limitations: Sampling was limited to hospitalisation and no culture results were available for horses developing SSI following hospital discharge. Conclusions: A variety of bacterial species may be isolated from equine laparotomy incisions peri‐operatively without development of SSI. SSI does not appear to be solely related to bacterial contamination of the incision peri‐operatively and other mechanisms such as bacteraemia merit further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Five horses with a primary surgical lesion of the small (descending) colon were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis based on visual and histopathological examination. These were evident as visibly striking, hyperaemic, focal lesions of the small colon, with serosal petechiation, oedema and marked thickening of the intestinal wall at the site. Areas of focal necrosis were also evident. The gross appearance of the lesions were considered to be sufficiently severe in all cases to merit resection, due to concerns about intestinal necrosis and septic peritonitis. An inability to fully exteriorise the affected portion of intestine to perform a resection and anastomosis necessitated intraoperative euthanasia of one horse. A total of three horses survived to hospital discharge. Eosinophilic colitis lesions are a rare cause of severe small colon disease, but should be considered in cases with similar visual characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Equine populations worldwide are at increasing risk of infection by viruses transmitted by biting arthropods, including mosquitoes, biting midges (Culicoides), sandflies and ticks. These include the flaviviruses (Japanese encephalitis, West Nile and Murray Valley encephalitis), alphaviruses (eastern, western and Venezuelan encephalitis) and the orbiviruses (African horse sickness and equine encephalosis). This review provides an overview of the challenges faced in the surveillance, prevention and control of the major equine arboviruses, particularly in the context of these viruses emerging in new regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Relaparotomy may be required to investigate and manage complications that occur following surgical management of colic. Objectives To report factors associated with survival following relaparotomy. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Records of horses that had undergone exploratory laparotomy for treatment of colic over a 10-year period (2002-2012) and had undergone relaparotomy <8 weeks following the initial surgery were reviewed. Descriptive data were generated and association with survival time was modelled using Cox proportional hazards models. Results Relaparotomy was performed in 96 horses at <8 weeks following initial surgery at a median of 4 days. This represented 6.3% of horses that underwent laparotomy during the study period (n = 1531). Relaparotomy was most frequently undertaken based on signs of persistent post-operative colic (76%; n = 73). Short-term survival for horses undergoing relaparotomy due to persistent colic was 53%, incisional dehiscence 50%, post-operative reflux 37%, haemoperitoneum 17% and septic peritonitis 0%. Median survival was 6 days for all horses undergoing relaparotomy and 778 days for those that recovered following anaesthesia. Nonsurvival was associated with increased packed cell volume at 24 h following initial laparotomy (hazard ratio [ HR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.04-1.10, P = 0.009), peritonitis as a reason for undertaking relaparotomy ( HR 4.41, 95% CI 1.43-13.6, P = 0.01) and adhesions found at relaparotomy ( HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.03-3.04, P = 0.04). Increased likelihood of survival was associated with colic signs being the reason for performing relaparotomy ( HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26-0.88, P = 0.02) and small intestinal distension found at relaparotomy ( HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.96, P = 0.04). Conclusions This study has provided information about survival rates and risk factors for survival in horses undergoing relaparotomy that can assist clinicians and owners when determining whether to perform relaparotomy and in predicting the likely surgical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Colic is an important health problem in managed horse populations. Currently, there is limited information about colic prevalence and risk factors for colic in working horse populations. Objectives To determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, colic in a working horse population in Egypt and to describe management practices in this working horse population. Study design Cross-sectional survey. Methods Owners of 350 working horses were interviewed. Data about their horses, management and colic episodes in the preceding 12 months were collected. Dental examination was conducted on 342 horses and blood samples (n = 100) were collected for immunodiagnosis of tapeworm ( Anoplocephala perfoliata) infection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for a history of colic in the preceding 12 months. Results The 12-month prevalence of colic was 54.6%. Severe and moderate tapeworm infection intensity was identified in 3% and 26% of horses tested, respectively. Horses that had severe dental disease (odds ratio [ OR] 6.8, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.9-24.3, P<0.001), that displayed stereotypic behaviour ( OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.15-3.5, P = 0.013), were fed ground corn during the 'dry season' ( OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03-2.6, P = 0.035) or that had received an anthelmintic in the previous 6 months ( OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.3, P = 0.003) were more likely to have a history of colic in the preceding 12 months. Horses fed on rice bran during the 'green season' ( OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.9, P = 0.015) and that displayed geophagia/coprophagia ( OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.73, P = 0.001) were less likely to have a history of colic. Conclusions Colic is common in this working horse population and this study has identified factors associated with altered likelihood of colic. The study provides important information that may be used to inform future prospective studies investigating colic in working horse populations and to assist development of preventive healthcare strategies. