Ponies, miniatures, and younger equids are at higher risk of fecalith obstruction compared to a general colic population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine breed, age, and sex predispositions for fecalith obstruction and to evaluate short-term survival and prognostic factors following surgical treatment of fecalith intestinal obstruction in equids. ANIMALS: 151 equids. METHODS: Medical records of equids undergoing surgery for fecalith obstruction from 2000 to 2020 were reviewed. Signalment, history, presenting clinicopathological data, surgical findings, complications, and short-term survival were recorded and compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Signalment of the fecalith population was compared to a contemporaneous colic population. Clinical factors were assessed for association with outcome. RESULTS: 64 females, 53 castrated males, and 31 intact males were included. Three equids presented twice. Miniature horses, ponies, and miniature donkeys/mules represented 48% (71/148) of fecalith population and full-sized breeds represented 52% (77/148). Miniature horses and ponies were overrepresented and equids ≤ 1 year of age were overrepresented in the fecalith population compared to the colic population. One hundred thirty-nine equids (92%) survived to discharge, 6% (9/148) were euthanized intraoperatively, and 2% (3/148) were euthanized during hospitalization. Nonsurvivors showed more severe colic signs on admission, tachycardia on admission, and hyperlipemia. Equids with postoperative colic (P = .01) and complications (P = .002) were less likely to survive. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Miniature horses and ponies were overrepresented compared to the colic population; however, full-sized breeds were also affected. Surgical treatment had an excellent short-term prognosis. Severe colic signs, tachycardia, hyperlipemia, postoperative colic, and surgical complications negatively affected short-term survival.

Prevalence of and risk factors associated with Salmonella shedding among equids presented to a veterinary teaching hospital for colic (2013-2018).

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal disease has been associated with shedding of Salmonella with previous studies demonstrating that horses with colic have a higher risk of acquiring and shedding Salmonella organisms. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with Salmonella shedding in a colic population at a referral clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: For each colic case that was positive for Salmonella (n = 56), two colic cases (n = 112) that tested negative for Salmonella, were enrolled as controls. Associations between variables and Salmonella shedding were identified using logistic regression. Univariate and multivariable models were developed pertaining to (1) presenting clinicopathological data and (2) clinical variables that developed during hospitalisation. RESULTS: Of the equids presenting with colic, 1585/1917 had a sample submitted for Salmonella testing. Of these, 56 were positive for Salmonella yielding a prevalence of 3.5%. Equids shedding Salmonella were more likely to present in July (odds ratio [OR] = 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63-32.13; p = 0.009) and present with a history of fever (OR = 53.5; 95% CI = 2.57-1113.03; p = 0.01), increased lactate (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.14-2.29; p = 0.007) and/or neutropenia (OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.65-0.97; p = 0.02). Hospitalised equids shedding Salmonella were more likely to be febrile (OR = 4.8; 95% CI = 1.47-15.8; p = 0.01) and 10 times more likely to develop reflux (OR = 10.1; 95% CI = 1.67-61.43; p = 0.01) compared to colic controls. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nature of the study and bias inherent to the retrieval of data from medical records cannot be discounted. Classifying Salmonella status based on a single sample may have resulted in misclassification bias. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of Salmonella shedding in this colic population was low compared to earlier reports. Certain predictors such as the development of a fever or reflux in hospitalised colic cases were associated with Salmonella shedding and may help the clinician to promptly identify horses likely to shed; thus, helping institute effective use of barrier nursing precautions.

Multi-Institutional Retrospective Case-Control Study Evaluating Clinical Outcomes of Foals with Small Intestinal Strangulating Obstruction: 2000-2020.

Lower survival has been reported in foals than adults with small intestinal strangulating obstruction (SISO), but age-dependent outcomes have not been examined directly. Hospital records were collected from five US academic referral hospitals. It was hypothesized that foals would exhibit lower survival than case-matched adults. Foal cases 6-months-of-age or younger, and adult cases between 2- and 20-years-of-age were collected. Data revealed 24 of 25 (96.0%) foals and 66 of 75 (88.0%) adults that were recovered from surgery for SISO survived to hospital discharge. Sixteen of the total 41 (39.0%) foals studied were euthanized intraoperatively, whereas 30 of 105 (28.6%) adults were euthanized intraoperatively. Common lesions in foals that were recovered from surgery were volvulus (n = 13) and intussusception (n = 5), whereas common lesions in adults were volvulus (n = 25) and strangulating lipoma (n = 23). This study was limited by incomplete medical records, relatively small sample size, and lack of long-term follow-up. Unexpectedly, short-term survival tended to be higher in foals than adults and may have been partly driven by case selection prior to referral or surgery or decision-making intraoperatively. More optimism toward surgical treatment of foals with SISO may be warranted.

Clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment, and short- and long-term survival in horses with peritonitis: 72 cases (2007-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To identify etiology, clinical findings, diagnostic results, treatment, and short- and long-term survival and to report factors associated with nonsurvival and survival in horses with peritonitis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 72). METHODS: Medical records at William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 2007-2017 were reviewed for horses diagnosed with peritonitis. The essential inclusion criterion was a peritoneal nucleated cell count of ≥25 000 cells/µL. Gastrointestinal rupture and cases in which peritonitis occurred after abdominal surgery or castration were excluded. Information retrieved from medical records included signalment, history, clinicopathological and peritoneal fluid variables, diagnostic imaging findings, inciting cause, treatment, and short- and long-term survival. Data were analyzed by using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and χ2 test (P < .05). RESULTS: Colic was the most common presenting complaint (34/72 [48%]). A definitive diagnosis could be made in 44 (44/72 [61%]) cases. The most common cause of peritonitis was infectious agents (31/72), followed by trauma (8/72), gastrointestinal thickening (3/72), and eosinophilic peritonitis (2/72). Idiopathic peritonitis was identified in 28 (28/72 [39%]) cases. Sixty (83%) horses survived to hospital discharge. Long-term follow-up was available for 49 horses, with 43 (88%) horses alive 1 year after discharge. Significant differences between nonsurvivors and survivors were history of colic, positive peritoneal fluid culture, and several hematological/peritoneal fluid variables. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal fluid analysis was essential for a definitive diagnosis of peritonitis, and certain variables were useful for predicting outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results of this study provide evidence of the value of peritoneal fluid analysis for identification of peritonitis, prediction of outcome, and successful treatment.

Diagnostic value of plasma and peritoneal fluid procalcitonin concentrations in horses with strangulating intestinal lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of plasma and peritoneal fluid procalcitonin concentrations for identification of horses with strangulating intestinal lesions. ANIMALS: 65 horses with signs of colic of intestinal origin and 10 healthy (control) horses. PROCEDURES: For each horse, plasma and peritoneal fluid samples were obtained for a CBC and determination of total protein, procalcitonin, and lactate concentrations. Signalment and clinicopathologic findings were compared among control horses and horses with strangulating and nonstrangulating intestinal lesions. RESULTS: Mean ± SD plasma (274.9 ± 150.8 pg/mL) and peritoneal fluid (277 ± 50.6 pg/mL) procalcitonin concentrations for horses with colic were significantly greater than the mean ± SD plasma (175.5 ± 46.0 pg/mL) and peritoneal fluid (218.8 ± 48.7 pg/mL) procalcitonin concentrations for control horses. Mean procalcitonin concentration in peritoneal fluid, but not plasma, differed significantly between horses with strangulating lesions and those with nonstrangulating lesions. A peritoneal fluid procalcitonin concentration ≥ 281.7 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 69%, positive predictive value of 56.7%, and negative predictive value of 87.9% for detection of strangulating lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that peritoneal fluid procalcitonin concentration, when evaluated in conjunction with other clinicopathologic results, might be a sensitive indicator of intestinal ischemia and facilitate early identification of horses that require surgery to address a strangulating lesion.

Evaluation of the risk of incisional infection in horses following application of protective dressings after exploratory celiotomy for treatment of colic.

