Canine laparoscopic-assisted ovary-sparing hysterectomy does not increase risk of stump pyometra.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate incidences of pyometra and orthopedic, behavioral, urinary/reproductive, neoplastic, or atopic disease processes as outcomes for dogs undergoing either a laparoscopic-assisted ovary-sparing spay/hysterectomy (LapOSS) or a laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE). ANIMALS: 33 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of client-owned dogs presenting between August 2013 and May 2020 for elective LapOSS or LapOVE were reviewed. A multiple-choice client questionnaire was emailed to all clients whose dogs' complete medical records were available. RESULTS: 17 of the 33 dogs were in the LapOSS group, and 16 of 33 dogs were in the LapOVE group. Of the 17 dogs undergoing LapOSS, 5 of 17 (29%) underwent an elective OVE at a later date. The mean follow-up time was 4.2 ± 1.8 years for the LapOSS group and 4.3 ± 2.0 years for the LapOVE group. No dogs developed stump pyometra. One LapOSS dog developed mammary tumor, and 2 others developed nonreproductive malignant neoplasia while 2 of the LapOVE dogs developed malignant neoplasia. One of the LapOSS dogs with malignant neoplasia had an ovariectomy prior to development of disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic-assisted ovary-sparing spay appears to provide a safe and reliable method of sterilization, with no observable increased risk of pyometra with hysterectomy. Owners must be counseled prior to surgery regarding the consequences of gonadal hormone retention and multiple heat cycles.

Isolation of Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus from an abdominal abscess in an adult mare.

A 12-year-old Warmblood mare was referred for evaluation of behavioral changes not explained by general physical examination or lameness evaluation. Transrectal ultrasound examination was performed to determine if the behavioral changes were related to ovarian abnormalities, and a large abscess was found near the base of the cecum. Laparoscopic-guided aspiration and lavage of the abscess cavity followed by injection of benzyl penicillin G was carried out. Culture of the lavage sample yielded Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus, an organism not previously reported as an etiological agent in abdominal abscesses in horses. The mare was treated after surgery with an extended course of antibiotics (minocycline per os q12h for 10 days followed by enrofloxacin per os q24h for 42 days). The mare resumed work in competitive eventing 10 months after surgery, and the behavioral complaints had resolved according to the owner. Key clinical message: We describe the diagnosis and treatment of a mare with an abdominal abscess from which Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus was cultured. This organism has not previously been reported as an etiological agent in abdominal abscesses in horses.

Isolement de Campylobacter fetus sous-espèce fetus d'un abcès abdominal chez une jument adulte. Une jument Warmblood âgée de 12 ans fut référée pour évaluation de changements de comportement non-expliqués par un examen physique général ou une évaluation de boiterie. Un examen échographique transrectal fut effectué afin de déterminer si les changements de comportement étaient reliées à des anomales ovariennes et un large abcès fut trouvé près de la base du caecum. Une aspiration guidée par laparoscopie et un lavage de la cavité de l'abcès suivis d'une injection de benzyle pénicilline G furent effectués. Une culture de l'échantillon de lavage permis d'identifier Campylobacter fetus sous-espèce fetus, un organisme n'ayant pas été rapporté antérieurement comme agent étiologique dans les abcès abdominaux chez les chevaux. La jument fut traitée après la chirurgie avec un régime prolongé d'antibiotiques (minocycline per os q12h pour 10 jours suivi d'enrofloxacine per os q24h pour 42 jours). La jument recommença à travailler dans des compétitions 10 mois après la chirurgie et les plaintes concernant le comportement étaient résolues selon le propriétaire.Message clinique clé:Nous décrivons le diagnostic et le traitement d'une jument avec un abcès abdominal à partir duquel on isola C. fetus sous-espèce fetus. Cet organisme n'a pas été rapporté antérieurement comme agent étiologique dans les abcès abdominaux chez les chevaux.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Association of intraperitoneal ceftriaxone, intravenous gentamicin and oral metronidazole in the treatment of an abdominal abscess and peritonitis in a horse: case report / Associação da ceftriaxona intraperitoneal, gentamicina intravenosa e do metronidazol oral no tratamento de abscesso abdominal e peritonite em equino: relato de um caso

