Summary A 15‐year‐old Sports horse gelding was referred for nonweightbearing lameness of the left hindlimb. Septic cellulitis was diagnosed and managed medically. After 14 days, septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS), with septic tendinitis of the superficial (SDFT) and deep (DDFT) digital flexor tendons, became evident. Surgical resection of the intrathecal portion of the septic SDFT was performed. Post‐operatively, a half‐limb cast was placed on the operated limb for 10 weeks followed by an articulated orthotic support boot during a rehabilitation period of 6 weeks. The horse recovered and regained long‐term pasture soundness. Ultrasonography demonstrated the presence of bridging connective tissue in the location of the resected SDFT.

Background Jejunal anastomosis in horses with one- or two-layer conventional technique can lead to leaks at the anastomosis site and the possibility of severe septic peritonitis. The objective of this study was to compare the use of a recently designed UV-polymerizable methacrylate adhesive as the second layer of a two-layer anastomosis with a Cushing pattern.Fifteen fresh harvested jejunum segments were collected from horses euthanized for unrelated reasons and owner consent was obtained for research donation. Each segment was divided in 3 pieces, each assigned to 3 different groups. In 2L-CT group, resection and anastomosis was performed using a double-layer simple continuous/Cushing suture. In 1L-UV-PMA group, resection and anastomosis was performed using a single-layer continuous technique sealed with a UV-polymerizable methacrylate adhesive. Control group was left untouched. Anastomotic construction time of the second layer, Bursting Strength Pressure (BSP), Luminal Diameter Reduction (LDR), and mode of failure were measured and compared between groups.Results The construction time (Mean [95% CI]) was 3.02 min [2.50; 3.55] in 1L-UV-PMA group and 8.09 min [7.59; 8.61] in 2L-CT group. The difference was significant (P<0.001).The BSP (Mean [95% CI]) was 170.47 mmHg [146.29; 194.65] in 1L-UV-PMA group, 175.33 mmHg [156.83; 193.83] in 2L-CT group, and 189.93 mmHg [162.52; 217.34] in the control group. The difference was significant only between the 1L-UV-PMA group and the control group (P=0.04).The LDR (Mean [95% CI]) was 51% [47; 55] in 1L-UV-PMA group and 48% [43; 53] in 2L-CT group. The difference was not significant (P=0.26).Eight segments ruptured on the suture line in the 1L-UV-PMA group and six segments ruptured on the suture line in the 2L-CT group. The difference was not significant (P=0.36).On macroscopic evaluation, the 1L-UV-PMA anastomosis formed a tunnel-like anastomosis. After testing, some of the samples from the 1L-UV-PMA group showed shreds of glue detached from the serosa.Conclusions Complete covering of anastomosis with UV-PMA glue is comparable in terms of leaking pressure and Luminal Diameter Reduction but faster to perform than an inverting suture pattern. Modification of the technique is warranted to decrease tunneling at the anastomosis site.

Resection and anastomosis of small intestine during colic can lead to adhesions and recurrent colic. Several methods are available to reduce the rate of adhesions in the postoperative period, such as the use of serosal barriers. Surgical glues form a smooth surface, are fast to apply, and could reduce surgery time when performing anastomosis. A recently developed UV-polymerizable methacrylate adhesive (UV-PMA) is designed to anchor into the biological tissues’ top surface offering sealant and a smooth cover over the anastomosis site. This adhesive was used ex vivo on fifteen samples of equine jejunum as the second layer of a two-layer anastomosis (1L-UV-PMA group) and compared to a two-layer anastomosis (simple continuous pattern covered with a Cushing pattern; 2L-CT group), in terms of feasibility, bursting strength pressure (BSP), luminal diameter reduction (LDR), and time of construction. Data were analysed using a paired t-test or a chi2-test ( P < 0.05 ). The results showed no statistical difference in BSP, LDR, or any mode of failure between the two anastomosis types. However, the glue anastomosis formed a tunnel-like anastomosis and shredded under pressure, before apparition of leakage, preventing its usage in clinical cases with this methodology. It was concluded that modification of the technique is warranted before testing in clinical cases. A preprint of a former version of the manuscript is available on researchsquare.com, which was not conducted to print and publication after peer reviewing. Since then, the manuscript has been modified to this current version.