Funding informationVerein zur Förderung der Forschung im Pferdesport e.V.; Laboklin Background: Blood is collected for hematologic and biochemical analyses when racehorses perform poorly. However, racing affects most analyte levels; therefore, the timing of blood sampling can affect analyte levels and interpretations.Objective: This study aimed to determine if the blood variable levels returned to pre-racing levels 2 and 3 days post-racing.Methods: Blood was sampled from 17 healthy racehorses pre-and post-racing. The variables measured from plasma were albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), creatine phosphokinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and cortisol. Hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), granulocyte, and lymphocyte counts were analyzed from blood collected in EDTA-coated vials.Results: Calcium was lower 3 days post-racing compared with 2 days pre-racing (P < 0.01), P and GGT were higher 2 and 3 days post-racing compared with those at the pre-racing timepoints (P ≤ 0.01), and RBC, HCT, and HGB were higher 2 days post-racing compared with those at the pre-racing and 3-day post-racing time points (P < 0.01, all). Conclusions:A few blood biochemical and hematologic variables were significantly altered 2 and 3 days post-racing. The level of these changes did not affect the clinicopathologic interpretation of the values. K E Y W O R D SBiochemistry, exercise, hematology, performance, sampling, variation Many studies have reported that the blood variable levels in Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses are affected by racing. 1-8 Blood

A direct approach for arthroscopic removal of OC fragments of the PIJ using a third portal into this joint, without resection of the membrane between the TCJ and PIJ is a good alternative for removal of fragments at this site.

Objective To describe perioperative management, surgical procedure, and outcome in mares with third‐degree perineal lacerations (TDPL) treated with a single‐stage repair, the Utrecht repair method (URM). Study design Retrospective study. Animals Twenty mares with TDPL. Methods Medical records of mares with TDPL reconstructed with a URM were reviewed for perioperative management; surgical outcome; and postoperative fertility, athletic performance, and complications. Results Mares ranged in age from 3.5 to 11 years. Long‐term follow‐up was available for 13 mares. Mean duration of follow‐up was 9 years (median, 9.5; range, 2–215 months (17.9 years)). Standardized perioperative fasting and postoperative refeeding protocols were used. Only five mares received supportive gastric medication. Reconstruction of the rectovestibular shelf was successful in 18 of 20 mares. Two of 20 mares developed a small rectovestibular fistula after the initial repair, which was successfully repaired with a second surgery. Other postoperative complications were observed in 13 mares and consisted of mild postanesthetic myositis, facial nerve paralysis, esophageal obstruction, rectal obstipation, partial perineal dehiscence, and rectal or vestibular wind‐sucking. Six of seven mares that were subsequently bred became pregnant. One mare was successfully used for embryo recovery, and five of six mares foaled without recurrence of a TDPL. Nine of 13 mares were used for riding at various levels. Conclusion The alternative single‐stage reconstruction for TDPL was successful in 18 of 20 mares after a single surgery. No major complications related directly to the technique were noted. Clinical significance The URM is a valid alternative surgical technique for repairing TDPL in mares.

Arthroscopic removal is a good treatment option for horses with large extensor process fragmentation with a good long-term outcome. Remodeling of the remaining extensor process and the subchondral new bone formation in the fragment bed can occur with functional recovery.

Penetrating injuries to the sole of the hoof are common in horses. Prognosis and treatment depend on the structures involved. In this report, nine horses are described with a penetrating injury to the sole of the hoof that then underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. The radiographic examination performed in seven of these horses provided information about the bone involvement and an MRI examination was performed in all cases to obtain information about the affected soft tissues. MRI has excellent soft tissue contrast and can provide detailed images in any anatomical plane. For all nine horses, the MRI examination provided a clear guidance toward prognosis and a treatment plan. For two of the horses, the MRI examination confirmed that only superficial debridement was required. In seven of the horses, the MRI findings indicated that a more invasive approach was needed, such as navicular bursoscopy or street-nail procedure. This study illustrates that an MRI examination can provide useful additional information leading to an appropriate therapy and prognosis, and shows a good correspondence between MRI observations and surgical findings.