OBJECTIVE To assess incidence of incisional infection in horses following management with 1 of 3 protective dressings after exploratory celiotomy for treatment of acute signs of abdominal pain (ie, colic) and determine the risk of complications associated with each wound management approach. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled study. ANIMALS 85 horses. PROCEDURES Horses were assigned to 3 groups. After standardized abdominal closure, a sterile cotton towel (group 1) or polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated dressing (group 2) was secured over the incision site with 4 or 5 cruciate sutures of nonabsorbable monofilament, or sterile gauze was placed over the site and secured with an iodine-impregnated adhesive drape (group 3). Demographic and clinicopathologic data, intraoperative and postoperative variables, and development of complications were recorded and compared among groups by statistical methods. Follow-up information was collected 30 and 90 days after surgery. Incidence and odds of incisional complications were calculated. RESULTS 75 horses completed the study. Group 3 typically had dressing displacement necessitating removal during anesthetic recovery; dressings were in place for a mean of 44 and 31 hours for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Purulent or persistent serosanguinous incisional discharge (ie, infection) was detected in 11 of 75 (15%) horses (2/24, 0/26, and 9/25 from groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Odds of incisional complications were significantly greater for group 3 than for groups 1 or 2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that risk of infection after celiotomy for treatment of colic is lower for incisions covered with sterile towels or polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated dressings secured with sutures than for incisions covered with gauze secured with iodine-impregnated adhesive drapes.

Predictive value of plasma and peritoneal creatine kinase in horses with strangulating intestinal lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of plasma and peritoneal creatine kinase (CK) to predict the presence of a strangulating lesion in horses presented for colic. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Ten healthy control horses and 61 clinical colic cases. METHODS: Creatine kinase activity was measured in peritoneal fluid and plasma of 10 healthy horses and 61 horses presenting for colic (40 horses with nonstrangulating lesions and 21 horses with strangulating lesions). Information on other blood and peritoneal fluid variables, signalment, results from the physical examination, outcome, requirement for surgery, and lesion location and type were retrieved from the medical records of horses presenting for colic. RESULTS: A peritoneal CK cutoff level of 16 IU/L yielded a sensitivity of 95.2% and a specificity of 84.6% (positive predictive value [PPV] = 76.9% and negative predictive value [NPV] = 97%, respectively) for predicting a strangulating lesion. A peritoneal lactate cutoff level of 3.75 mmol/L yielded a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 92% (PPV = 85% and NPV = 90%, respectively) for predicting a strangulating lesion. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal CK concentration was a sensitive indicator of the presence of a strangulating lesion in horses presenting with colic, whereas peritoneal lactate concentration was a more specific indicator. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Measuring CK in peritoneal fluid may be a useful adjunct to clinical case presentation to accelerate the diagnosis and definitive treatment of horses presenting with strangulating intestinal lesions, thereby improving their outcome.

Evaluation of the effects of initial water temperature and curing time on fiberglass cast strength.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of water temperature and cure time on cast strength. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized experimental study. METHODS: Two water temperatures were tested, 23°C (cold) and 42°C (warm). Cast constructs were made of 4-inch fiberglass casting material over a rubber mandrel. Each construct was divided into 3 segments and tested in 4-point bending at 0.5, 1, and 24 hours. Stiffness and bending moment, cumulative energy, and angular deformation at yield and failure were recorded and analyzed by using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Mean time ± SD to complete the construct was 2.2 ± 0.8 and 2.3 ± 0.6 minutes for warm and cold water, respectively. Warm water and longer cure times produced constructs with greater stiffness (23.05 vs 20.88 newton-meter degrees [Nm°] at 0.5 hours), bending moment (121.75 vs 107.31 Nm° at 0.5 hours), and cumulative energy (557.33 vs 428.89 Nm° at 1 hour) at yield and failure. Longer cure time significantly increased angular deformation of rods at failure; however, water temperature did not. In general, the strongest casts were produced with warm water and after curing for 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Fiberglass casts continued to gain strength for at least 24 hours. Use of warm water increased the rate of curing, resulting in stronger constructs at earlier time points. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Use of warm water is recommended to initiate fiberglass cast curing, especially if the casted limb will be loaded soon after cast application.

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.

Time required to achieve maximum concentration of amikacin in synovial fluid of the distal interphalangeal joint after intravenous regional limb perfusion in horses.

