Successful treatment of intestinal malakoplakia in a French Bulldog.

Malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous inflammation that has mainly been reported in the urinary bladder of dogs. Only one case of canine colonic malakoplakia has been reported to date; however, successful treatment of this disease has not been reported. Here, we report a case of colonic malakoplakia in a 5-month-old spayed female French Bulldog. The dog was referred to a veterinarian because of chronic diarrhea and mucinous blood feces; empirical treatment did not improve its condition. Histologically, numerous macrophages containing periodic acid-Schiff-positive granules infiltrated the lamina propria of the large intestine. Furthermore, targetoid basophilic inclusion bodies (Michaelis-Gutmann bodies) were observed. Complete clinical remission was achieved after 8 months of enrofloxacin treatment and favorable progress after 2 months of medication.

Unusual left colon displacement and clockwise torsion in a 10-month-old Arab filly: A case report.

In this case report, we present an unusual clockwise torsion of left colon around mesenteric root in a 10-month-old Arab filly, highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and successful surgical intervention. A 10-month-old Arab filly weighing approximately 250 kg was referred with signs of acute abdominal pain. The history revealed anorexia, restlessness and severe abdominal pain that had begun the previous day. The local practitioner had previously administered flunixin meglumine, an analgesic, but it proved ineffective in relieving the pain. Upon physical examination, the filly exhibited sweating, a body temperature of 38.5°C, tachycardia (65 beats per minute) and tachypnea (25 breaths per minute). Due to the severity of the colic and the lack of response to the conservative treatments, surgical intervention was deemed necessary. An exploratory midline celiotomy was performed to evaluate the abdominal organs. During the examination, no obvious primary lesions were identified in the evaluated organs. However, a restriction in exteriorizing the left colon's length was observed. Further examination revealed an unusual clockwise torsion of the left colon that displaced in left to the right side around the mesenteric root; thereby, pelvic flexure was located in the normal anatomical position with a short length. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of clockwise torsion and an atypical displacement of the left colon in horses. The surgical correction of the displacement was successfully performed. The filly showed improvement post-surgery and did not exhibit any complications during the recovery period.

Short colon syndrome in cats.

BACKGROUND: Shortening of the colon has been described in cats, but its imaging and clinicopathological features remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: Description of the signalment, clinical presentation, imaging, endoscopic and histological features of short colon syndrome in cats. ANIMALS: Ninety-three cats diagnosed with short colon. METHODS: Multi-institutional, descriptive, retrospective case series study. Medical records were searched for a diagnosis of short colon on abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, endoscopy, autopsy, or a combination of these modalities. RESULTS: The median age of included cats was 12 years at the time of diagnosis. Diarrhea was the most common clinical sign (60/92; 65%), followed by vomiting (36/92; 39%), weight loss (36/92; 39%), and inappetence (24/92; 26%). Thirteen percent of cats (12/92) had no signs of gastrointestinal disease at the time of diagnosis. In addition to a shortened colonic length, 79% (66/84) of cats had concomitant colonic thickening on ultrasonographic examination. On colonoscopy, mucosal ulcerations of the colonic wall were seen in 39% (9/23) of cats. Histopathologically, all cats but 1 (diagnosed simultaneously with colonic small cell lymphoma) had lymphoplasmacytic colitis, and when small intestinal biopsies were performed, concurrent lymphoplasmacytic enteritis or small cell lymphoma of the small intestine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Lymphoplasmacytic colitis is seen commonly in cats with short colon, suggesting a potential link between these entities.

