Of the variables available at presentation, only evidence of bone or tendon involvement negatively affected survival and athletic function. During treatment of synovial sepsis, analysis of synovial fluid at 4-6 days and bacterial culture results have prognostic value.

Thoroughbred racehorses with a displaced or non-displaced pelvic fracture that survive the initial post-injury period have a good prognosis for racing.

SummaryA Thoroughbred gelding had chronic episodic intra-abdominal haemorrhage following standing castration, presumed to originate from a testicular artery. No coagulopathy could be detected and resolution of haemorrhage was achieved by laparoscopic electrocoagulation of both testicular arteries 6 weeks after castration. Blood drained from the abdomen during surgery was filtered then auto-transfused. Post operative complications included pigmenturia, incisional pain and large colon impaction.

Summary Intra‐abdominal haemorrhage in horses can be due to rupture of the spleen and may result in severe blood loss. The assessment and resuscitation of a foal that collapsed due to intra‐abdominal haemorrhage is presented. Diagnosis of the source of the blood loss required exploratory laparotomy and confirmed splenic capsular rupture and haemorrhage. Splenectomy using a 17th rib resection approach was used to control the haemorrhage. Complications included acute cardiac muscle damage, which was monitored using echocardiography and troponin I levels. The successful surgical management of the ongoing blood loss in this foal suggests that splenectomy should be considered an option to control severe blood loss due to splenic rupture.