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Oro-dental disease can have a significant impact on equine welfare. Objectives To determine the prevalence of oro-dental disease and to identify risk factors for oro-dental disorders and poor body condition scores ( BCS) in a working horse population in Egypt. Study design Cross-sectional survey. Methods Oro-dental examination was performed on 450 working horses in 2 Egyptian provinces. Horse and management historical data were collected and horses were assigned to no/mild, moderate and severe dental disease categories based on findings on examination. Multivariable logistic regression and generalised additive models were used to identify risk factors for oral mucosal injuries and very poor/poor BCS, and to explore the relationship between age and different oro-dental disorders. Results Oro-dental disease was common, with 45.3% and 8.4% of horses considered to have moderate and severe oro-dental disease, respectively. None of these horses had previously undergone any form of proper dental examination and treatment by trained personnel. Oral mucosal injuries (64.2%) and sharp enamel points (79.8%) were most common. Oral mucosal injuries were significantly associated with increasing age (odds ratio ( OR) 1.1, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.01-1.1, P = 0.03), focal dental overgrowths ( OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.0, P = 0.002) and sharp enamel points ( OR 6.3, 95% CI 3.5-11.0, P<0.001). Very poor and poor BCS were significantly associated with severe dental disease ( OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.8, P = 0.02), horses aged 16-30 years ( OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7-7.0, P = 0.001), height ( OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9-0.97, P = 0.001) and packed cell volume ( OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.85-0.95, P<0.001). Conclusions There is a need for education of working horse-owners in Egypt about the importance of oro-dental disease and for greater availability of veterinarians with suitable training and equipment to perform dental prophylaxis and treatment. Even simple dental prophylaxis could have a significant impact on the health and welfare of this population of working horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Surgical site infection ( SSI) is an important cause of post operative morbidity following laparotomy. Objectives To investigate risk factors for SSI, including effect of season and surgery performed outside normal working hours, and to report bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Data were obtained from horses that had undergone exploratory laparotomy over a 3-year period (2010-2013) in a UK hospital population. SSI was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision of >24 h duration that developed during hospitalisation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between pre-, intra- and post operative variables and altered likelihood of SSI. Results Surgical site infection developed in 73/287 (25.4%) horses during hospitalisation. Horses of greater bodyweight (odds ratio [ OR] 1.002, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.0002-1.005, P = 0.03), increased packed cell volume (≥48%) on admission ( OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.32-6.94, P = 0.01), small intestinal resection ( OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.15-4.46, P = 0.02) and post operative colic ( OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.41-5.79, P = 0.003) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of SSI in a multivariable model. SSI was also significantly more likely to occur during winter ( OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.38-10.70, P = 0.01) and summer ( OR 5.63, 95% CI 2.07-15.3, P = 0.001) months in the model. Three-layer closure of the incision was protective ( OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.58, P<0.001) compared to 2-layer closure. There was no effect of surgery being performed outside normal working hours (P = 0.5). The most common bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli (59.5%) , Enterococcus spp. (42.4%) and Staphylococcus spp. (25.4%). Penicillin resistant isolates accounted for 92% (96/104) of isolates while 18% (21/119) of isolates were gentamicin resistant. Conclusions Laparotomy during winter and summer months was associated with increased likelihood of SSI but there was no effect of surgery performed outside normal working hours. This information assists in identifying horses at high risk of SSI and informing development of preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African horse sickness ( AHS) is an arboviral disease of equids transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. The