Ventricular bigeminy associated with myocardial ischemia in a dog with a colonic torsion: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular bigeminy due to myocardial ischemia has been reported in humans as well as in canine patients with obstructive gastrointestinal diseases. This is the first case report of ventricular bigeminy in a dog with a colonic torsion that resolved after fluid resuscitation and restoration of myocardial perfusion. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year-old, male neutered mixed breed dog presented with a one day history of vomiting, tenesmus, and lethargy. Physical examination identified an irregular heart rhythm and intermittent pulse deficits. A ventricular arrhythmia represented by ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) organized in bigeminy, was appreciated on a 3-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) with a single lead (II) view. Abdominal radiographs confirmed a colonic torsion. Prior to anesthetic induction, ventricular bigeminy was non responsive to fentanyl or lidocaine. The patient was anesthetized and intravascular volume deficit was identified by dampened plethysmographic wave amplitude (plethysomographic variability), audible softening of the Doppler sound, and more pronounced pulse deficits. Fluid resuscitation was achieved with a combination of intravenous crystalloid and colloid fluid therapy comprising 7.2% hypertonic saline and 6% hetastarch. The patient's cardiac rhythm converted to normal sinus after fluid resuscitation. The colonic torsion was surgically corrected. The patient recovered well from anesthesia and was ultimately discharged from the hospital 5 days later. CONCLUSIONS: The present case report highlights that myocardial ischemia can lead to ventricular arrythmias, such as ventricular bigeminy. This is the first documented case of ventricular bigeminy in the canine patient with a colonic torsion. Assessment of patient volume status and appropriate fluid resuscitation along with continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring are vital to patient stability under general anesthesia.

Diagnostic and Clinical Course of Small Colon Recurrent Impaction Associated with Severe Myenteric Ganglionopathy in A Mare.

A 10-year-old Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (KWPN, Netherlands-based organization for registration of the Dutch Warmblood horses) mare was evaluated three times over four months because of recurrent colic. At every referral, a physical examination revealed a small colon impaction, which partially responded to food deprivation and oral administration of water and magnesium sulphate. Due to the recurrent nature of the small colon impaction, several differential diagnoses were considered: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic salmonellosis and myenteric ganglionopathies. At first admission, an exploratory laparotomy was proposed, but the owner declined. On the second hospitalisation, the mare underwent a standing exploratory laparoscopy, but no abnormality related to the small colon was detected and resolved with a soap-based enema. At the third hospitalisation, the owner agreed to the exploratory laparotomy, which allowed surgical biopsies of the caecum and the large and small colon. Lymphomonocytic enteritis and mild myenteric ganglionitis were diagnosed. After laparotomy, the mare regularly fed and defecated, but a few days later, tachycardia, fever and abundant gastric reflux occurred. As the clinical condition rapidly deteriorated, the owner elected for euthanasia. A post-mortem histological examination showed severe chronic lymphocytic enterocolitis and typhlitis associated with the marked depletion of myenteric ganglion bodies. Small colon impaction is a very common disorder of the small colon in horses. In the presence of myenteric ganglionopathies, this case proposes the controversial matter of primary or secondary disorders of enteric neuromuscular function as the base of repeated small colon impactions of the horse. In this mare, recurrent small colon impaction was considered secondary to severe myenteric ganglionopathy associated with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

Colocolic Intussusception Associated with Octangium sp. (Digenea: Microscaphidiidae) in a Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas.

Reports of intussusception in sea turtles are generally linked to marine debris ingestion; therefore, only a few cases of the disease are associated with parasitic infestations. The objective of this study was to describe the necropsy findings of the first reported case of colocolic intussusception in a green sea turtle Chelonia mydas, associated with the helminth Octangium sp. A juvenile female green sea turtle, which was registered and rescued by the team from the Cetaceans Project of Costa Branca, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, was examined. The animal died 1 d after being treated and was immediately submitted for necropsy. Our findings indicated that parasitic infestation by Octangium sp. in the green sea turtle caused intussusception and consequently led to the animal's death. Early diagnosis and surgical correction are fundamental for a good prognosis and, consequently, for successful rehabilitation of marine species.

Melanosis Coli in Pigs Coincides With High Sulfate Content in Drinking Water.

Melanosis coli is a well-described condition in humans, characterized by the accumulation of lipofuscin-laden macrophages in the lamina propria of the colon, giving it a dark tone. An increased apoptosis rate of colonic epithelial cells appears to be the underlying pathogenesis. In pigs, oxidative damage has been proposed as one of the causes for melanosis coli. In this article, we report a series of cases of melanosis coli in pigs affecting several finishing units in the south of Spain. Large intestines had dark green to brown pigmentation of the mucosa. Histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural studies confirmed a high number of lipofuscin-laden macrophages in the lamina propria of the rectum and colon, which additionally stained positive for the apoptosis marker cleaved caspase-3. Of note, all affected finishing units utilized water supply with a high content of sulfates, which may be one of the causes for melanosis coli development in pigs.