OBJECTIVE To determine the maximum concentration (Cmax) of amikacin and time to Cmax (Tmax) in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in horses after IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) by use of the cephalic vein. ANIMALS 9 adult horses. PROCEDURES Horses were sedated and restrained in a standing position and then subjected to IVRLP (2 g of amikacin sulfate diluted to 60 mL with saline [0.9% NaCl] solution) by use of the cephalic vein. A pneumatic tourniquet was placed 10 cm proximal to the accessory carpal bone. Perfusate was instilled with a peristaltic pump over a 3-minute period. Synovial fluid was collected from the DIP joint 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after IVRLP; the tourniquet was removed after the 20-minute sample was collected. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein 5, 10, 15, 19, 21, 25, and 30 minutes after IVRLP. Amikacin was quantified with a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Median Cmax of amikacin and Tmax in the DIP joint were determined. RESULTS 2 horses were excluded because an insufficient volume of synovial fluid was collected. Median Cmax for the DIP joint was 600 µg/mL (range, 37 to 2,420 µg/mL). Median Tmax for the DIP joint was 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Tmax of amikacin was 15 minutes after IVRLP in horses and Cmax did not increase > 15 minutes after IVRLP despite maintenance of the tourniquet. Application of a tourniquet for 15 minutes should be sufficient for completion of IVRLP when attempting to achieve an adequate concentration of amikacin in the synovial fluid of the DIP joint.

Clinical findings and management of 153 horses with large colon sand accumulations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of radiographic quantification of sand accumulation on the medical versus surgical management of large colon sand accumulations. To compare short- and long-term outcomes and complications associated with medical and surgical management of these horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 153 horses. METHODS: Medical records and abdominal radiographs of horses presented for colic between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed. Severity of sand accumulation was quantified by tracing and measuring a region of interest with a commercial software program. Breed, weight, amount of sand, presence of diarrhea at presentation, treatment, and the development of complications were recorded. RESULTS: Records from 153 horses were reviewed. The mean cross-sectional area of sand accumulation was 692.9 cm2 (median = 658.7 cm2 , 84.6-1780.7 cm2 ). Increased accumulation of gas on radiographs and abnormal transrectal examination findings were associated with an increased likelihood of surgery. The most common complication was the development of diarrhea (20.3%) with only 4 (2.6%) horses positive for Salmonella spp. Horses had a favorable prognosis, with 94.8% of horses treated medically and 94.7% of those treated surgically surviving to discharge. CONCLUSION: Increased accumulation of gas on radiographs and transrectal palpation of impaction or intestinal gas distension increase the likelihood of surgery. Both medical and surgical treatments carry a good prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The sheer quantity of sand is not a factor when determining surgical intervention. Attention should be paid to the presence of increased gas accumulation on rectal or radiographic examination.

Comparison of clinical findings and short-term survival between horses with intestinal entrapment in the gastrosplenic ligament and horses with intestinal entrapment in the epiploic foramen.

OBJECTIVE To compare clinical findings and short-term outcome for horses with intestinal entrapment in the gastrosplenic ligament (GLE) with those of horses with intestinal entrapment in the epiploic foramen (EFE). DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS 43 horses with GLE (cases) and 73 horses with EFE (controls). PROCEDURES Medical records of horses examined because of colic at a veterinary teaching hospital between 1992 and 2012 were reviewed. Signalment was extracted from medical records for all horses with colic (colic population), and additional information regarding colic history, clinical findings, treatments, and outcome was extracted from the records of horses in which GLE or EFE was diagnosed during surgery or necropsy. Signalment was compared between the colic population and the case and control populations. Clinical findings and short-term outcome were compared between the cases and controls. RESULTS The proportions of middle-aged horses and geldings in both the case and control groups were greater than those in the colic population. Mean heart rate and blood and peritoneal fluid lactate concentrations in horses with EFE were significantly greater than those for horses with GLE. The proportion of horses that underwent surgery and were discharged from the hospital (short-term survival rate) did not differ between the GLE (22/25 [88%]) and EFE (29/34 [85%]) groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Compared with the colic population, results suggested middle-aged geldings might be predisposed to GLE and EFE. The short-term survival rate was similar between the GLE and EFE groups even though horses with EFE had more severe systemic derangements than did horses with GLE.

Use of an Absorbable Urethral Stent for the Management of a Urethral Stricture in a Stallion.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful management of a urethral stricture with an absorbable stent in a stallion. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Stallion with a urethral stricture. RESULTS: A 12-year-old Thoroughbred breeding stallion was evaluated for acute onset of colic. Uroperitoneum because of presumptive urinary bladder rupture, with urethral obstruction by a urethrolith, was diagnosed. The uroperitoneum was treated conservatively. The urethrolith was removed through a perineal urethrotomy. Approximately 15 weeks after urethrolith removal, the stallion presented with a urethral stricture. The stricture was unsuccessfully treated with an indwelling urinary catheter and 4 attempts at balloon dilation. Eight weeks after diagnosis of stricture, an absorbable polydioxanone (20 mm × 80 mm) urethral stent was implanted under percutaneous, ultrasound guidance. Urethroscopy was performed at 70, 155, and 230 days after stent placement and the endoscope passed through the affected site without complication. Urethroscopy at 155 days showed the stent had been reabsorbed. Follow-up 20 months after stent placement reports the stallion was able to void a normal urine stream. CONCLUSIONS: Absorbable urethral stent placement was a feasible treatment for urethral stricture in this stallion.