virus is endemic in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and official AHS disease-free status can be obtained from the World Organization for Animal Health on fulfilment of a number of criteria. AHS is associated with case fatality rates of up to 95%, making an outbreak among naïve horses both a welfare and economic disaster. The worldwide distributions of similar vector-borne diseases (particularly bluetongue disease of ruminants) are changing rapidly, probably due to a combination of globalisation and climate change. There is extensive evidence that the requisite conditions for an AHS epizootic currently exist in disease-free countries. In particular, although the stringent regulations enforced upon competition horses make them extremely unlikely to redistribute the virus, there are great concerns over the effects of illegal equid movement. An outbreak of AHS in a disease free region would have catastrophic effects on equine welfare and industry, particularly for international events such as the Olympic Games. While many regions have contingency plans in place to manage an outbreak of AHS, further research is urgently required if the equine industry is to avoid or effectively contain an AHS epizootic in disease-free regions. This review describes the key aspects of AHS as a global issue and discusses the evidence supporting concerns that an epizootic may occur in AHS free countries, the planned government responses, and the roles and responsibilities of equine veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in management of the surgical colic patient over the last 30 years have resulted in considerable improvement in post operative survival rates. However, post operative complications remain common and these impact negatively on horse welfare, probability of survival, return to previous use and the costs of treatment. Multiple studies have investigated risk factors for post operative complications following surgical management of colic and interventions that might be effective in reducing the likelihood of these occurring. The findings from these studies are frequently contradictory and the evidence for many interventions is lacking or inconclusive. This review discusses the current available evidence and identifies areas where further studies are necessary and factors that should be taken into consideration in study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the case management, histopathological and post mortem findings in a 23-year-old gelding with a peri-rectal mass. The mass was debulked surgically and submitted samples revealed it to be a poorly differentiated carcinoma. In the post operative period the horse developed signs of abdominal pain and dysuria and was subjected to euthanasia. Post mortem examination revealed a large infiltrative mass located between the rectum and urethra, consistent with a carcinoma of an accessory genital gland, most likely the seminal vesicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Recurrent colic occurs frequently in the general horse population but little evidence exists about what factors place horses at greater risk of recurrent colic. Objectives To quantify time-varying and non time-varying risk factors for recurrent colic among horses attended by first-opinion veterinary surgeons in northwest England. Study design Nested case-control study. Methods A nested case-control study was conducted on data from a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 127 horses recruited subsequent to an episode of medical colic. Data were collected on management and recurrent colic episodes at 4-monthly intervals by telephone questionnaires. All recurrent colic episodes were selected as cases; controls were unmatched and randomly selected from all horse-time at risk. Data relating to the 30 days prior to the date of colic or control selection were used to determine exposure status. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for recurrent colic. Results In total, 59 cases and 177 controls were included. The final model showed that horses that displayed crib-biting/windsucking (odds ratio [ OR] 10.1, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 2.5-41.0) or weaving behaviour ( OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.5-10.1) had an increased risk of recurrence of colic. Increasing time at pasture reduced the risk of recurrence ( OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99-1.0). A significant interaction was found suggesting that the risk associated with crib-biting/windsucking may be modified by feeding fruit/vegetables; however, further research is required before recommendations for feeding practices can be made. Conclusions This study suggests that sufficient access to pasture may be an important means of reducing recurrent colic risk. The behavioural risk factors highlight individuals who may be at increased risk of recurrent colic and whose colic prevention strategies should be carefully managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study To determine risk factors involved in survival to hospital discharge of cases of synovial sepsis. Objectives Investigate pre-, intra- and post operative factors involved in short-term survival of horses undergoing endoscopic treatment for synovial sepsis. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods Clinical data were obtained for horses (>6 months old) undergoing endoscopic surgery as part of management for synovial sepsis over a 7-year period in a single hospital population. Descriptive data were generated for pre-, intra- and post operative variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop 3 models related to presurgical, surgical and post surgical stages of management with outcome defined as survival to hospital discharge. Results Two hundred and fourteen horses were included. In Model 1 (preoperative variables), increased preoperative synovial fluid total protein ( TP) was associated with nonsurvival ( OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94, P<0.001) whereas the presence of a wound on admission was associated with survival ( OR 4.75, 95% CI 1.21-18.65, P = 0.02). Model 2 (intraoperative variables) revealed that factors associated with decreased survival were anaesthetic induction outside of normal working hours ( OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15-0.88 P = 0.02) and presence of moderate/severe synovial inflammation at surgery ( OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.67, P = 0.004). Model 3 (post operative variables) showed that increased post operative synovial fluid TP ( OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98, P = 0.013) and undertaking more than one endoscopic surgery for treatment ( OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.70, P = 0.005) were associated with nonsurvival. Cut-off values for predicting survival were 55-60 g/l for preoperative and 50-55 g/l for post operative TP measurements. Conclusions This study has identified factors associated with altered likelihood of survival to hospital discharge following endoscopic surgery for synovial sepsis. Prognosis for survival to hospital discharge can be based on evidence from this study at the key stages of management of horses with synovial sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Risk factors for large colon volvulus ( LCV) in the horse have not been previously reported. Knowledge of these risk factors may allow the introduction of measures that could be taken to minimise the incidence of LCV. Objectives To investigate risk factors for LCV in the horse. Methods A prospective, multicentre, unmatched case-control study was conducted over a 24 month period in the UK. Data on 69 cases and 204 control horses, from 4 veterinary hospitals, were obtained via telephone questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between horse and management-level variables and the likelihood of LCV. Results Increasing height, multiple colic episodes in the previous 12 months and mares, with a greater odds ratio in mares that had previously foaled, were associated with increased risk of LCV. Receiving medication (excluding anthelmintic treatment) in the previous 7 days and quidding behaviour were also associated with increased risk. Management-level variables associated with greater risk of LCV were an increase in the hours of stabling in the previous 14 days, an increasing number of horses on the premises, and 3 or more people involved in the horse's care. Variables related to nutrition associated with increased risk of LCV were being fed hay, being fed sugar-beet, a change in pasture in the previous 28 days, and an alteration in the amount of forage fed in the last 7 days. Conclusions This study has identified factors that may assist in the recognition of horses with increased risk of LCV and factors that might be altered to minimise the incidence of LCV. Potential relevance Clinicians can use this information to identify horses at risk of LCV and to provide evidence-based advice to owners of these horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study There is limited information about risk factors and survival associated with disorders of the small colon requiring surgical management. Objectives 1) To document the types of surgical lesion in horses where pathology of the small (descending) colon was the primary cause of abdominal pain, 2) to describe the short- and long-term survival of these cases and identify factors associated with survival and 3) to identify preoperative variables associated with localisation of a lesion to the small colon. Methods Clinical data and long-term follow-up were obtained for horses that underwent exploratory laparotomy over a 10-year period. Descriptive data were generated for short- and long-term survival and survival analysis performed to identify factors associated with reduced survival. Univariable and multivariable relationships were explored using a Cox proportional hazards model. Preoperative factors associated with increased likelihood of a small colon lesion were explored, using controls randomly selected from horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy for treatment of colic unrelated to the small colon. Results The study population included 84 horses. Of horses with small colon lesions recovered from anaesthesia, the percentage that survived until discharge, one year and 2 years following surgery, was 91.0, 81.0 and 73.5%, respectively. Median survival time for horses in which a resection had been performed was 1029 vs. 3072 days in the nonresection group. Small colon cases were more likely to have shown a longer duration of colic signs prior to admission ( P<0.001) and to develop post operative diarrhoea ( P = 0.001) when compared with surgical controls. Conclusions Lesions of the small colon carry a good prognosis for survival following surgery. Resection and anastomosis was the only factor associated with reduced long-term survival. Potential relevance This study provides information about lesion types and post operative survival that may be used to assist informed decision-making when managing these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipomatosis is an uncommon cause of colic. This case report details the pre- and intraoperative findings of a 9-year-old gelding, presented with acute abdominal pain. