Short-term and long-term survival was high relative to prior reports and mares surviving to discharge following mesenteric rent surgery had an excellent prognosis for long-term survival. Based on our data, closure of rents is recommended to prevent recurrence of colic, but may be unnecessary for survival.

Distal limb wounds are common injuries sustained by horses and their healing is fraught with complications due to equine anatomy, prevalence of infection, and challenges associated with wound management. Gallium is a semi-metallic element that has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties and aid in wound healing in various preclinical models. The effects of Gallium have not been studied in equine wound healing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare healing rates between gallium-treated and untreated wounds of equine distal limbs and to demonstrate the antimicrobial effects of gallium on wounds inoculated with S. aureus. Using an established model of equine wound healing we demonstrated beneficial effects of 0.5% topical gallium maltolate on equine wound healing. Specifically we documented reduced healing times, reduced bioburden, and reduced formation of exuberant granulation tissue in wounds treated with gallium maltolate as compared with untreated wounds. Gallium appeared to exert its beneficial effects via its well-described antimicrobial actions as well as by altering the expression of specific genes known to be involved in wound healing of horses and other animals. Specifically, gallium maltolate appeared to increase expression of transforming growth factor-β in both infected and uninfected wounds. Further work is needed to document the effects of gallium on naturally occurring equine wounds and to compare the effects of gallium with other wound treatment options. These data, however, suggest that gallium may be an attractive and novel means of improving equine distal limb wound healing.

Objective To compare efficacy and safety of a continuous rate infusion of detomidine hydrochloride and romifidine hydrochloride for standing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares. Study Design Blinded, randomized prospective clinical study. Animals Eighteen healthy mares presenting for elective bilateral ovariectomy Methods Mares were randomly assigned to one of two sedation protocols. Prior to surgery, baseline head height, heart rate, respiratory rate, and postural sway were recorded. An IV loading dose of α2‐agonist (46 μg/kg romifidine or 13.9 μg/kg detomidine) was administered. Standing sedation was maintained with a continuous rate infusion of the respective α2‐agonist (126 μg/kg/h romifidine or 37.8 μg/kg/h detomidine). Intraoperative measurements included respiratory rate, heart rate, head height, postural sway, and response to surgical stimulus. Postoperatively, fecal output was recorded, and pain scoring was performed using composite pain score and visual analog scales. Results Three of 18 horses required additional α‐2 agonists: one detomidine and two romifidine and butorphanol. Head height during surgery was lower (p < .001) in mares receiving detomidine. Postural sway around the vertical axis was greater in mares sedated with detomidine rather than romifidine (p = .013). No differences were detected in intraoperative heart rate, postoperative pain scores or postoperative fecal output between sedation techniques. Conclusion Comparable scores for surgical stimulation and sedation were measured in both sedation groups. No differences in postoperative analgesia or manure production were identified. Clinical Significance Romifidine appears suitable as an alternative to detomidine and may limit ataxia and head drop in sedated horses.

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