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Simple Summary: When removing the ovaries of a mare via laparoscopic technique, there is potential to drop the ovary in the abdomen when trying to exteriorize it through the abdominal wall. If the ovary can no longer be seen with the laparoscope, then the procedure is converted to a flank incision and the ovary is identified and removed by hand. Having to convert the procedure negates the benefits of the minimal invasive laparoscopic procedure and increases the risk of post-operative complications. The objective of this study was to identify if amputated ovaries left in the abdomen during surgery would atrophy or if they would regain a blood supply and produce hormones. After surgery, the mare's hormone values were at low levels and an improvement in all mare's behavior and general herd dynamics was observed. While this study does not encourage to leave ovaries in the abdomen after amputation, we report no complications related to their voluntary release into the abdomen. There is risk of dropping an amputated ovary within the abdomen during standing laparoscopic ovariectomies in mares. If the ovary can no longer be directly visualized with the laparoscope, the procedure is then converted to a flank laparotomy for manual retrieval of the ovary which negates the minimally invasive nature of the laparoscopic procedure. The objective was to identify if ovaries left in the abdomen after amputation would atrophy or if they re-vascularize. Standing bilateral ovariectomies were performed in mature mares, but after transection of the ovarian pedicle, the ovaries were intentionally dropped and left within the abdomen. Post-operative endocrine values were at basal levels and an improvement in all mare's behavior and general herd dynamics was observed. While this study does not encourage to leave ovaries in the abdomen after amputation, we report no complication related to their voluntary release into the abdomen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Abdominal surgery is commonly performed in horses to treat gastrointestinal lesions or inflammatory conditions. Potential postoperative complications such as incisional infection have been shown to be reduced with appropriate perioperative antimicrobial administration. However, a recent survey of board-certified specialists on antimicrobial practices in horses undergoing celiotomy demonstrated that usage patterns were highly variable amongst practitioners and, at times, not concordant with the current literature. Furthermore, in light of recent evidence supporting an increase in antimicrobial resistance in equine veterinary practice, periodic reconsideration of antimicrobial regimens for commonly performed procedures is indicated. The goal of this retrospective study was to provide an updated review of the effect of antimicrobial protocols and other perioperative factors on postoperative complications in horses undergoing celiotomy at a referral hospital with the goal of advancing practitioners' understanding of best practices and opportunities to reduce complications. Recognition of antimicrobial resistance in equine practice has increased over the past decade. The objective of this study was to provide an updated retrospective review of antimicrobial regimens in one tertiary referral hospital and to evaluate the association with postoperative complications. A secondary objective was to evaluate other perioperative factors including surgical procedure, anesthetic and recovery parameters, and the effect of perioperative medications on complications and outcomes. A computerized search of medical records was performed to identify horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2021. A total of 742 celiotomies were performed (608 completed, 134 terminated intraoperatively). Factors recorded were evaluated using logistic regression for the presence of either incisional infection, postoperative ileus, or other complications postoperatively. Antimicrobial type or timing (pre-, intra-, or postoperative) were not associated with decreased risk of incisional infection or postoperative ileus; however, the duration of NSAID use was positively associated with incisional infection (OR 1.14 per day). Lidocaine and alpha-2-agonist administration postoperatively were also associated with increased incidence of postoperative ileus (OR 21.5 and 1.56, respectively). Poor recovery quality (OR 4.69), the addition of other antimicrobials besides penicillin/gentamicin postoperatively (OR 3.63), and an increased number of different NSAID classes used (OR 1.46 per additional) were associated with other complications. Implementation of enterotomy was associated with decreased risk of other complications (OR 0.64). These findings provide an updated summary of factors associated with postoperative complications in horses undergoing celiotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prophylactic perioperative antimicrobial protocols in equine synovial endoscopy have been described but not compared with respect to post‐operative outcomes and complications. Increasing antimicrobial resistance in equine practice and interest in promoting judicious use of antimicrobials has prompted reevaluation of drug selection and dosing strategies. Objectives: To determine the frequency of and compare post‐operative complications following elective synovial endoscopy between horses receiving different perioperative antimicrobial protocols. Methods: Records from the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were evaluated (2014–2018) and equine patients undergoing elective synovial endoscopy were identified. Patients undergoing endoscopy for sepsis or internal fixation were excluded. Patient signalment, clinician, joint and limb involved, perioperative antimicrobial regimen, number endoscopic portals and closure technique, and post‐operative complications including incidence of joint infection were recorded. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the odds of post‐operative complications. Results: Elective synovial endoscopies of 516 horses in 537 procedures evaluating 761 synovial structures were performed. No horses developed post‐operative septic synovitis. Administration of post‐operative antimicrobials, type used and patient sex were all significantly associated with increased risk of complications, which were predominantly gastrointestinal‐related. Complication rates in horses receiving a single preoperative dose of cefazolin were lower than in horses receiving potassium penicillin, gentamicin or multiple doses. Complication rates were lower in females compared to castrated or intact males. Other factors evaluated (breed, age, surgeon, anaesthesia duration or hospitalization, joint/limb operated, number endoscopic portals) were not associated with increased risk of complications post‐operatively in this case population. Conclusions: Prophylactic perioperative antimicrobial protocols in equine practice deserve periodic reconsideration due to increased antimicrobial resistance. Prolonged antimicrobial usage beyond the time of surgery was unnecessary to prevent septic synovitis following synovial endoscopy in this case population and was furthermore associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]