Effects of intratesticular and incisional local anesthetic administration for castration of alpacas anesthetized with intramuscular ketamine-xylazine-butorphanol.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of intratesticular and incisional injection of local anesthetics on response to castration, surgical ease, and recovery in alpacas. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded, randomized, and clinical trial. ANIMALS: Intact male alpacas (n = 38). METHODS: Alpacas were anesthetized with intramuscular butorphanol, ketamine, and xylazine (BKX). Once recumbent, alpacas were instrumented with electrocardiogram, pulse oximeter, oscillometric blood pressure, and capnography. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and blood pressure (BP) were recorded every minute. Treatment drug (lidocaine, bupivacaine, or saline) was infiltrated along the incision and into both testicles followed by a prescrotal closed castration. Timing of major events, presence of movement during the procedure, need for additional anesthesia, and ease of surgery were recorded. Alpacas were administered postoperative oral meloxicam and assessment was made 24 hours after recovery. RESULTS: Median RR and mean BP (MBP) were lower in the lidocaine compared with the saline treated group. Median RR, HR, and MBP were significantly lower in the bupivacaine group compared with the saline group. Fewer alpacas displayed physical response to surgical stimulus with bupivacaine. No significant differences were found between groups for timing of events, need for additional anesthesia, ease of surgery, or postoperative assessment. CONCLUSION: Intratesticular local anesthetic blunts autonomic response and facilitates castration in alpacas anesthetized with BKX with minimal negative effects. Bupivacaine may have some benefit for local anesthesia during castration compared with lidocaine.

Identification, management and outcome of postoperative hemoperitoneum in 23 horses after emergency exploratory celiotomy for gastrointestinal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate postoperative hemoperitoneum in a population of horses that had surgery for colic. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 23). METHODS: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information was obtained from medical records (1985-2012) of horses with postoperative hemoperitoneum after emergency exploratory celiotomy. Pre-existing hemoperitoneum during surgery and nonsurgical hemoperitoneum were excluded. RESULTS: Of 4520 horses that had emergency exploratory celiotomy for gastrointestinal disease, 23 horses met inclusion criteria; an incidence of 0.5%. Horse signalment approximated the colic population, although Thoroughbreds were significantly overrepresented. Hemoperitoneum was significantly associated with intestinal resection. Postoperative hemoperitoneum was recognized a mean (± SD) of 1.0 ± 0.7 days after surgery and associated with tachycardia, decreasing hematocrit, incisional drainage, or ultrasonographic identification of swirling, echogenic abdominal fluid. Primary treatments included intravenous fluid therapy (n = 23), colloid support (20), blood transfusion (13), and antifibrinolytic agents (11). Fifteen horses (65%) survived to discharge, which was associated with admission lactate and days of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative hemoperitoneum is a rare complication of exploratory celiotomy in horses that should be considered when there are signs of abdominal discomfort and declining hematocrit in the early postoperative period. Prognosis is guarded because of potential sequelae of septic peritonitis and adhesion formation.

A preliminary study of silver sodium zirconium phosphate polyurethane foam wound dressing on wounds of the distal aspect of the forelimb in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if application of silver sodium zirconium phosphate polyurethane semi-occlusive foam (SPF) dressing would improve measures of wound healing and decrease bacterial contamination compared with a non-adherent, absorbent dressing applied to wounds created on the distal aspect of the equine limb. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled randomized experimental study. ANIMALS: Adult Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred horses (n = 5). METHODS: One 6.25 cm(2) wound was created on the dorsomedial aspect of the proximal metacarpus on each forelimb. A SPF dressing was applied to 1 randomly assigned limb as a treatment and a non-adherent, absorbent dressing was applied to the opposite limb as control. Bandages were changed every 3 days for 60 days. Granulation tissue was scored every 3 days, wound area measured every 6 days, and wound bed was cultured every 12 days. RESULTS: SPF-treatment wounds had significantly decreased wound area and decreased granulation tissue scores when evaluated <30 days and over the 60 day study, although complete wound healing times were not significantly different. Bacteria were cultured from all wounds at varying times throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: The SPF wound dressing improved some measures of wound healing compared with the control dressing, most significantly during the first 30 days. This suggests that the SPF wound dressing may be useful in the early management of wounds on the equine lower limb. Further studies using the SPF dressing are needed to characterize the temporal and cellular effects on wound healing and evaluate this dressing in a clinical environment.