CT findings in five dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion.

Colonic torsion is a life-threatening condition that results in colonic ischemia, necrosis, perforation, sepsis, and eventual death. The aim of this multicenter, retrospective case series study was to describe the CT findings in dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion. Medical records were searched for dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion following abdominal CT. Five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Three had a history of chronic intermittent diarrhea prior to presentation. Two dogs presented with acute vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and one dog presented with acute vomiting and lethargy. Computed tomographic findings in all dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion include: "whirl sign," displacement and distension of the cecum and colon, focal narrowing of the colon, and distension of the mesenteric vasculature in all dogs (5/5); streaky peritoneal fat and peritoneal effusion (4/5), pneumatosis coli (2/5), small intestinal distension (2/5), portal vein thrombosis (1/5), and reduced colonic wall contrast enhancement (1/5). In all dogs (5/5), the torsion site was the descending colon and demonstrated an anticlockwise rotation. At surgery, three of the five dogs had a partial colonic torsion with hyperemia at the site of obstruction and two of the five dogs had a complete torsion with marked necrosis of the colonic wall. Displacement of the colon and cecum, segmental distension and focal narrowing of the colon, the presence of a "whirl sign" and distension of the mesenteric vasculature are CT findings highly suggestive of colonic torsion.

Ultrasonographic visualisation of the mesenteric vasculature in horses with large colon colic.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonographic visualisation of the mesenteric vasculature of the large colon (LC) from the right side of the abdomen in cases of displacement and volvulus has been described. However, the LC can move freely within the abdomen and its mesentery can potentially contact both sides of the abdominal wall. METHODS: Thirty-four horses presented with LC-related colic that had visible LC mesenteric vasculature visible on abdominal ultrasound were included. A control group was made including horses with confirmed small intestinal-related colic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the visibility of LC mesenteric vasculature with transabdominal ultrasonography in horses with LC-related colic and to determine its diagnostic value. RESULTS: The LC mesenteric vasculature was identified on the right side of the abdomen in 16/34 horses with right dorsal displacement of the LC (RDDLC), 180° LC volvulus (LCV), 540° LCV or LC impaction. On the left side of the abdomen, LC mesenteric vessels were identified in 17/34 horses with left dorsal displacement of the LC (LDDLC), 180° LCV or RDDLC. Vessels were visualised on both sides in one horse with a 180° LCV. Presence of LC mesenteric vasculature in the dorsal aspect on the left side of the abdomen was significantly associated with LDDLC. CONCLUSION: LC mesenteric vasculature can be visualised on transabdominal ultrasound from either side of the abdomen in horses with different forms of LC-related colic.

Acute changes in the colonic microbiota are associated with large intestinal forms of surgical colic.

BACKGROUND: Horses that undergo surgery for treatment of primary large colon disease have been reported to be at increased risk of developing recurrent colic episodes postoperatively. The reasons for this are currently unknown. The aim of the current study was to characterise the faecal microbiota of horses with colic signs associated with primary large colon lesions treated surgically and to compare the composition of their faecal microbiota to that of a control group of horses undergoing emergency orthopaedic treatment. Faecal samples were collected from horses in both groups on admission to hospital, during hospitalisation and following discharge from hospital for a total duration of 12 weeks. Additionally, colonic content samples were collected from surgical colic patients if pelvic flexure enterotomy was performed during laparotomy. A total of 12 samples were collected per horse. DNA was extracted from samples using a commercial kit. Amplicon mixtures were created by PCR amplification of the V1 - V2 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes and submitted for sequencing using the Ion Torrent PGM next-generation sequencing system. Multivariate data analysis was used to characterise the faecal microbiota and to investigate differences between groups. RESULTS: Reduced species richness was evident in the colonic samples of the colic group compared to concurrent sampling of the faeces. Alpha and beta diversity differed significantly between the faecal and colonic microbiota with 304 significantly differentially abundant OTUs identified. Only 46 OTUs varied significantly between the colic and control group. There were no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of faecal microbiota between colic and control horses at admission. However, this lack of significant differences between groups should be interpreted with caution due to a small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that faecal samples collected at hospital admission in colic cases may not accurately represent changes in upper gut microbiota in horses with colic due to large colon disease.

