Retrospective analysis of exploratory laparotomies in 192 Andalusian horses and 276 horses of other breeds

Abstract

The medical records of 468 horses that underwent 490 exploratory laparotomies for the correction of gastrointestinal diseases were reviewed to search for differences between Andalusian horses and other breeds. The seasonal distribution of surgical colics and their outcome and complications were also investigated. Bivariant analysis was used to compare the horses' age, gender and breed with the type of surgery, the bowel affected and the type of colic, and all these variables were compared in relation to euthanasia during surgery, complications, short-term survival and seasonal distribution. A total of 405 horses survived the surgery and 329 were discharged from the hospital. Horses less than one year old had better short-term survival than older horses. Andalusian horses suffered more inguinal hernias than the other breeds and were more prone to suffer laminitis as a complication. Colic surgery and inguinal hernias were also more common in the summer.

Standing Laparoscopic Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty Technique for Preventing Recurrence of Acquired Strangulating Inguinal Herniation in Stallions

“…European Warmblood, Standardbred, and Andalusian stallions and draught breed stallions reportedly have a higher prevalence of scrotal herniation . In our case series, young Warmblood show jumping stallions seemed to be disproportionately affected; however, this may reflect our caseload, which is 80% comprised of Warmbloods.…”

“…The likelihood of herniation can be related to the size of the vaginal ring with a higher incidence reported in Warmblood, Standardbred, and Andalusian horses compared with other breeds . Recurrence can be prevented by castration, along with ligation of the spermatic cord and vaginal tunic as proximal as possible.…”

Long-term follow-up on recovery, return to use and sporting activity: a retrospective study of 236 operated colic horses in Finland (2006–2012)

“…Short-term survival rate after colic surgery was somewhat lower (82.6%; 195/236) compared with previous studies (85.7–87.0%) [11, 17, 18]. Two-thirds (67.4%; 159/236) of the horses were insured at the time of the first surgery, and (85.7%; 12/14) at the time of the second surgery.…”

Prevention of post operative complications following surgical treatment of equine colic: Current evidence

“…Post operative pain/colic is a common complication following surgical management of colic, occurring in 11–35% of horses post operatively . It is also the most common cause of post operative death or euthanasia and post operative pain during hospitalisation has been significantly associated with reduced survival . The prevalence of post operative colic varies depending on the location of the primary gastrointestinal lesion.…”