Evaluation of 3 handheld portable analyzers for measurement of L-lactate concentrations in blood and peritoneal fluid of horses with colic.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 3 portable handheld analyzers with a bench top blood gas analyzer for measurement of blood and peritoneal fluid L-lactate concentrations in horses admitted with signs of colic. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Blood and peritoneal fluid from horses with colic. METHODS: L-lactate concentrations in heparinized blood and peritoneal fluid were measured serially on 10 occasions to evaluate repeatability of the portable analyzers. Blood and peritoneal fluid L-lactate concentrations were simultaneously evaluated by a bench top and 3 portable analyzers and the results compared by intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland Altman plots. L-Lactate concentrations in a subgroup of peritoneal fluid samples were evaluated by a chromogenic laboratory assay and compared with the bench top and the handheld analyzers. RESULTS: Portable lactate analyzers had good intra-analyzer reliability for peritoneal fluid. Two portable analyzers had poor intra-analyzer reliability for mid concentrations of L-lactate in blood. L-lactate measurements from portable analyzers were closer to the bench top analyzer at low concentrations of L-lactate than at higher concentrations. Compared with the bench top analyzer, the Lactate Pro and Lactate Plus have the highest intraclass correlation coefficient and the smallest bias for peritoneal fluid and blood L-lactate, respectively. The bench top analyzer and the Lactate Pro had the highest level of agreement for peritoneal fluid compared with the chromogenic assay. CONCLUSIONS: Although portable analyzers are alternatives for the measurement of L-lactate concentration in field situations, clinicians need to be aware of the variable results between analyzers, especially when extrapolating means or cutoff values from studies using different lactate analyzers.

Sinusitis associated with nasogastric intubation in 3 horses.

Sinusitis has not been reported as a complication of long-term nasogastric intubation in horses. We describe 3 horses that developed nosocomial sinusitis following abdominal surgery with associated perioperative nasogastric intubation. Sinusitis was suspected by the presence of malodorous discharge and confirmed by percussion, upper airway endoscopy, radiographs (n = 3), and bacterial culture (n = 1).

Sinusite associée à l'intubation naso-gastrique chez 3 chevaux. La sinusite n'a a pas été signalée comme une complication de l'intubation naso-gastrique à long terme chez les chevaux. Nous décrivons 3 chevaux qui ont développé une sinusite nosocomiale après une chirurgie abdominale utilisant une intubation naso-gastrique péri-opératoire connexe. La sinusite a été suspectée en observant la présence d'un écoulement malodorant et confirmée par percussion, endoscopie des voies respiratoires supérieures, radiographies (n = 3) et culture bactérienne (n = 1).(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Complications associated with perineal urethrotomy in 27 equids.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical findings, incidence of complications, and outcome associated with perineal urethrotomy in equids. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Equids (n = 27). METHODS: Medical records (January 2000 to December 2010) of equids that had a perineal urethrotomy were reviewed. Data retrieved and evaluated were breed, age, surgical technique, use of general anesthesia, complications, time from surgery to development of complications and their management, and outcome. RESULTS: Perineal urethrotomy was performed for urolithiasis (n = 22), for treatment of urethral rents (3), severe balanoposthitis (1), and bladder atony caused by equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (1). The incidence of complications was 52%, including recurrence of urolithiasis in 5 (23%) equids. Horses that had postoperative cystoscopy and bladder lavage were significantly less like likely to have recurrence of urolithiasis (P = .039). Of equids that had postoperative indwelling urinary catheters, 75% developed complications. CONCLUSIONS: Perineal urethrotomy can be an effective for treatment of urolithiasis, hematuria, and urethral trauma. Postoperative cystoscopy and bladder lavage significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative recurrence of urolithiasis.