Surgical treatment of persistent colic in a horse caused by an anomalous vascularized fibrous band.

This case report documents an unusual case of persistent colic in a horse caused by an anomalous vascularized band of tissue running between the visceral surface of the liver and the mesentery of the large colon at the level of the sternal/diaphragmatic flexures. The horse was presented with a history of exhibiting signs of mild persistent colic that were suspected to be caused by displacement of the large colon. Volvulus of the large colon was identified during exploratory celiotomy. The band of tissue was transected, and the displacement corrected. The horse made an uneventful recovery.

Traitement chirurgical de coliques persistantes chez un cheval causées par une bande fibreuse vasculaire anormale. Ce rapport de cas documente un cas inhabituel de coliques persistantes chez un cheval causées par une bande de tissue fibreux et vasculaire anormale qui se trouvait entre la face viscérale du foie et le mésentère du gros colon au niveau des courbures sternale et diaphragmatique. L'anamnèse incluait des signes faibles de colique qui étaient soupçonnés d'être reliés à un déplacement de colon. Un volvulus du gros colon a été identifié pendant une laparotomie. La bande de tissue fut coupée et le déplacement de colon corrigé. La récupération postopératoire du cheval fut sans complications.(Traduit par Dre Marie-Soleil Dubois).

Colic Prevention to Avoid Colic Surgery: A Surgeon's Perspective.

Management factors associated with colic, particularly related to stall confinement and nutrition, have been linked to alterations in gastrointestinal mucosal transport, motility, and microbiome, which in turn creates conditions that induce colic. In particular, meal feeding creates large changes in water movement in and out of the colon and alters the microbiome. These conditions may in turn result in colic conditions such as large colon impaction or large colon volvulus. In addition, a range of management and nutritional factors have been found to place horses at risk of select colic conditions such as ileal impaction. Other specific colic conditions, such as strangulating lipomas, may be related to fat metabolism in geldings and ponies, although the association with nutrition and the endocrine system are less well defined. It has long been understood that parasites are associated with colic, and with the advent of highly effective anthelmintics, parasite-induced colic has been markedly reduced. Nonetheless, equine mangers and veterinarians have to be aware of changes in parasite resistance or patterns of activity, such as the resurgence of large strongyles with surveillance-based management of parasites. Overall, understanding management risk factors can lead to recommendations that prevent colic in horses. Additional study of these factors may ultimately lead to reductions in the prevalence of colic by suggesting optimal management practices.

Complications and survival in horses with surgically confirmed right dorsal displacement of the large colon.

This study compared post-operative complications and survival in horses with right dorsal displacement of the large colon (RDD) and horses with other non-strangulating large colon (NSLC) lesions. Data were obtained from medical records of horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy from 2000 to 2016 and from owner questionnaire. Of 137 horses that fitted the inclusion criteria, 67 (49%) had RDD and 70 (51%) had NSLC lesions. Twenty-eight horses with RDD (42%) and 27 horses with NSLC (39%) experienced ≥ 1 complication after surgery. The RDD group showed more severe complications than the NSLC group (P = 0.0145). Horses with RDD were more likely to develop colic in the short term (P = 0.0111), but not in the long-term (P = 0.453), and were more likely to have a 2nd laparotomy (P = 0.0003). There was no significant difference in short- or long-term survival between groups. Major post-operative complications in the RDD group did not influence short- or long-term survival.

