Objective:To report the clinical outcomes and survival time in horses undergoing treatment of guttural pouch mycosis. Methods:Client-owned horses with guttural pouch mycosis admitted between 2005 and 2024 for evaluation and treatment were identified by medical record search. Signalment, disease history, and surgical and treatment details were recorded. Owners were contacted for follow-up information. Results:41 horses with guttural pouch mycosis were identified, of which 28 had epistaxis or a history of epistaxis on presentation. Thirty-five horses underwent surgical treatment, and the procedures included balloon catheter arterial occlusion, arterial embolization, arterial ligation, and pharyngeal fenestration. Six horses died or were euthanized in hospital, and 35 horses were discharged alive. Median time to follow-up was 377 weeks. Twenty-four of 35 horses discharged from the hospital were alive at follow-up, and 5 horses were euthanized for guttural-pouch-mycosis-related disease within 60 days of disease confirmation. The other 6 horses died of causes unrelated to guttural pouch mycosis. Epistaxis did not negatively impact survival. Horses with dysphagia on admission did not have lower survival time, and time to resolution of dysphagia varied from 6 to 12 months. Conclusions:The findings suggested that guttural pouch mycosis carries a good prognosis for short-term survival and fair to good prognosis for long-term survival following hospital-based treatment. Clinical Relevance:Treatment for horses with guttural pouch mycosis should not be withheld based on prognosis related to concurrent epistaxis or dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of the study was to describe a single incision laparoscopic approach to ovariectomy (OVE) and ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in companion pigs. Additionally, we aimed to compare complications and outcomes between production breed and miniature pigs. STUDY DESIGN:Descriptive clinical case series. ANIMALS:Twenty intact female, client-owned companion pigs. METHODS:Records from a university teaching hospital were reviewed for pigs undergoing elective OVE or OVH by single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) over 1 year (2023-2024). Patient signalment, presenting complaint, surgical and anesthetic techniques as well as complications were recorded. Patient follow-up was obtained by owner phone communication at least 1 year postoperatively. Complications and outcomes were compared between production breed and miniature pig populations with Mann-Whitney and χ2 testing for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. RESULTS:Production breed (9/20, 45%) and miniature pigs (11/20, 55%) underwent SILS OVE (16/20, 80%) or OVH (4/20, 20%). SILS OVE was successfully performed in all cases. SILS OVH was achieved in one case (25%) in which the uterus was near-normal; additional OVH procedures (3/4, 75%) performed on miniature pigs with an abnormal uterus were converted to open because of challenges with tissue manipulation. No difference in complications or outcomes was noted between production breed and miniature pigs. CONCLUSION:SILS OVE appears to be a feasible and safe surgical option for both production breed and miniature pigs, with no significant differences observed between groups, while SILS OVH is feasible in select cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Single incision laparoscopic OVE is a safe and viable alternative to traditional three port laparoscopy for production breed and miniature companion pigs. SILS is an adequate technique for OVH in select patients, suggesting that further investigation of laparoscopy for porcine OVH is warranted.

Objective:To evaluate plume composition during simulated diode laser equine upper airway surgery. Methods:A 980-nm diode laser fiber was applied in continuous-wave mode in contact with laryngeal and pharyngeal tissues of 6 equine cadaver heads, and resultant plumes were collected for analysis. Measured parameters included the real-time concentration of particulate matter under the size of 2.5 μm (PM2.5), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Results:Visible smoke was encountered during surgical laser application and plume collection. Diode laser median activation time was 326 seconds (IQR, 116 to 387 seconds), and median energy was 8,099 J (IQR, 2,721 to 9,110 J). Mean real-time PM2.5 concentrations during laser procedures exceeded 5 mg/m3 throughout. Organic carbon concentrations were much higher than EC concentrations in the surgical plume, with a median OC/EC ratio of 422. Fifty-five individual VOCs were identified. All measured surgical plume components were higher than control samples. Conclusions:The evaluation of surgical plumes collected during simulated upper airway diode laser surgery revealed high levels of harmful fine particulate matter PM2.5 exceeding Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Increased OC and OC/EC ratio were also observed. Surgical plumes contained VOCs, including the known carcinogenic compounds benzene and toluene. Clinical Relevance:These data suggest the need for mitigation strategies, such as specialized masks or local exhaust ventilation, to decrease the exposure of personnel to plumes generated during equine upper airway laser surgery.