Medical management of abdominal abscesses in horses requires prolonged antibiotic therapy and presents varied success rates. A 6-year-old male horse with a history of colic and multiple abdominal punctures to relieve gas was attended. At admission, tachycardia, tachypnea, hyperthermia, mucosal congestion, dehydration, and rigid gait were observed. The association of physical examination, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings allowed the diagnoses of peritonitis and abdominal abscess. Supporting treatment plus broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was performed: daily intraperitoneal ceftriaxone (25 mg/kg, 7 days); daily intravenous gentamicin (6.6 mg/kg, 7 days); per os metronidazole three times a day (15 mg/kg 12 days), followed by the same dose twice a day (15 mg/kg 33 days), totaling 45 days of treatment. Plasma fibrinogen and ultrasonographic examination were the most effective tools to evaluate abscess evolution. There was normalization of the physical examination 24 h after beginning the treatment, consecutive regression of the nucleated cell count in the peritoneal fluid, and regression of plasma fibrinogen and size of the abscess. On the 10th treatment day, the animal was discharged from the hospital, maintaining oral therapy with metronidazole every 12 h (15 mg / kg). When the animal returned on the 30th day, an abscess size regression was observed. However, there was no resolution, and therapy with metronidazole was maintained. On the 45th day of treatment, a new hospital evaluation was performed, where the abscess resolved, and metronidazole was suspended. It is highlighted that the therapeutic association used in the treatment of abdominal infection and abscess resulted in a rapid clinical response.(AU)

O tratamento conservativo dos abscessos abdominais em equinos requer antibioticoterapia prolongada e apresenta variadas taxas de sucesso. Foi atendido um cavalo de seis anos de idade, com histórico de cólica e múltiplas punções abdominais por agulha para esvaziamento de gás. Na admissão, foram observados taquicardia, taquipnéia, hipertermia, congestão mucosa, desidratação e marcha rígida. A associação do exame físico, achados laboratoriais e ultrassonográficos permitiu o diagnóstico de peritonite e abscesso abdominal. Foi realizado tratamento suporte e antibioticoterapia de amplo espectro: ceftriaxona intraperitoneal diária (25 mg/kg, 7 dias); gentamicina intravenosa diária (6,6 mg/kg, 7 dias); metronidazol oral três vezes ao dia (15 mg/kg, 12 dias), seguido de mesma dose duas vezes ao dia, por mais 33 dias, totalizando 45 dias de tratamento. O fibrinogênio plasmático e o exame ultrassonográfico foram os recursos mais eficazes para a avaliação da evolução do abscesso. Após 24 horas do início do tratamento foi constatada a normalização do exame fisico, regressão progressiva da contagem de células nucleadas no líquido peritoneal, do fibrinogênio plasmático e do tamanho do abscesso. No 10° dia de tratamento o animal recebeu alta hospitalar, mantendo-se a terapia oral com metronidazol a cada 12 horas (15 mg/Kg). Em retorno, ao 30° dia, observou-se regressão do tamanho do abscesso, entretanto, não houve resolução, tendo sido mantida a terapia com metronidazol. No 45º dia de tratamento, realizou-se nova avaliação hospitalar, onde foi observada a resolução do abscesso e a admnistração do metronidazol foi suspensa. Destaca-se, que a associação terapêutica utilizada no tratamento de infecção abdominal e abscesso resultou em rápida resposta clínica.(AU)

Clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome for cattle that developed retroperitoneal abscesses following paralumbar fossa laparotomy: 32 cases (1995-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, and outcome for cattle that developed a retroperitoneal abscess (RA) following paralumbar fossa laparotomy (PFL). ANIMALS: 32 Holstein cows with RA. PROCEDURES: The record database of a veterinary teaching hospital was searched to identify cattle that were treated for an RA between January 1995 and March 2017. Cattle with an RA > 30 cm in diameter located 3.5 cm subjacent to the skin that had undergone a PFL < 3 months before examination for the RA were evaluated. Information extracted from the record of each cow included signalment; physical examination, clinicopathologic, and transabdominal ultrasonographic findings; treatments administered; and outcome. Milk production data were analyzed for the lactations before, during, and after RA treatment. RESULTS: Common physical examination findings were rumen hypomotility, anorexia, and fever, and common clinicopathologic findings were anemia and neutrophilia. Abdominal palpation per rectum and transabdominal ultrasonography facilitated RA diagnosis and identification of the optimal location for drainage. Thirty of 32 cows underwent surgical drainage of the RA and prolonged administration of systemic antimicrobials. Two cows were euthanized because of concurrent peritonitis, including 1 that underwent surgical RA drainage. Thirty cows were discharged from the hospital alive, and most returned to their previous level of milk production. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although uncommon, RA should be suspected in cows that develop anorexia and fever within 3 months after PFL. Cows with RA often returned to their previous level of milk production, but treatment was generally prolonged and costly.

Successful medical management of perinephric abscess and urosepsis following urethral obstruction in a cat.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation and medical management of a cat with perinephric abscessation and urosepsis following urethral obstruction and catheterization. CASE SUMMARY: A 2-year-old intact male domestic shorthaired cat presented to an emergency and referral center for lethargy, vomiting, and hematuria. Severe azotemia and hyperkalemia were observed on a serum biochemistry panel. The patient was diagnosed with urethral obstruction and was treated with urethral catheterization, calcium gluconate, IV fluid therapy, buprenorphine, and prazosin. The patient's azotemia improved, and the hyperkalemia resolved. Urinary catheterization was discontinued. The patient developed pyrexia, worsening azotemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and dysuria. Urethral catheterization was repeated. Abdominal radiographs showed left renomegaly, and abdominal ultrasound revealed left perinephric fluid. Ultrasound-guided centesis of the perinephric fluid revealed septic inflammation, and the sample was consistent with urine based upon sample creatinine. Fluid from the perinephric abscess and urine from the bladder both grew Pasturella spp. The patient was treated with perinephric catheterization, saline lavage, and a continuous infusion of cefotaxime for 72 h. The patient's azotemia quickly resolved, and the patient was discharged after 6 days of hospitalization. The patient was reported to have made a full recovery. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first described case of perinephric abscess and urosepsis following urethral obstruction in a cat and its successful medical management. Perinephric abscess not associated with intrarenal abscess has not previously been identified. Additionally, continuous antimicrobial infusion to treat overwhelming infection and the use of the RapidBac Vet immunoassay for point-of-care detection of urinary tract infection has not been described in cats.

Intramural Abscess Causing Obstruction at a Previous Jejunal Enterotomy Site in a Dog.

This case report documents a novel late surgical complication in a 2 yr old dog following an enterotomy to remove a jejunal foreign body. Twenty-six days following the original surgery, the dog was re-presented with signs consistent with an intestinal obstruction. A mural intestinal abscess was found as the cause of the obstruction during exploratory surgery, and the site was successfully removed with a resection and anastomosis. Histopathology showed multifocal abscessation with cyst-like structures partially lined with mucosa. The dog recovered without complication and remains healthy 4 mo later. The exact cause of the lesion is not known; however, local contamination through a focal mucosal defect or complications related to the use of barbed suture in the original enterotomy repair may have contributed.

Bilateral renal abscessation and chronic active pyelonephritis in a male camel (Camelus dromedarius) caused by Escherichia coli.

This report summarizes the clinical, hematobiochemical, ultrasonographic, histopathological and bacteriological findings in a male Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) with bilateral renal abscessation and chronic active pyelonephritis. Owner complaint included a decreased appetite and loss of body condition with occasionally voiding red urine. In the right kidney, ultrasonographic changes included a hypoechoic fluid surrounding the renal parenchyma. Within the left kidney, a large volume of hypoechoic contents were imaged. Bacteriological examination yielded only Escherichia coli. To the authors' knowledge this is the first reported case of bilateral renal abscessation and chronic active pyelonephritis in dromedary camels. In conclusion, renal ultrasonography provides a precise and non-invasive technique for diagnosis and subsequent clinical decision making of renal abscessation and chronic pyelonephritis camels.

