Subtle locomotor asymmetries are common in horses and may go unnoticed during routine pre-race clinical inspections, particularly when based solely on subjective evaluation. This study aimed to describe vertical head and pelvic movement asymmetries in racehorses that passed official pre-race inspections at a traditional racing event. Twenty-four horses were analysed using a markerless AI-based gait analysis system while trotting in-hand and during lungeing in both directions. Asymmetry parameters (HDmin, HDmax, PDmin, and PDmax) were extracted from video recordings, with values ≥0.5 considered clinically relevant. Vertical asymmetries were detected in 71% of horses during straight-line evaluation and in 79% during at least one lungeing direction. Some horses showed relevant asymmetries only under specific movement conditions, underscoring the complementary role of straight-line and lungeing assessments in comprehensive gait evaluation. These results suggest that objective gait analysis could enhance pre-race veterinary assessments, especially in traditional racing, where horses are subjected to significant biomechanical stress, including variable surface properties and repetitive directional loading. In such complex and dynamic environments, relying solely on visual assessment may result in the underdiagnosis of subtle locomotor alterations. The AI-based tools offer potential to improve the detection of subtle irregularities and support evidence-based decisions in performance horse management. Further investigations are warranted to validate the clinical relevance of currently adopted asymmetry thresholds, refine their diagnostic value, and support their integration into standardized pre-race evaluation protocols.

In horses, surgical site infections (SSIs) are multifactorial complications influenced by patient-related, procedural, and environmental factors. While perioperative contamination has been extensively studied in the operating theater, the anesthetic induction and recovery environment has received limited attention. The aim of this study was to characterize bacterial contamination within an equine anesthetic induction and recovery stall and to evaluate its spatial and temporal distribution. Environmental samples were collected from four predefined locations within the stall at three time points: before patient admission, after recovery from general anesthesia, and after routine cleaning and disinfection. Samples were analyzed using standard aerobic culture techniques, and bacterial species were identified. Bacterial contamination was detected at all sampling locations and time points. Contamination increased significantly after recovery from general anesthesia and was most pronounced in areas associated with moisture retention, such as the groove between floor tiles. The bacterial species identified were predominantly opportunistic environmental organisms. No direct association between environmental contamination and surgical site infections could be established. However, the constant presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria indicates that the anesthetic induction and recovery stall represents a relevant component of the perioperative environment. These findings support the inclusion of the recovery area in infection control strategies aimed at reducing perioperative risk in equine surgical patients.

Despite the wide range of therapeutic options currently available for equine sarcoids, recurrence of these lesions remains a major clinical challenge. Consequently, the identification of effective strategies for the management of recurrent sarcoids remains an important objective in equine oncology. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of surgical cytoreduction combined with intraoperative electrochemotherapy in horses affected by recurrent equine sarcoids. Medical records of horses treated between July 2018 and August 2025 at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Bologna were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included signalment, lesion location, clinical subtype, lesion size, chemotherapeutic agent used, recurrence status, and follow-up duration. Fourteen horses presenting 23 recurrent sarcoid lesions met the inclusion criteria. Recurrence was evaluated at both the lesion and horse levels. Local tumour control was achieved in 16 of 23 lesions (69.6%). Recurrence was observed in 7 lesions, corresponding to a lesion-based recurrence rate of 30.4%, and in 5 of 14 horses (35.7%). Malignant and fibroblastic lesions showed higher recurrence rates than other clinical subtypes, whereas larger lesions tended to recur more frequently than smaller lesions. No significant differences were identified between cisplatin- and carboplatin-treated lesions. Surgical cytoreduction combined with intraoperative electrochemotherapy provided encouraging local tumour control in a population composed exclusively of recurrent sarcoids. This treatment protocol may represent a valuable therapeutic option for horses with local recurrence of sarcoids, although larger prospective studies are required to further define prognostic factors and long-term outcomes.

This case report documents an unusual cheek tooth (CT) displacement in a 3-year-old Arabian filly. The horse was referred to the clinic for loss of appetite and right-sided facial deformity. At admission, an oral inspection was performed, followed by a dental radiographic examination. The radiographs showed a very oblique vertical angulation (135°) of the CT 106 compared to the other premolars (107 and 108 CTs) (40°). In consideration of the clinical and radiographic findings, surgical extraction of the 106 CT was indicated. Due to the unique positioning of the displaced tooth, traditional extraction methods such as standing oral extraction or minimally invasive buccotomy were deemed impractical. An innovative intranasal dental repulsion technique was selected to minimize invasiveness while ensuring the possibility of performing a complete oral extraction. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia without requiring skin incisions or a lateral osteotomy of the maxilla. The surgery was successful, with no intra-operative or post-operative complications. This original approach offers a viable alternative for similar cases, reducing the morbidity associated with conventional repulsion techniques.

Tibial fractures in beef cattle are a significant clinical challenge, particularly in animals weighing over 300 kg, where surgical treatment is often discouraged due to poor prognosis. This study evaluated the use of full limb double transfixation pin casting (TPC) in field settings for treating tibial fractures in 11 beef cattle weighing between 260 and 480 kg. All animals received the same surgical approach, involving pin placement both proximal and distal to the fracture site, followed by application of a fiberglass cast encompassing the entire limb. The short-term outcome was positive in 90.9% of cases, with two animals not surviving to cast removal. A long-term positive outcome—defined as completing the production cycle and reaching slaughter weight—was achieved in 72.7% of cases. All surviving animals exhibited some residual lameness, but none experienced functional limitations or carcass devaluation. These results support the feasibility and effectiveness of a full limb cast with double transfixation pinning for tibial fracture repair in heavy cattle under field conditions, offering a cost-effective and practical alternative to internal fixation or Thomas splint casts. Further studies are encouraged to confirm these findings and better assess outcomes in open fracture cases.

Umbilical remnant disorders are common in neonatal foals and may require surgical intervention when complicated by infection or urinary involvement. Abdominal surgery in this population is often considered high risk, particularly due to postoperative complications and adhesion formation. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of foals undergoing omphalectomy with peritonealization of the umbilical arterial stumps. Medical records of foals younger than 30 days treated surgically between 2005 and 2025 were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, diagnosis, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and short-term survival were collected. Long-term follow-up was obtained by owner interview to assess post-discharge colic episodes and if they started their intended athletic activity. Seventy-one foals met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 83.1% survived to hospital discharge. Mortality was significantly associated with the presence of concurrent comorbidities and postoperative complications, but not with age or sex. Long-term follow-up was available for a subset of foals; post-discharge colic was reported in 6.4% of cases, with only one foal developing colic considered compatible with postoperative adhesions. Most foals with available follow-up successfully started their expected athletic activity. These findings suggest that omphalectomy with peritonealization of the umbilical arterial stumps is associated with favorable short- and long-term outcomes and may represent a safe surgical option in neonatal foals.