Objectives (1) Evaluate the occurrence and variables associated with incisional morbidities (IMs) after ventral median laparotomy when using interrupted vertical mattress sutures (IVMS) and (2) determine the occurrence of abdominal bandage-associated complications in horses. Methods Occurrence of IM and bandage-associated complications were determined after single laparotomies (SL group; n=546 horses) and repeat laparotomies (RL group: multiple laparotomies within four weeks; n=30 horses) in horses that survived ≥7 days postoperatively. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate variables associated with IM. Results The IM rate was 9.52 per cent in the SL group and 33.33 per cent in the RL group. The actual infection rate was 5.31 per cent in the SL group and 26.67 per cent in the RL group. Overall, long-term clinically relevant wound complications was 1.68 per cent. After multivariate analysis, increased anaesthesia duration was associated with IM and performing an enterotomy and postoperative intravenous lidocaine administration were associated with incisional infection in the SL group; no parameter remained significant in the RL group. Bandage-related complications were recorded in 2.95 per cent of the cases. Conclusions These results suggest that the use of IVMS for closure of the linea alba is another viable option for closure and that an abdominal bandage does not appear to cause significant complications.

Background Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) of small intestine is a severe cause of strangulating small intestinal obstruction (SSI) with long-term survival seeming lower than for other causes of SSI in horses. Different techniques via laparoscopy or laparotomy for epiploic foramen (EF) closure have been developed. Methods This study describes a technique of peroperative mesh closure of the EF in clinical cases and their long-term follow up. Results In the study period of 5.5 years, 36 horses were admitted to the clinic with EFE. Of these, 17 horses had peroperative mesh closure, with resection anastomosis in 4 cases and enterotomy in 4 other cases. Fifteen of these survived to discharge. Long-term follow-up (one to three years, median three years) was favourable in all 15 horses not showing recurrence of EFE nor other related signs of colic. Laparoscopic evaluation of the EF was performed in two cases and showed integration of the mesh. One horse was euthanased 3.5 years after mesh placement for an unrelated cause and the mesh was well adherent obliterating the EF. Conclusion Mesh closure of EF during emergency coeliotomy did not cause short-term complications even in horses with resection or enterotomy and may reduce the risk of recurrence of EFE in horses.

Equine anesthesia is related to high morbidity and mortality rates and recent studies suggested that the period of recovery remains the phase associated with the greatest risk of mortality in horses. Intraoperative hypotension, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia are recognized as potential determinants of recovery quality. This study, conducted at the Equine University Hospital of Liege, aimed to explore how these factors influence recovery outcomes and compare complications between non-emergency and emergency procedures. We analyzed data from 1057 horses, with a mean weight of 498 kg (ranging from 150 to 850 kg) and a mean age of 10.7 (ranging from 0.5 to 37 years), undergoing standardized general anesthesia for non-emergency and emergency procedures to assess which factors influence recovery quality. Recoveries were graded as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and age, sex, breed, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, weight, anesthesia duration, presence of hypotension, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia were compared with a logistic regression analysis. Our findings highlight the multifactorial nature of anesthetic recovery in horses, with breed, age, anesthesia and recovery duration, and emergency status emerging as significant influencing factors. Additionally, monitoring and managing hypoxemia and hypotension remain critical due to their recognized impact on recovery quality. However, despite their clinical relevance, the specific effects of these variables on anesthetic recovery in horses remain insufficiently studied, emphasizing the need for further research to refine perioperative management strategies and improve outcomes.

Controversy continues to surround the use of opioids in equine anaesthesia, with variable effects reported. This blinded clinical study aimed to investigate the influence of a low-dose fentanyl continuous rate infusion (CRI) on isoflurane requirements, parasympathetic tone activity (PTA), and anaesthetic parameters in horses during general anaesthesia. All of the twenty-two horses included in the research underwent a standard anaesthetic protocol. Eleven horses in the fentanyl group (Group F) received a loading dose of fentanyl at 6 µg/kg, followed by a CRI of 0.1 µg/kg/min during anaesthesia. A further 11 horses in the control group (Group C) received equivalent volumes of normal saline. Anaesthetic parameters and PTA index were recorded during anaesthesia. The achieved mean fentanyl plasma concentration was 6.2 ± 0.83 ng/mL. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in isoflurane requirements, MAP values, and mean dobutamine requirements. However, horses in Group F required a significantly lower dose of additional ketamine to maintain a sufficient depth of anaesthesia. Significantly higher PTA values were found in the fentanyl group. Further research is warranted to determine the limitations of PTA monitoring, and the influence of various anaesthetics on its values.