First cannulation is a critical manoeuvre in equine laparoscopy. This retrospective study aimed at the comparison of the frequency and type of complications detected when using different human laparoscopy devices for laparoscopic access in standing horses, and the influence of body condition in such complications. Forty-four procedures were included, and retrieved data comprised cannula insertion technique, body condition, and type and frequency of complications. Laparoscopic access techniques were classified into five groups: P: pneumoperitoneum created using Veress needle prior to cannulation; T: sharp trocar; D: direct access via surgical incision; V: Visiport optical trocar and H: optical helical cannula (OHC). In groups T, D, V and H, access was achieved without prior induction of pneumoperitoneum. Complications were registered in 13/44 procedures, of which retroperitoneal insufflation was the most common (6/13). Statistically significant association was found between the complication incidence and the type of access, with group D showing the highest complication frequency (80%) and group H the lowest frequency (0%). The majority of complications (9/13) were observed in overweight horses. We conclude that devices designed for human patients can be used for laparoscopic access in standing horses, with the use of OHC minimizing the appearance of complications, especially in overweight horses with OW.

Immunomodulation and immunogenicity are pivotal aspects for the therapeutic use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Since the horse is highly valuable as both a patient and translational model, further knowledge on equine MSC immune properties is required. This study analysed how inflammation, chondrogenic differentiation and compatibility for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) influence the MSC immunomodulatory–immunogenicity balance. Equine MSCs in basal conditions, pro-inflammatory primed (MSC-primed) or chondrogenically differentiated (MSC-chondro) were co-cultured with either autologous or allogeneic MHC-matched/mismatched lymphocytes in immune-suppressive assays (immunomodulation) and in modified one-way mixed leukocyte reactions (immunogenicity). After co-culture, frequency and proliferation of T cell subsets and B cells were assessed by flow cytometry and interferon-ɣ (IFNɣ) secretion by ELISA. MSC-primed showed higher regulatory potential by decreasing proliferation of cytotoxic and helper T cells and B cells. However, MHC-mismatched MSC-primed can also activate lymphocytes (proliferative response and IFNɣ secretion), likely due to increased MHC-expression. MSC-chondro maintained their regulatory ability and did not increase their immunogenicity, but showed less capacity than MSC-primed to induce regulatory T cells and further stimulated B cells. Subsequent in vivo studies are needed to elucidate the complex interactions between MSCs and the recipient immune system, which is critical to develop safe and effective therapies.

Background: There are different indications for endovascular surgery in horses, mainly the treatment of guttural pouch mycosis. Traditionally, these procedures are carried out by open arteriotomy of the common carotid artery (CCA), although less invasive percutaneous ultrasound-guided carotid access (PUGCA) has been described in experimental horses. In human medicine, commercial closure systems are used to seal these arterial puncture sites and reduce complications. The aims of this study are to retrospectively describe our experience with PUGCA in clinical cases and to report, for the first time, the use of the commercial vascular closure device Angio-Seal after PUGCA in horses. Methods: Retrospective study of clinical case records. Collected parameters, including the feasibility of the PUGCA and variables related to the safety and efficacy of the use of the Angio-Seal. Results: Twelve PUGCA procedures in 11 horses were included. In all cases, the artery was effectively accessed, and the planned procedure could be performed. In two cases, haematoma/bleeding due to incorrect use of the Angio-Seal was recorded. This complication rate (16.66%) was lower than that obtained in other studies using PUGCA in horses, but where the puncture was sealed by manual compression only. Main limitations: A control group of clinical cases with PUGCA but without using Angio-Seal is not available. Conclusions: Clinical data confirm previous experimental results, which showed that PUGCA is safe and effective in horses. The Angio-Seal system, regardless of possible complications due to incorrect use, can be used safely and effectively in horses. Further studies comparing arterial access site management using manual compression or Angio-Seal would be necessary to state if its routine use in horses is advisable.

Transrectal palpation (TP) is a basic skill in equine practice. Traditional TP learning methods include instructor-assisted TP in live animals, but this approach presents animal welfare concerns, especially when it needs to be used with large numbers of students. The main objective of this study is to compare two learning methods of TP: traditional methodology with live horses (LH) and alternative methodology using a cadaver with its flanks dissected (CDV). Twenty students with no previous equine TP experience were randomly assigned to two groups: LH ( n = 10) and CDV ( n = 10). Both groups received initial theoretical training before the LH or CDV session. Learning outcomes of both groups were assessed in a new TP session with live horses. All students were asked about their success in palpating seven intra-abdominal structures and objective ultrasound confirmation (UC) was also performed. Successful perception in palpation and by UC was similar in both LH and CDV students’ groups, without significant differences. Anonymous surveys answered by these 20 volunteers and by 126 students enrolled in the regulated course who also received this CDV training showed very positive feedback on the CDV methodology. As a limitation of the study, there were few students in each group and most of the results are based on subjective criteria. Nevertheless, we can conclude that CDV is a useful tool for teaching TP, with good learning results, allowing the instructor to see what the student is touching and avoiding the LH disadvantages. This translation was provided by the authors. To view the original article visit: https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme-2023-0010-es

The aim of this study is to evaluate a laparoscopically assisted percutaneous suture (LAPS) procedure to treat inguinal hernia (IH) while preserving testicles in rams. An ex vivo experiment with six ram cadavers and a report of three clinical cases are discussed. In cadavers, both internal inguinal rings (IIR) were partially closed by LAPS. Two LAPS methods were tested: (1) using a laparoscopic portal closure device and (2) using a suture loop inserted through needles in each IIR. After each procedure, the closure was laparoscopically evaluated and the number of U- sutures was recorded. The procedure was also performed on three client-owned rams with unilateral non-strangulated IH and the occurrence of re-herniation was followed up. In cadavers, LAPS of the IIRs could be easily and satisfactorily performed with either of the two systems, requiring one to three U-sutures per IIR. No differences were observed between the two surgical procedures. In two clinical cases, the procedure was successfully performed without reoccurrence of herniation or alterations in reproductive behavior in the following 3 and 6 months. In the third case, the hernia was reduced but a retroperitoneal emphysema during laparoscopy prevented hernioplasty and the animal herniated again. In conclusion, LAPS of IIR can be used as a simple and feasible treatment to preserve testicles in rams with IH.

A new surgical technique using a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) anchoring device for testicle-sparing laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty in stallions was described in 2023 and is known as the PEEK harpoon technique (PHT). In breeding stallions, it is essential that the surgery is effective in preventing inguinal hernia but also that it does not impair the testicular function. This study aims to evaluate whether the PHT may affect testicular function. To achieve that, changes in the testicular blood flow, sperm production and motility characteristics were assessed 28 days after use of the PHT. Standing laparoscopic hernioplasty using the PHT was performed unilaterally in eight healthy (non-previously herniated) experimental intact males. The contralateral inguinal canals and testicles were used as control. Pre- and post-surgery Doppler ultrasonographic evaluations of testicular perfusion were performed serially. Bilateral castration was performed at 28 days post-surgery, and epididymal sperm were obtained from both testicles to analyze seminal characteristics. No significant differences were identified in regard to testicular perfusion and the sperm characteristics of the control and operated testicles, suggesting that the PHT-based hernioplasty would not compromise testicular function. Further studies evaluating effects over a longer period are needed, but our data indicate that the PHT is suitable for testicle-sparing inguinal laparoscopic hernioplasties in breeding stallions with a history or predisposing factors of inguinal herniation.