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a massive fatty infiltrate involving an extensive portion of the base and mid-body of the caecum. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of an infiltrative lipomatous lesion of the equine caecum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study: The pattern of long-term survival and specific factors associated with long-term survival have not previously been evaluated in horses with a strangulating large colon volvulus (LCV). Objectives: To provide data on the long-term survival of horses with LCV and to identify pre-, intra- and post operative variables associated with survival. Methods: Clinical data and long-term follow-up information were obtained from 116 horses with a strangulating LCV (≥360°) undergoing general anaesthesia. Two multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for post operative survival time were developed: Model 1 included all horses and evaluated preoperative variables and Model 2 included horses that survived anaesthesia and evaluated pre-, intra- and post operative variables. Results: The study population comprised 116 horses. Eighty-nine (76.7%) survived general anaesthesia. Of these, the percentage that survived until discharge, to one year and to 2 years was 70.7%, 48.3% and 33.7%, respectively. Median survival time for horses that survived general anaesthesia was 365 days. In Model 1 increased preoperative packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly associated with reduced post operative survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.11). However, this effect changed over time. In Model 2 abnormal serosal colour intraoperatively (HR 3.61, 95% CI 1.55-8.44), increased heart rate at 48 h post surgery (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06), and colic during post operative hospitalisation (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.00-6.95), were all significantly associated with reduced post operative survival. Conclusions: Survival time in horses with a LCV was associated with preoperative PCV, serosal colour, heart rate at 48 h post operatively and colic during post operative hospitalisation. Potential relevance: This study provides evidence-based information on the long-term survival of horses with LCV and identifies parameters that may assist decision-making by clinicians and owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma scintigraphy is a well established imaging modality, which in equine practice is predominantly used in the investigation of lameness and suspected musculoskeletal problems. Whilst there is a growing literature on the indications for scintigraphy in the horse, there has been little emphasis so far on identifying the validity of scintigraphy as a diagnostic test. In particular, to what extent can the results of a scintigraphic examination be trusted? In this opinionated review the current indications for skeletal scintigraphy in the horse are considered and its validity as a diagnostic test reviewed. It is concluded that in the majority of published studies, inherent biases in study design make it difficult to assess accurately the validity of skeletal scintigraphy in the horse. Further well designed, prospective studies are required to assess the validity of skeletal scintigraphy as a diagnostic tool, particularly in horses with subtle alterations in radiopharmaceutical uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma scintigraphy is an established imaging modality in the horse and is principally utilised to investigate skeletal disease using bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals. However, depending on the radiopharmaceutical and imaging sequence, scintigraphy can be used to investigate disease in virtually any organ system. In this article the indications and validity of scintigraphy as a clinical diagnostic tool to investigate non-skeletal disease in the horse are reviewed. These indications include: investigation of dental disease, identification of inflammatory foci, vascular lesions, muscle and tendon pathology, assessment of physiological function of the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Some of the techniques described for use in the horse have not been validated fully and as a result non-skeletal scintigraphy requires further investigation and validation using well-designed prospective studies. Such information can be used by clinicians to make informed decisions regarding the clinical and economic issues associated with a specific scintigraphic technique and may help when interpreting the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colic remains a significant problem in the horse in terms of welfare and economics; in some equine populations it is the single most common cause of death. Many causes of colic are cited in the equestrian and veterinary literature but little scientific evidence exists to substantiate these theories. Recent epidemiological investigations have confirmed that colic is complex and multi-factorial in nature. Studies have identified a number of factors that are associated with increased risk of colic including parasite burden, certain feed types, recent change in feeding practices, stabling, lack of access to pasture and water, increasing exercise and transport. These findings are reviewed together with examples of management practices that may be altered to reduce the incidence of specific types of colic. This is an opinionated, not a systematic, review focusing on those areas that are considered most relevant to the practitioner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]