Fatal Systemic Salmonellosis in a Florida Manatee ( Trichechus manatus latirostris).

A subadult male Florida manatee ( Trichechus manatus latirostris) stranded dead on Florida's Atlantic coast in January 2015. Necropsy and histopathologic findings confirmed chronic systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype IV 50:z4,z23,:- involving renal, respiratory, lymphatic, and skeletal systems. This was a unique case of systemic salmonellosis in a Florida manatee.

Intra-abdominal fungal pseudomycetoma in two cats.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomycetomas are deep cutaneous to subcutaneous lesions caused by Microsporum canis mainly described in Persian cats, with few reports of intra-abdominal location. This report describes the clinical signs and lesions of intra-abdominal pseudomycetomas caused by M. canis in two Persian cats. CASE REPORT: Two Persian cats with a history of previous laparotomy (ovariohysterectomy and nephrostomy) and fecal impaction were examined. Cat #1 was euthanized and subjected to necropsy, histopathology and mycological evaluation. Cat #2 presented with chronic dermatophytosis, and an intra-abdominal mass, that was subjected to histopathology evaluation. Cat #1 presented at necropsy a white-grayish, firm mass (6cm×3.5cm×2.8cm) in the uterine cervix. Cat #2 presented a firm whitish mass (6.5cm×1.5cm×0.5cm) located close to the left kidney. Histologically, both masses contained multifocal granules with hyphae and spores surrounded by Splendore-Hoeppli reaction, with a pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate and fibrous connective tissue proliferation in the periphery. Hyphae and spores exhibited marked Grocott and periodic acid-Schiff staining. M. canis was identified by fungal isolation in cat #1. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudomycetoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats, especially in Persian cats presenting with an intra-abdominal mass. Entrance of the agent into the cavity can occur during laparotomy.

Isolation of Trueperella pyogenes in a case of thoracic and abdominal abscess in a galago (Otolemur garnettii).

BACKGROUND: An adult male galago (Otolemur garnettii) presented for fight wounds following pairing for breeding. Treatment was symptomatic with recovery. Following resolution, the animal re-presented and died, despite additional treatment. METHODS: Necropsy, histopathology, bacterial cultures, and 16S RNA sequencing. RESULTS: A large intrathoracic/intra-abdominal abscess due to Trueperella pyogenes was found at necropsy. CONCLUSIONS: T. pyogenes should be considered in abscesses/wounds of galagos.

Medical and surgical management of an intra-abdominal abscess of hepatic origin in a horse.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old Arabian-cross mare was examined because of a 48-hour history of pyrexia, lethargy, and signs of abdominal discomfort. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On initial evaluation, the horse was in good body condition, but febrile, tachycardic, tachypneic, and icteric and had signs of colic. Findings on CBC and serum biochemical analysis indicated marked systemic inflammation and hepatocellular damage. Serial abdominal ultrasonographic examinations revealed progressive, localized hepatic parenchymal abnormalities in the left ventral aspect of the abdomen in proximity to the left liver lobes, and eventual identification of an irregularly marginated, hyperechoic walled region of heterogenous echogenicity consistent with an encapsulated hepatic abscess. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Medical treatment was initiated with administration of doxycycline and flunixin meglumine. After 7 days, the horse's clinical signs and hematologic values improved. After 14 days, the horse was discharged from the hospital and prescribed continuation of doxycycline treatment for 14 days. One week following hospital discharge, the horse was reevaluated for recurrent signs of colic and pyrexia. The horse was sedated, and the region overlying the caudal aspect of the seventh rib was desensitized with an inverted L nerve block by local infiltration with 2% lidocaine. While the horse was standing and sedated, drainage of an encapsulated intra-abdominal abscess was followed by rib resection and removal of a portion of necrotic left lateral liver lobe. The development of a pneumothorax following rib resection represented the only major surgical complication. Twelve months later, the horse was clinically normal and had returned to its previous level of performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Rib resection in standing sedated horses, together with appropriate medical management, should be considered an option for removal of well-encapsulated cranially located intra-abdominal abscesses that are adherent to the ventrolateral aspect of the body wall in horses.