Objective:To describe elective laparoscopic ovariectomy (OVE) in a group of companion pigs and compare complication rates and survival times between production and miniature pigs. Methods:Hospital records (2008 to 2022) were reviewed for pigs that underwent elective laparoscopic OVE. Data recorded included signalment, behavior history, preoperative evaluation, surgical details, and survival to hospital discharge. Anesthetic, surgical, and postoperative complications were documented. Owner follow-up was obtained by telephone and email communication. Nonparametric, continuous variables were compared between pig types by Mann-Whitney analysis and Cohen effect sizes, whereas nominal data were compared by Fisher exact testing. Survival time of production and miniature pigs was compared by Kaplan-Meier log-rank curve comparison testing. Results:168 pigs underwent elective laparoscopic OVE within the study period, including 120 production pigs and 48 miniature pigs. Among the 168 pigs, a total of 20 anesthetic complications, 16 operative complications, and 13 postoperative complications were observed. Conversion from laparoscopy to open surgery occurred in 7 of 168 cases. The proportion of anesthetic, intraoperative, and postoperative complications did not differ between production and miniature pig groups. All pigs were discharged from the hospital alive. Owner follow-up revealed general satisfaction with the procedure, with 3 of 57 complications reported in the follow-up period and no deaths or interventions related to subsequent reproductive tract disease. Survival time did not differ between production and miniature pigs (P = .35). Conclusions:There were no differences in complications or outcomes identified between companion production and miniature pigs that underwent elective laparoscopic OVE. Clinical Relevance:Laparoscopic OVE can be safely and successfully performed in companion pigs.

Objective:To describe the clinical treatment and survival outcomes of New World camelids that underwent exploratory laparotomy for suspected proximal gastrointestinal obstruction. Methods:New World camelids that underwent exploratory laparotomy for suspected proximal gastrointestinal obstruction between January 2001 and December 2020 were identified by a medical record search. Signalment; clinical, laboratory, imaging, surgical, and perioperative parameters; and survival to hospital discharge were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with survival to discharge. Owners were contacted for follow-up information a minimum of 6 months following surgery. Survival time was recorded from the electronic medical record and owner survey and compared between surgical finding groups by constructing Kaplan-Meier survival curves and performing log-rank curve comparison. Results:110 New World camelids underwent exploratory laparotomy for suspected proximal gastrointestinal obstruction. Eighty-eight had proximal gastrointestinal obstruction confirmed at surgery, including 56 with obstruction from trichophytobezoars. Overall survival to discharge was 58%. The final model identified risk factors significantly associated with survival during hospitalization; increased albumin improved odds while increased fibrinogen and phosphorus decreased odds of survival. Survival time was significantly associated with surgical findings, with New World camelids undergoing treatment for trichophytobezoar obstruction having improved survival outcomes compared with other disorders. Conclusions:New World camelids undergoing exploratory laparotomy for suspected proximal gastrointestinal obstruction had a fair prognosis, but those with trichophytobezoar obstruction had improved survival. Clinical Relevance:Trichophytobezoar proximal gastrointestinal obstruction had the best prognosis compared with other disorders in New World camelids undergoing exploratory laparotomy for suspected proximal gastrointestinal obstruction.

Background: Though neoplasms in pigs are increasingly recognized, there are no previous clinical descriptions of nasal squamous cell carcinoma. Case Presentation: A 4-year-old 71 kg Vietnamese Pot-bellied pig barrow presented with a history of mild intermittent epistaxis. A mass was identified in the left nasal passage during computed tomography. Rhinoscopic guidance biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical excision via dorsal rhinotomy was performed. Nasal swelling prompted repeated computed tomography 1 year later. Mass recurrence was detected, and the pig underwent a second surgical excision with adjunctive cryotherapy. The patient developed a small permanent nasocutaneous fistula, with no evidence of tumor recurrence 1 year following the second surgery. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of a Vietnamese Pot-bellied pig undergoing treatment for nasal squamous cell carcinoma. A multimodal diagnostic and therapeutic approach was applied, including advanced imaging, rhinoscopy, surgical intervention, and vigilant post-operative monitoring, which resulted in successful management and a favorable long-term outcome. Neoplasia should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pigs presenting with nonspecific nasal signs.

Respiratory surgery and procedures typically focus on conditions of the upper airway that restrict airflow at rest or exercise. This article focuses on respiratory anatomy and common surgeries of the trachea and larynx in horses. The trachea serves as the airway conduit from the larynx to the bronchi. A variety of upper airway disorders can lead to obstruction and in these instances, tracheotomy is typically utilized to bypass these obstructions and maintain airway patency. Emergency and permanent tracheotomy procedures are discussed. Other common upper airway operations, such as laryngotomy, prosthetic laryngoplasty, and others, are also examined.

