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Abdominal Surgery Poses Greatest Risk Of Surgical Site Infection

As with human surgery, there is always a potential for infection during equine surgery, Drs. Kelmer, Paz, Tatz, Dahan, Bdolah-abram and Oreff reviewed 198 post-operative complications related to surgery procedures on 167 horses at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine in Israel over a 15-month period.

The study reviewed 40 percent abdominal surgeries, 30 percent orthopedic surgery and the rest were general surgeries that had a 9 to 20 percent chance of developing a surgical site infection. The incidence of infection was 16.7 percent during the study period.

The study team noted that post-operative surgical site infections created difficulties with recovery, increased the length of stay in the hospital, increased client coats sand delayed return to work. It addition, surgical site infections caused an increase in equine morbidity and mortality.

Of all the surgeries performed, abdominal procedures had the highest risk of infection with 28 percent. This may be because of the length of the incision or the weight of the intestines on the incisions.

The scientists identified the following as factors that increase the risk for a surgical site infection:

Type of surgery.
Having a repeat surgery in less than 6 months in the same area or in an area near the original incision. Abdominal procedures are particularly at risk.
Weight of the horse. Heavier horses have more weight resting on the incision line in their abdomen.
Gender. In the study, only 2.3 percent of stallions developed infections, compared to 16.1 percent of geldings and 24.3 percent of mares; 50 percent of pregnant mares had surgical site complications.
Recovery from anesthesia. A horse that has a hard time recovering from anesthesia may increase his risk of infection development by four times.

Abdominal procedure infection rate ranges from 7 to 37 percent; arthroscopic surgery infection rate was less than 1 percent. Overall infection frequency in orthopedic procedures was around 10 percent.

The team found that other factors may amplify infection risk. These include time of day and season when the surgery takes place; the surgeon; and a horse's breed and age. They also note that as this study looked at cases between 2011 and 2013, surgical techniques, bacterial resistance and bacterial populations have changes, so additional studies are needed.

Online Videos Demystify Equine Behavior, Answer Common Questions

Three equine scientists have launched a new YouTube channel to debunk horse behavior myths and answer common questions from horse owners. The Equine Science Talk International team is comprised of Dr. Konstanze Krüger, Germany's first professor of equine science and a specialist in horse behavior and cognition, Isabell Marr, a horse trainer and instructor, and Dr. Laureen Esch, a veterinarian and equine dentist. Their combined expertise give the videos unique insight into equine science and its practical application.

Some of the topics the trio discuss include punishment and reinforcement; blanketing and clipping; and rollkur. Each topic is explained through a scientific lens and the researchers then explore what this mean in everyday context.

Though the videos were produced in German, journalist, horse trainer and equine behavior researcher Kate Farmer translates them.

Rachel Martell Promoted To Operations Manager At Equine Analysis Systems

Equine Analysis Systems is pleased to announce the promotion of Rachel Martell to Operations Manager.

In this role, Ms. Martell will help maximize day-to-day efficiency in all aspects of operations and improve organizational processes. A familiar face to many consignors and farm managers in the industry, she will continue in her managerial roles in the technical department and maintain a presence at the major sales.

Equine Analysis President and Founder Dr. David Lambert states: “Rachel joined our team in 2015 and has grown to exceed all reasonable expectations. Her ambition and undeniable work ethic are valued assets to us all at Equine Analysis.”

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Rachel grew up surrounded by sport horses. She moved to Lexington, Ky. to attend the University of Kentucky where she developed an interest in racing. While attending school, Rachel took an internship position with Equine Analysis, assisting with both technical and office tasks. Upon graduation, she earned a full time position with the company as a veterinary assistant. Quickly recognized as valuable member of the team, Rachel was promoted to Senior Technician in 2019, helping coordinate farm visits, training new staff, and streamlining technical procedures.

Equine Analysis Systems has been a longstanding mainstay for clients in the racing industry and a strong presence at every sale. The company utilizes forty years of proven science to predict performance in the modern thoroughbred racehorse. Over the years, the company has identified top horses Tapit, Gun Runner, Covfefe and many more for clients. More about Equine Analysis Systems can be found at www.equineanalysis.com

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Morris Animal Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million In Grants For New Studies Benefiting Equine Health

Morris Animal Foundation, a leader in advancing animal health, has awarded nearly $1 million in large animal health research grants, supporting 14 projects. The studies will help veterinary scientists improve the well-being of horses through improved prevention and treatment of numerous health challenges, including eye cancer, heart arrhythmias and risks for injury from air transport.

“We were very impressed with the quality of proposals received this year and we believe they have the potential to drive significant improvements in the well-being of our equine companions,” said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer. “We are very proud to support these enterprising researchers in their endeavors.”

Through this year's grants, the Foundation is supporting teams at 13 universities and institutions, including the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University and the University of Calgary. The Foundation's Large Animal Scientific Advisory Board reviewed all submitted grant applications and selected, based on scientific merit and impact, the studies with the greatest potential to save lives, preserve health and advance veterinary care. Large animal studies funded for 2020 include:

Working Toward a Genetic Test for Heart Arrhythmias
Researchers will investigate if genetic variants can help identify horses at high risk of developing potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. If successful, the team will use this information to develop genetic tests, as well as other screening protocols, for early identification of at-risk horses for the condition.

Developing Health and Well-Being Guidelines for Air-Transported Horses
Researchers will determine how horses can be managed when transported by air to optimize their welfare, identifying factors that increase or decrease the risk of health and behavioral problems. Findings will be used to inform guidelines to improve the health and welfare for horses traveling by plane.

Understanding Changes in Gut Microbiome and Health
Researchers will study gut microbiome variation as it relates to the health and wellness of a well-studied group of feral horses living on Sable Island, Canada. Data generated will provide a large baseline platform to spur further research and discoveries about associations between gut bacteria and health in horses.

Evaluating a Novel Treatment for Eye Cancer
Researchers will investigate the efficacy of a novel treatment for ocular surface squamous neoplasia, a type of eye cancer in horses. Findings will help advance our understanding and treatment of this cancer.

Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit organizations worldwide that funds health studies benefiting cats, dogs, horses, llamas alpacas and wildlife. The Foundation currently is funding 150 studies encompassing a broad spectrum of species and diseases.

Learn more here.

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