Septicemia and Infection due to ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae Following Feline Renal Allograft Transplantation.

A 12 yr old castrated male domestic longhair underwent renal transplantation for treatment of chronic interstitial nephritis. Full-thickness intestinal biopsies obtained prior to transplantation revealed mild enteritis. Twelve months following transplantation, the patient underwent surgery for resection of a mesenteric mass causing septic peritonitis. The mesenteric mass was resected and an intestinal resection and anastomosis was performed. Extended-spectrum-ß-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was cultured from the resected tissue and urinary tract. Bacterial rods were noted to be circulating in the bloodstream, causing septicemia. Despite aggressive treatment of the septic peritonitis and septicemia using surgical debridement, drain placement, aggressive antibiotic therapy with IV meropenem, and vasopressor support, the patient succumbed to persistent hypotension and suffered cardiopulmonary arrest. Extended-spectrum-ß-lactamase-producing bacteria are of growing concern in human and veterinary medicine, maintaining susceptibility often only to carbapenem and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Resistance to even those antibiotics is emerging. Veterinary patients with a history of antibiotic therapy, central venous or urinary catheterization, immunosuppression, enteric surgery, and an extended stay in the intensive care unit may be predisposed.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa associated with abdominal abscess formation, hypotension, and acute abdominal pain in a puppy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the presence of heterotopic gastric mucosa forming an abscess associated with acute abdominal pain and shock in a puppy. CASE SUMMARY: A 7-month-old male intact Shih-Tzu was presented to the emergency service for evaluation of a 12-hour history of vomiting and lethargy progressing to weakness. On presentation, the puppy was obtunded and hypotensive. Radiographs revealed an ill-defined mid-ventral abdominal mass. Ultrasound revealed an echogenic, fluid-filled mass associated with the jejunum. The puppy had an exploratory celiotomy and a 2 × 4 cm oval fluid-filled soft tissue mass was found to be intimately associated, but not communicating with, a section of the mid-jejunum. The mass and associated jejunum were removed via enterectomy. Histopathology of the resected mass revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa; bacterial culture of the fluid contained in the mass revealed heavy growth of Escherichia coli. The puppy recovered from surgery, was discharged from the hospital, and has had no further complications from this episode. UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Heterotopic gastric mucosa is commonly found incidentally on necropsy. When it has been associated with acute gastrointestinal signs, mechanical intestinal obstruction with or without perforation was noted. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of heterotopic gastric mucosa leading to abscess formation and acute abdominal pain in the dog.

Large intra-abdominal abscess treatment by marsupialization in 2 alpacas.

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical signs, diagnostic findings, surgical treatment, postoperative complications, and long-term outcome in 2 adult alpacas with large intra-abdominal abscesses treated by marsupialization of the abscess to the ventral body wall. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Alpacas (n = 2). METHODS: Two alpacas each presented with decreased appetite, lethargy, poor body condition, and marked abdominal distension. A complete physical examination, abdominal radiography, and ultrasonography confirmed the presence of large intra-abdominal abscesses. Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus was cultured from the abscess fluid of alpaca 1, and a Gram-negative bacillus from alpaca 2. RESULTS: Both alpacas had exploratory celiotomy with marsupialization of the abdominal abscess to the ventral body wall. Postoperatively, alpacas were administered systemic antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the abscesses were lavaged for several days. Alpaca 2 required a second surgical procedure. The abscesses ultimately resolved in both alpacas, with body wall hernia formation as the only major complication. Both alpacas had good long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: Marsupialization to the ventral abdominal wall with concurrent antibiotic treatment should be considered as a treatment option for alpacas with large intra-abdominal abscesses in which complete surgical resection of the abscess is not possible. An abdominal wall hernia can result from this procedure, and clients should be informed of this potential complication before surgery.

Retroperitoneal abscesses in two western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

This report describes two cases of retroperitoneal abscesses in female western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). Clinical symptoms included perivulvar discharge, lameness, hindlimb paresis, and general malaise. Retroperitoneal abscesses should be considered as part of a complete differential list in female gorillas with similar clinical signs.