Primary hyperthyroidism is a rarely diagnosed endocrinopathy in equids and there have been no previous reports of structural and functional cardiac changes associated with hyperthyroidism in these species. This case report investigates a 20-year-old mule gelding that presented for a three-month history of thin body condition despite polyphagia, with a heart murmur and elevated free and total thyroid hormone concentrations. On presentation, physical exam revealed a body condition score of two out of nine, persistent tachycardia, pansystolic heart murmur and firm bilateral ventral proximal cervical masses. Bloodwork confirmed markedly elevated free T4, total T4 and T3 concentrations. Echocardiogram demonstrated left ventricular concentric hypertrophy with increased ventricular and atrial systolic function. Bilateral thyroidectomy was performed under standing sedation without complications. Histopathology demonstrated adenocarcinoma of the left thyroid gland and multiple adenomas with osseous metaplasia within the right thyroid. The mule was supplemented with levothyroxine sodium two weeks post-op after a thyroid panel demonstrated undetectable concentrations. Polyphagia resolved following surgery and the mule began gaining weight. Echocardiographic changes improved but did not resolve at two years post-operative. Continued bi-annual follow up and monitoring of thyroid levels was recommended. This case represents the first documentation of hemodynamically relevant cardiac remodeling in an equid associated with primary hyperthyroidism.

Equine minimally invasive surgical techniques are frequently utilized in the treatment of a variety of conditions. Standing sedated endoscopic surgery is commonly selected in horses, requiring specialized facilities, anesthetic protocols, and surgeon and assistant expertise. This review examines current methods and potential strategies in equine soft tissue surgery, in which there is an emphasis on laparoscopic urogenital and gastrointestinal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Thoracoscopy is less frequently reported in horses and may be underutilized. Optimizing procedures and outcomes in soft tissue surgery relies on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Modern advances in surgical equipment and emerging medical technologies support development in these fields. Participation in continuing education is effective in acquiring and sustaining knowledge and skills and improving clinical practice. Forums with an integrated approach could rapidly expand knowledge across species.

Background: Persistent hemorrhage of testicular vessels is a potentially life-threatening complication of equine castration. Frequently, general anesthesia is required to retrieve and ligate the bleeding vasculature when standing wound packing and retrieval of the spermatic cord are unsuccessful. We propose standing laparoscopic ligation of the testicular arteries via the paralumbar fossa as a rapid, effective means of halting hemorrhage while avoiding castration site trauma as well as the cardiovascular and recovery risks of general anesthesia. Methods: Two geldings, 6 and 9 months old, presented for emergency treatment of severe post-castration hemorrhage of 10 and 24 h durations, respectively. Both geldings underwent standing laparoscopy under light sedation and the testicular vessels were ligated using a bipolar vessel-sealing device. Results: Testicular vessel sealing was successfully performed in both geldings by standing laparoscopy and resulted in immediate cessation of hemorrhage. In one case, a left paralumbar fossa approach allowed coagulation of both the left and right spermatic vessels. The procedure time was 25 and 35 min. No complications occurred, and both geldings recovered uneventfully. Conclusions: Standing, laparoscopic ligation of the testicular arteries is a feasible emergency treatment in young geldings and can be applied in cases of uncontrolled post-castration hemorrhage.

Objective: The objective was to describe the successful thoracoscopic treatment of esophageal entrapment resulting from a vascular ring anomaly (VRA) comprising a persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) and left ligamentum arteriosum (LA) in a Babydoll sheep wether. Study design: Case report. Animal: Eight month old Babydoll sheep wether, 13 kg. Methods: The patient presented with a weight half that of its sibling, persistent regurgitation following eating, and delayed growth noted from the age of approximately 2 months, coinciding with the introduction of solid feed into the diet. Plain thoracic radiographs were within normal limits but computed tomography angiography (CTA) confirmed multiple congenital vascular anomalies. The primary finding was esophageal and tracheal entrapment by a PRAA and left LA. Thoracoscopic transection of the LA was performed with a bipolar vessel sealing device with the aid of transesophageal endoscopy. Results: Immediate improvement in attitude and absence of regurgitation were observed. The patient was discharged and subsequently reintroduced to grazing and long-stem hay, which were previously not tolerated. By 6 months post discharge, the patient's weight was 36 kg, comparable to an age-matched sibling and considered appropriate for the stage of growth. Conclusion: Thoracoscopic transection of the LA in sheep is a feasible treatment for esophageal compression resulting from a VRA. Surgical intervention resolved the clinical signs and allowed normal digestive rumination, restoring bidirectional esophageal function in a ruminant.

