The occurrence of colic could be influenced by the characteristics of a population, geographical area, and feeding management. The aim of this study was to report the short-term postoperative complications and survival rates and to identify factors that might affect the outcome of horses that underwent colic surgery in three Italian surgical referral centres. Data of horses subjected to colic surgery in three referral centres (2018–2021) were analysed. Comparisons of the outcomes were performed using a Mann–Whitney or a Chi square test. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used for parameters that were significant in the previous univariate analysis. The goodness-of-fit of the model was assessed using the Akike information criterion (AIC). Significance was defined as p < 0.05, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated as percentages. A total of 451 horses were included. The survival rate was 68.5% of all of the horses that underwent colic surgery and 80% of the horses surviving anaesthesia. Age, BCS, PCV and TPP before and after surgery, amount of reflux, type of disease, type of lesion, duration of surgery, surgeon’s experience, and amount of intra- and postoperative fluids administered influenced the probability of short-term survival. The multivariate analysis revealed that PCV at arrival, TPP after surgery, and BCS had the highest predictive power. This is the first multicentre study in Italy. The results of this study may help surgeons to inform owners regarding the prognosis of colic surgery.

A 3-year-old Quarter Horse stallion was referred for headshaking (HS) syndrome of one month duration. The horse underwent complete HS workup. Physical examination revealed up-and-down head movements associated with nose snorting during lunging and riding, in the absence of other abnormalities at rest or in motion. Lameness, neurologic and behavioural evaluations were unremarkable. Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract showed bilateral guttural pouches (GPs) inflammation. The mucosal surface was altered by the presence of areas of microbullous appearance coalescing into some bullae of larger diameter. A bacterial culture obtained by flushing, brushing and biopsy of the GP mucosa was positive for Serratia marcescens. Computed tomographic evaluation was indicative of: moderate bilateral GP inflammation, bilateral otitis media, and nuchal ligament enthesopathy, with uncertain significance. The horse was treated with antimicrobials according to the sensitivity test, systemic NSAIDs and rest. At the one-month follow-up, HS condition was improved and the endoscopic examination showed a limited number of bullous lesions remaining. Bacterial culture re-obtained from the GPs lavages was positive for Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus. Based on the residual evidence of GP infection, the horse was re-treated with antimicrobials according to the sensitivity test, systemic NSAIDs and rest. At the two-month follow-up, HS condition was considered resolved based on clinical evaluation, the horse resumed gradually training with satisfactory results. Endoscopy and bacteriology showed resolution of GP infection. At one-year follow-up no relapses were reported.

Background: Ossifying fibromas are uncommon in horses and complete surgical excision with premaxillectomy, maxillectomy or mandibulectomy is recommended. Piezosurgery has been previously used in equines only in one study. Objective: To report a case of ossifying fibroma treated with piezosurgery and to describe its follow‐up. Study Design: Clinical case report. Methods: A 4‐year‐old Zangersheide gelding was presented for a mass occupying the space of tooth 202. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of ossifying fibroma, which was removed by resection of soft tissues and a slice of the premaxilla with a piezotome. First intention closure was achieved with a U‐plasty between the soft palate and the gingiva. Afterwards, histology confirmed complete removal of the mass. Results: At 5 months, the horse did not show signs of recurrence. Surgery was easy to perform with the piezotome and the cosmetic result was excellent. Conclusion: Piezosurgery is a feasible technique for oral surgeries in horses, although more prospective studies are required.

The aims of the present study were to compare the percentages of articular cartilage removed using a lateral drilling approach of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) and a dorsal drilling approach, and to assess the usefulness of digital fluoroscopy when performing a lateral drilling approach. Sixty cadaveric PIPJs were drilled using a surgical drill bit to remove the articular cartilage. The limbs were divided into three groups containing 10 forelimbs and 10 hindlimbs each. One group received the dorsal drilling approach, the second one received the lateral drilling approach and the last one received the lateral drilling approach under digital fluoroscopy guidance. The percentage of articular cartilage removed from each articular surface was assessed using Adobe Photoshop ^® software. The percentages of removed cartilage turned out to be significantly higher with lateral approach, especially under fluoroscopic guidance, both in the forelimbs (p = 0.00712) and hindlimbs (p = 0.00962). In conclusion, the lateral drilling approach seems to be a minimally invasive technique with which to perform PIPJ arthrodesis, even more efficient than the previously reported dorsal approach.

Background: Bodyweight, age and breed influence the echocardiographic assessment of foals. There are no echocardiographic studies in Standardbred neonatal foals. Objectives: To describe echocardiographic values for selected variables, evaluate intra‐ and inter‐observer variability and assess cardiac changes in the first 5 days of life in healthy Standardbred neonatal foals. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Fifty‐six healthy Standardbred neonatal foals were examined by transthoracic echocardiography using standard right parasternal and subcostal views at three time points: in the first 48 h (T1), between 49 and 96 h (T2), and 97 and 144 h (T3) after birth. Descriptive statistics, variability analysis and linear mixed models assessed age‐related changes in cardiac parameters. Intra/inter‐observer variability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results: A total of 114 echocardiographic examinations were performed. Intra‐observer agreement was excellent for most variables, while inter‐observer agreement was excellent in approximately half. An increase in end‐diastolic left ventricular internal diameter (T1: 5.3 ± 0.6 cm; T3: 5.6 ± 0.8 cm; p < 0.01), left atrial diameter in the four‐chamber view (T1: 5.8 ± 0.6 cm; T3: 6.0 ± 0.6 cm; p = 0.01), end‐diastolic aortic sinus diameter in the left ventricular outflow tract view (T1: 3.0 ± 0.3 cm; T3: 3.2 ± 0.3 cm; p < 0.01) and peak velocity of the transmitral E wave (T1: 0.8 ± 0.1 m/s; T3: 0.9 ± 0.1 m/s; p < 0.01) were observed over time. Additionally, a gradual decrease in the end‐diastolic pulmonary diameter at the sinus (T1: 2.8 ± 0.3 cm; T3: 2.5 ± 0.3 cm; p < 0.01) and at the valve (T1: 2.6 ± 0.3 cm; T3: 2.5 ± 0.4 cm; p = 0.03) levels was noted. Main Limitations: Some variables have fewer individuals; coefficients of variation are moderate to high for some variables. Conclusions: Changes in echocardiographic variables in a healthy Standardbred neonatal foal population reflect a physiological adaptation of the cardiorespiratory system from foetal to extrauterine life. These observations can be used as a reference in the assessment of neonatal foals of similar age and weight.