Complications et survie des chevaux atteints d'un déplacement dorsal droit du gros côlon confirmé par chirurgie. Cette étude a comparé les complications et la survie postopératoires chez les chevaux atteints d'un déplacement dorsal droit du gros côlon (DDD) et les chevaux atteints d'autres lésions non étranglantes du gros côlon (LNEGC). Des données ont été obtenues dans les dossiers médicaux de chevaux qui avaient subi une laparatomie exploratoire entre 2000 et 2016 et dans un questionnaire auprès des propriétaires. Parmi les 137 chevaux qui satisfaisaient aux critères d'inclusion, 67 (49 %) avaient eu un DDD et 70 (51 %) avaient eu des lésions LNEGC. Vingt-huit chevaux atteints d'un DDD (42 %) et 27 chevaux qui avaient une LNEGC (39 %) ont éprouvé ≥ 1 complication après la chirurgie. Le groupe DDD a manifesté des complications plus graves que le groupe LNEGC (P = 0,0145). Il était plus probable que les chevaux atteints de DDD développent des coliques à court terme (P = 0,0111), mais pas à long terme (P = 0,453) et il était plus probable qu'ils aient à subir une deuxième laparotomie (P = 0,0003). Il n'y avait aucune différence significative au niveau de la survie à court ou à long terme entre les groupes. Les complications postopératoires majeures du groupe DDD n'ont pas influencé la survie à court ou à long terme.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Colon constipation in horses after sustained-release buprenorphine administration.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacological profile and side effects of buprenorphine administered as a sustained-release formulation in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Pilot trial. ANIMALS: A total of four experimental horses, aged 18-27 years and weighing 508-578 kg. METHODS: Buprenorphine (0.1 mg kg-1) was mixed as a freshly prepared sterile solution with a sustained-release drug carrier. It was administered by the subcutaneous (n = 2) or intramuscular (n = 2) route. During the experiment, the horses were closely monitored, equipped with a step counter and blood samples were collected for quantification of buprenorphine in plasma. RESULTS: All four horses developed colon constipation requiring medical therapy, together with increased locomotor activity. One horse, requiring surgical treatment of colon constipation, was euthanized during recovery from anaesthesia for weakness and severe lower airway obstruction. The three other horses recovered fully within 5-7 days. Plasma buprenorphine concentrations were between 1 and 8 ng mL-1 for approximately 48 hours. No local reaction was observed at the injection sites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of the sustained-release formulation of buprenorphine at a dose of 0.1 mg kg-1 resulted in plasma concentrations compatible with antinociceptive activity for at least 48 hours. The observed severe and undesirable effects of colon constipation and increased locomotor activity definitely preclude clinical use of sustained-release buprenorphine at this dose.

Is electroejaculation a safe procedure in cats? An endoscopic and histological prospective blinded study.

Transrectal electrostimulation is a technique used for semen collection in several animals including felids, but also in humans with spinal cord injuries and in specific cases of anejaculation. To the authors' knowledge, safety and innocuity on rectal mucosa has not yet been assessed histologically. A prospective study was performed on 10 European cats in order to determine the impact of electroejaculation on the rectal mucosa, by performing endoscopic and histological evaluation of the rectal mucosa. Endoscopic evaluation was performed before and after semen collection. Standardized biopsy specimens were collected immediately after semen collection, on the site of electrostimulation and on the proximal part of the descending colon as a control, for further double-blinded histopathological evaluation. The degree of inflammation was evaluated following the criteria from the WSAVA Gastrointestinal Standardization Group. Semen collection by electrostimulation did not induce significant histological and endoscopic lesions. Electrostimulation may therefore be considered as a safe technique to collect semen in cats.

Clinical features and outcome in horses with severe large intestinal thickening diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography: 25 cases (2003-2010).

OBJECTIVE To describe clinical features and outcome of horses with severe large intestinal thickening diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 25 horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of horses that underwent transabdominal ultrasonography between 2003 and 2010 were reviewed. Horses were included if the wall of the large intestine was ≥ 9 mm thick in any of 6 abdominal zones. RESULTS Median age was 13 years (range, 3 to 28 years). Horses were initially examined because of colic, diarrhea, inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, fever, or hematuria. Severe large intestinal thickening (range, 9 to 46.6 mm; mean ± SD, 18.8 ± 6.8 mm) was the primary ultrasonographic finding in all horses. Thickened large intestine was more likely to be detected in ventral versus upper (ie, combined paralumbar and intercostal) abdominal zones and in right versus left zones. Eleven horses survived and had resolution of clinical signs, including the l horse treated surgically for colon torsion. An additional horse survived but continued to have intermittent colic. Ten horses were euthanized or died, including 3 horses with neoplasia and 3 with colitis. Three horses were lost to follow-up, including 1 horse with a cecal mass and 1 with hepatosplenic lymphoma. Severity of thickening and number of zones affected were not significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that in horses undergoing transabdominal ultrasonography, large intestinal wall thickness ≥ 9 mm may be detected in patients with a variety of conditions. Ultrasonographic examination of all abdominal zones was helpful to determine the extent of thickening and identify additional findings that helped prioritize differential diagnoses.