Successful medical management of intra-abdominal abscesses in 4 adult horses.

Four adult horses with large intra-abdominal abscesses, suspected to be complications of strangles, were treated with systemic antibiotics alone and made a full recovery. The 100% survival rate is significantly better than other reported survival rates. The median duration of treatment (35 days) was shorter than in most previous reports. This study suggests that penicillin G can be used for successful treatment of strangles associated intra-abdominal abscesses in horses.

Gestion médicale réussie d'abcès intra-abdominaux chez 4 chevaux adultes. Quatre chevaux adultes avec des abcès intra-abdominaux de grande taille, suspectés d'être des complications de la gourme, ont été traités seulement à l'aide d'antibiotiques systémiques et se sont rétablis complètement. Le taux de survie de 100 % est significativement meilleur que les autres taux de survie signalés. La durée médiane du traitement (35 jours) a été plus courte que celle indiquée dans la plupart des rapports antérieurs. Cette étude suggère que la pénicilline G peut être utilisée avec succès pour le traitement des abcès intra-abdominaux associés à la gourme chez les chevaux.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

[Omphalourachitis with abscess of the urachus and rectal prolapse in a llama cria (Lama glama)]. / Omphalourachitis mit Urachusabszess und Rektumprolaps bei einem Lamafohlen (Lama glama).

This case report describes the diagnosis and therapy of an omphalo-urachitis in a llama cria. Additionally, the cria developed a rectal prolapse, which was successfully treated with a temporary pararectal tobacco pouch suture following umbilical surgery.

Case report: sequelae of traumatic reticuloperitonitis in a Friesian dairy cow.

CASE HISTORY: A 10-year-old Friesian dairy cow presented with a history of weight loss, decreased milk production and fluid splashing on auscultation of the heart. Previous antibiotic therapy included oxytetracycline, marbofloxacin and penicillin. CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Following a failure to respond to treatment, prescribed by the referring veterinarian for respiratory infection and septic arthritis, the cow was referred to Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with suspected pericarditis. Clinical examination identified a predominantly left sided holodiastolic heart murmur with tachycardia and cording of the jugular veins. Cardiac ultrasound showed an enlarged aortic valve with turbulent blood flow and regurgitation, consistent with bacterial endocarditis. Blood culture demonstrated Paenibacillus spp. Due to the severity of the clinical signs and poor prognosis, euthanasia was performed and a post-mortem examination carried out. DIAGNOSIS: Traumatic reticuloperitonitis with abscessation of the reticulum and rumen wall, which progressed to a bacteraemia and presumptively caused endocarditis, endometritis, septic arthritis, and renal and myocardial infarcts due to emboli from the endocarditis lesions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: New Zealand dairy cattle are at risk of traumatic reticuloperitonitis and due to varying presentations diagnosis can be complicated. Subsequent bacteraemia is common and in this case the novel bacterial species Paenibacillus was implicated as a potential pathogen.

Abdominal abscesses in adult horses: 61 cases (1993-2008).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcome for a series of adult horses with abdominal abscesses. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 61 adult horses. PROCEDURES: Medical records of adult horses with abdominal abscesses treated at Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (1993 to 2008) were reviewed. Information was recorded regarding signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and short- and long-term outcomes. Risk factors for survival were determined. RESULTS: 61 horses met the criteria for inclusion. Clinical signs included colic (67%), fever (46%), anorexia (51%), signs of depression (57%), tachycardia (46%), and weight loss (30%). The diagnosis was made on the basis of abdominal ultrasonography, exploratory celiotomy, palpation per rectum, and necropsy. Abscesses were variable in size, location, and number. Only 15 (24.6%) horses survived to discharge. Multiple bacterial isolates were identified from aspirates of abscesses, and subsequent abdominal adhesion formation limited survival, affecting outcome. Risk factors for survival included age and heart rate at admission. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adult horses with abdominal abscesses often have severe adhesion formation. Multiple bacterial isolates are frequently identified from the abscess. Prognosis for survival is guarded.