Objective To determine the influence of plate fixation (locking or dynamic compression) and the site of application (ventral [V] or ventrolateral [VL]) on the resistance to bending of transverse mandibular fractures. Study design Ex vivo, simple randomized study. Sample population Mandibles harvested from adult equine cadavers (n = 18). Methods Bilateral osteotomies were created 1 cm caudal to the mental foramen and perpendicular to the long axis of each mandible. Mandibles were fixed with 1 of 3 methods: (1) VL dynamic compression plate (DCP), (2) V‐DCP, or (3) VL locking compression plating (LCP). Constructs were mounted on a custom testing jig and tested for resistance in bending by applying force to the rostral aspect of the mandible. Stiffness and change of distance of the dorsal osteotomy at 200 N were compared among constructs. Results VL‐LCP constructs were 5.25 and 2.42 times stiffer than V and VL constructs, respectively (P<.001). Change in the width of the osteotomy gap at 200 N of load was reduced 6.04 times when osteotomies were stabilized with VL compared to V (P<.001); no difference was detected between the VL and VL‐LCP constructs (P=.836). Conclusion Ventrolateral LCP fixation of equine transverse mandibular osteotomies provided greater resistance to bending compared with V and VL constructs. Clinical significance These results provide evidence to recommend fixation of transverse interdental mandibular fractures with VL‐LCP rather than with DCP in horses.

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of lidocaine at reducing incidence of postoperative reflux (POR) in horses by using quantitative statistical analysis.Study designSystematic meta‐analytical review.Sample populationStudies on horses undergoing gastrointestinal surgery for small intestinal lesions, identified by systematic search between 2001 and 2017.MethodsA search with PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed, followed by secondary searches of veterinary trade journals and bibliographies of relevant articles. The primary outcome measure for this study was the effect of lidocaine therapy on the odds of POR. Subgroup analysis assessed included the timing of lidocaine therapy, incidence of mortality, and incidence of repeat celiotomy. A meta‐analysis was performed with a random effects model, with the effect size calculated as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at P < .05.ResultsAmong 1933 peer reviewed publications that met the initial search criteria, 12 relevant studies were available for analysis. Lidocaine was associated with an increased incidence of diagnosis of POR (OR 6.3, 95% CI [1.4, 27.0], P = .01). Horses treated with lidocaine were more likely to survive to discharge (OR 6.8, 95% CI [3.9, 11.7], P < .01).ConclusionLidocaine was associated with an increased survival rate in horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for small intestinal disease according to this meta‐analysis of the recent literature.Clinical significanceThis body of published evidence provides support to administer lidocaine in horses to improve survival rather than preventing POR.

Summary In an 18‐year‐old Paso Fino mare presented with mild colic of 36 h duration, a luminal obstruction was found on rectal palpation in the most oral part of the rectum, and this appeared to be caused by a tight band on the left side. A standing procedure was used that involved pararectal dissection with long‐handled instruments to the level of the constricting band, guided by a hand in the rectum. A hooked bistoury designed for treating entrapped epiglottis was used to transect the band, which immediately released the obstruction and allowed manual evacuation of the aboral end of the small colon. The band was most likely the pedicle of a pedunculated lipoma that had encircled the oral end of the rectum. The mare made a complete recovery.

A 15-year-old Pony of America (POA) gelding presented for evaluation of a large mass present on the right external pinna. Based on gross appearance, the right ear mass was suspected to be neoplastic. The most likely differential diagnosis was that of a fibroblastic sarcoid. Complete auriculectomy via use of a constricting latex-tourniquet performed under multimodal analgesia was proposed as an option to achieve complete resolution of mass growth and improve patient comfort. Benefits of latex tourniquet constriction included immediate lack of bleeding associated with amputation, gradual ischemic necrosis and sloughing of tissue distant to the site of constriction, and cost-effective application. The external pinna sloughed 3 weeks following application of the constricting latex tourniquet. Complete healing was achieved within 3 months from the time of tourniquet application. The middle ear canal sealed closed as a result of auriculectomy, with no observed long-term discomfort or morbidity aside from reduction in hearing. This is the first report of total external ear amputation in the horse. Complete auriculectomy via use of a constricting latex tourniquet is a feasible method for en-bloc removal of large, complicated ear masses.