Clinical outcomes after colopexy through left ventral paramedian incision in 156 thoroughbred broodmares with large colon disorders (1999-2015).

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for colopexy via a left ventral paramedian incision and report postoperative clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: One hundred fifty-six thoroughbred broodmares treated with a colopexy through a left ventral paramedian incision between 1999 and 2015. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for postoperative complications and survival to discharge. The survival rate at 1 year after surgery was based on the medical record, progeny record, or client telephone conversation. Progeny records were reviewed to assess reproductive performance. T tests, χ2 tests, logistic regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: The rates of postoperative recurrence of large colon volvulus and colon rupture were 1.2% and 3%, respectively. Ninety-three percent of mares that were treated were discharged alive from the hospital, and 78% were alive 1 year after surgery. The diagnosis of 1 of the following complications increased the risk of death within 1 year: systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), diarrhea, and/or thrombophlebitis (odds ratio [OR] 4.76). Sixty-six percent of mares that were pregnant at the time of colopexy and discharged alive from the hospital produced a live foal. The percentage of live foals produced each year that the mare was bred after colopexy was 67%. CONCLUSION: Thoroughbred mares treated with colopexy via a left paramedian incision had a good prognosis for survival and continued use as a broodmare. SIRS, diarrhea, or jugular thrombophlebitis affected long-term survival in this population. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Colopexy via a left paramedian incision is a suitable alternative to colopexies requiring a second incision or creating adhesions between the colon and the linea alba in thoroughbred mares.

Congenital duodenocolic fistula in a dog.

A one-year-old female cocker spaniel presented with a 6-month history of persistent diarrhoea. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination revealed mild diffuse thickening of the intestinal wall coupled with mesenteric lymphadenopathy. A connection between the duodenum and the colon was observed during an endoscopic procedure and confirmed by computed tomography. Surgical resection of the communication allowed remission of the diarrhoea. Histology showed a normal duodenal epithelium and muscular layer. A duodenocolic fistula is an abnormal connection within the digestive tract, which in humans is usually considered a complication of a local pathological condition. Due to the absence of a predisposing cause and, in view of the dog's age and histological results, a congenital origin was suspected.

Reproductive careers of Thoroughbred broodmares before and after surgical correction of ≥360 degree large colon volvulus.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist describing broodmare longevity and reproductive efficiency after surgical correction of ≥360 degree large colon volvulus (° LCV). OBJECTIVES: Compare career duration and foals delivered for broodmares before and after ≥360° LCV surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Broodmares registered with The Jockey Club that had surgical correction of ≥360° LCV and survived to hospital discharge at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2015 were included. Information was collected from the hospital's medical data base and The Jockey Club produce records about the mares' reproductive careers. Data were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests, P≤0.05. RESULTS: Mares that were bred but never foaled prior to surgery (n = 19) had shorter careers (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]), 4.4 ± 4.5 years, and fewer foals, 3.1 ± 3.3, compared with mares that delivered ≥1 foal before surgery (n = 565), 10.4 ± 4.5 years and 7.4 ± 3.4 foals, respectively, P<0.001. Broodmares that delivered foals before surgery produced more foals in the years before surgery, 4.8 ± 3.0, than after surgery, 2.6 ± 2.4, P<0.001, and had longer breeding careers, 5.9 ± 3.8 vs. 4.5 ± 3.3 years before compared with after surgery, P<0.001. No significant differences in career length or number of foals delivered were detected for mares with a single compared with multiple LCV surgeries. Mares that were 3-11 years old at the time of surgery had significantly more foals after surgery compared with mares ≥12 years old, P<0.001, as expected. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective collection of data. CONCLUSIONS: Broodmares had productive careers following surgery for ≥360° LCV that were largely influenced by the mares' age at the time of surgery.