These results reveal an anabolic effect of single IA injections of local anesthetics on cartilage metabolism. Although collagen degradation biomarker results were not increased, it is possible that the anabolic response is because of an undetected cartilage insult, and requires further investigation.

Knotless, barbed suture may be a viable alternative to standard suture material for laparoscopic closure of the urinary bladder in horses. Further cyclic and in vivo testing should be performed before use in clinical cases.

There is a high occurrence of undetected glove perforation in equine surgery. Precautions can be suggested based on this study although further investigation is required to assess whether glove perforations are associated with surgical site infections.