The ABSA tested here provides an efficacious, fast-acting, and well-tolerated alternative to achieve skin antisepsis in healthy horses. These results justify further investigation in clinical cases.

SummaryThis case report describes the investigation and treatment of an adult horse with purulent, malodorous exudate originating from a large intermandibular mass. Microbial culture of fluid aspirated from a draining tract yielded Peptostreptococcus and Prevotella species which are usually considered to originate from the oral cavity. Computed tomography (CT) was used to aid in the diagnosis and to allow careful presurgical planning, and the horse underwent successful debridement of the abscess cavity under general anaesthesia. Post‐operatively, the horse developed trismus (reduced opening of the jaws) but repeat CT identified that the surgery site was healing appropriately. It was recommended to continue feeding the horse hay to act as physiotherapy and the masticatory action of the horse subsequently returned to normal.

Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition of horses. Multiple risk factors have been previously identified and it is known that a careful management routine can help reduce colic rates. The British military working horse population represents a unique cohort of horses that are intensively managed with a strict regimen. This retrospective study examined the incidence and mortality rate of colic within this population, as well as the signalment of affected horses, and compared these with the general population. Data for 717 horses over a five-year period (2008–2012) were analysed. Of these, 163 horses (22.7 per cent) experienced 267 colic episodes and 13 horses (1.8 per cent) died because of colic. Recurrent colic was experienced by 35 per cent (57/163) of horses. The incidence of colic was 11.1 episodes per 100 horse-years and of colic-related death was 0.5 deaths per 100 horse-years. Horses purchased from mainland Europe were more likely to suffer from colic (OR 4.6; P<0.001) and from recurrent colic (OR 6.0; P=0.005) than horses purchased from Ireland. Only 3 per cent (8/267) of colic episodes were treated surgically. It was concluded that the incidences of colic and colic-related deaths within the British military working horse population are similar to those of the general horse population.

Diagnosis of digital flexor tendon sheath conditions can be challenging, although they are a common occurrence in horses. Injuries can occur in either the fore- or hindlimbs and a thorough understanding of the complex anatomy of the digital flexor tendon sheath will help practitioners to gain confidence in their diagnostic ability of its pathologies. This article outlines the clinically relevant anatomy, approaches to and interpretation of diagnostic anaesthesia, as well as common stable-side imaging findings that may be expected for the main pathologies associated with the digital flexor tendon sheath. Tips and tricks to maximise diagnostic potential are also included throughout the article.

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