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Equine surgery continues to benefit from advances in endoscopic surgical techniques. Much of what we have learned in equine endoscopy comes from techniques used in humans. Descriptions of the normal anatomy of the standing horse and advances in instrumentation have improved our ability to perform laparoscopic surgery in standing and dorsally recumbent horses. This article describes the history of laparoscopy and available instrumentation.

In German speaking countries Fr. H. ROLOFF (1830-1885) was one of the first veterinarians, who was active in the field of nutrition related diseases as osteomalacia, rickets or lupinosis. After careful epidemiologic studies, he developed hypotheses about the pathogenesis of the above mentioned diseases and tested them in experiments (with dogs or sheep). His work demonstrates, that clinical observations may stimulate research in animal nutrition.

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), founded in 1965 and recognized by the AVMA in 1970, maintains high standards for surgical training programs and administers rigorous certifying examinations. It provides educational outreach to the veterinary medical profession by presenting scientific programs at ACVS annual meetings, sponsoring the Veterinary Surgical Forum in the USA and Europe, and publishing a refereed journal, Veterinary Surgery. The ACVS offers research grants and other awards to surgical residents, and encourages its members to pursue original investigations and contribute to the veterinary literature. In its silver anniversary year, it is appropriate to recall the aspirations and accomplishments of this forward-looking specialty organization.