BACKGROUND:Laminitis is a complex and debilitating disease of horses. Numerous predisposing factors contribute to laminitis development, however the exact pathogenesis remains undetermined. Serum T4, cortisol, and histamine are components of the innate stress response and could play a causative or contributory role. Stress hormone concentrations in laminitis are largely unknown.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate parameters associated with stress response in horses with laminitis, and compare these to healthy horses and horses with gastrointestinal (GI) disease.METHODS:Thirty-eight adult horses presenting for non-medical conditions, GI abnormalities, or clinical laminitis were prospectively enrolled. Horses were assigned to the appropriate disease group (healthy, GI disease, and laminitis) and had blood drawn on presentation to the hospital. Samples were analyzed for plasma endogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (eACTH), serum cortisol, serum thyroid hormone, and plasma histamine.RESULTS:Stress hormone concentrations were significantly different between horses in the laminitis and GI disease groups. Plasma histamine levels were highest in horses with laminitis, compared with GI disease and controls. Both horses with laminitis and GI disease had increased plasma eACTH when compared to healthy horses. Horses with GI disease had higher serum cortisol concentrations than horses with laminitis or controls. Serum T4 was lower in horses with GI disease than in horses with laminitis and controls.CONCLUSIONS:Horses with laminitis had relative increases in both plasma histamine and eACTH concentrations. Serum T4 and cortisol concentrations of horses with laminitis did not differ significantly when compared to healthy horses. The role of stress hormones in equine disease warrants further investigation.

Background: Prospective clinical study of blood lactate concentration in horses undergoing colic surgery is needed to determine utility in outcome prediction. Objectives: To evaluate venous lactate measurements in horses following colic surgery, including immediately after anesthetic recovery and daily throughout hospitalization, as well as to determine if lactate concentrations were significantly higher in horses that developed postoperative complications or did not survive to hospital discharge. Methods: Horses > 1 year of age undergoing surgery for colic and recovered from general anesthesia were sampled. A portable lactate meter was used to measure venous samples collected immediately following anesthetic recovery and daily throughout hospitalization. Complications arising during hospitalization and survival to hospital discharge were recorded. Results: Fifty one horses were enrolled, ranging in age from 2 to 29 years. Lactate concentration immediately following anesthetic recovery was higher in horses that developed complications during hospitalization ( p = 0.046). The odds of developing complications postoperatively were doubled for horses with a venous lactate concentration > 5 mmol/L. Lactate measurements in non-survivors were significantly higher compared to survivors by 96 h postoperatively ( p < 0.006). Conclusions: Higher venous lactate concentrations in the postoperative colic period were associated with an increased risk of complications and death. Results suggest horses with higher venous lactate measurements in recovery are more likely to have postoperative complications, with the odds of developing complications doubled for horses with a venous lactate > 5 mmol/L. Evaluation of venous lactate could provide information on prognosis in the postoperative period for horses with surgical colic.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the ureteropyeloscopic removal of a nephrolith in a horse.ANIMALS:A 19 year old Hanoverian gelding with history of urolithiasis requiring surgical intervention.STUDY DESIGN:Case report METHODS: The horse presented with signs of abdominal straining and stranguria. A proximal urethral calculus was palpable externally within the perineal urethra. Perineal urethrostomy (PU) at the location of the urethral calculi was performed to remove the urethral obstruction. Left nephrolithiasis was then treated by endoscopic retrieval, inserting the endoscope through the PU. The procedures were performed over 2 consecutive days, with the horse standing and sedated. Medical therapy included antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment.RESULTS:The ureteropyeloscopic removal of a nephrolith from the left renal pelvis was completed. No complications were appreciated following the procedure, and the horse was able to return to athletic activity within 2 weeks. The horse had no further clinical signs referable to urinary dysfunction 7 months later.CONCLUSION:Ureteropyeloscopic removal of a nephrolith from the renal pelvis is technically feasible in the equine patient and preserves function of the affected kidney. The availability of a treatment that maintains renal function is a distinct benefit over unilateral nephrectomy, particularly when treating a condition that frequently involves both kidneys.