Search

Objective To evaluate outcome after laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in horses that had previous nephrosplenic entrapment of ascending colon (left dorsal displacement of the left colon; LDDLC). Study Design Retrospective study. Sample Population Horses that had previous LDDLC. Methods Medical records of horses that had LDDLC and subsequent laparoscopic nephrosplenic space closure between 2002 and 2004 were retrieved. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Preoperative versus postoperative comparisons were: incidence of LDDLC, incidence of colic signs, and incidence of ventral celiotomy. Data were analyzed using a χ2-square test with significance set at P

Objective—To compare intraoperative pain responses following intraovarian versus mesovarian injection of lidocaine in mares undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy. Design—Randomized controlled trial. Animals—15 mares between 4 and 20 years old. Procedure—Standard bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed. Prior to manipulation of the ovary, 2% lidocaine (10 mL) was injected into the ovary and saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (10 mL) was injected into the mesovarium on 1 side, with saline solution (10 mL) injected into the ovary and 2% lidocaine (10 mL) injected into the mesovarium on the other side. Presence (yes vs no) and severity (visual analogue scale) of pain were scored at 5 times (grasping of the ovary, dissection of the mesosalpinx, tightening of the first loop ligature, tightening of the second loop ligature, and transection of the ovarian pedicle) by 2 individuals blinded to treatment and each other's observations. Results—During 4 of the 5 observation periods, significantly fewer mares had signs of pain following mesovarian injection of lidocaine, and during 2 of the 5 observation periods, visual analogue scale score was significantly lower. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that mesovarian injection of lidocaine is associated with significantly lower pain responses, compared with intraovarian injection, in horses undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;227:593–596)

Numerous topical wound medicants are available today. Very few of these products have been tested in the horse. Due to the unique nature of wound healing in the distal limbs of horses (carpus, tarsus and distad), many beneficial effects of these medicants seen in other species and in vitro have not been reproduced in equine limb wounds. There is an abundance of literature regarding topical wound medicants; however, the findings of these studies are quite variable, in general. Many wound care articles have questioned the routine use of topical medications, preferring the concept of moist wound healing in which the body produces all the substrates necessary for adequate wound healing. This article outlines many of the common products that are available to equine practitioners and provides current information regarding their use in wound healing. Unfortunately no product or substrate has been shown to be superior for equine wound management. That being said, the information provided in this article will attempt to provide the practitioner with information necessary to make educated decisions regarding the selection of topical medicants for wound care.

Currently, there are a variety of wound dressings available ranging from passive adherent/nonadherent to interactive and bioactive products that contribute to the healing process. Many of the newer dressings are designed to create a moist wound healing environment which allows the wound fluids and growth factors to remain in contact with wound, thus promoting autolytic debridement and accelerating wound healing. Even with substantial advancements in wound dressings it appears that no single material can produce the optimum microenvironment for all wounds or for all the stages of the wound healing process. The intent of this report is to provide a review of currently available dressings, their physical characteristics and to describe their best use as it relates to the condition of the wound (clean, contaminated or infected) and the phases of wound healing.

Two horses were examined for large head wounds suspected to be the result of trauma and characterized by extensive necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, with abundant purulent exudate. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the facial wounds in both horses. Histopathologic examination revealed severe suppurative cellulitis and panniculitis with fistulous tracts and granulation tissue in 1 horse. Both horses were treated with local wound care, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and administration of antimicrobials. The concept of moist wound care was used in the second horse, with products that have recently become available for veterinary wound management. Outcome in both horses was good.