The purposes of this study were to mechanically determine the optimal tissue bite size and to evaluate seven suture materials at their largest commercially available size for breaking strength and stiffness using cadaveric adult equine linea alba. Soft tissues were removed from the abdominal fascia of 16 adult horses. Individual test sections were created from the entire linea alba and labeled (1 through 6) starting at the umbilicus and extending craniad. A single biomechanical test was performed on each test section. Tissue bite size (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 mm) significantly altered breaking strength directly in a logarithmic fashion (P < .0001; R2 = 0.94). Tissue bite size accounted for 44% and linea alba thickness for 24% of the variability in breaking strength of the equine linea alba. The optimal tissue bite size for adult horse was 15 mm from the edge of the linea alba based on lack of significant gain in breaking strength. There were no differences in breaking strength among horses, horses weight, or left and right test sections. Test sections taken from near or at the umbilicus had greater breaking strength (P < .005) and thicker linea alba (P < .001) when compared with more cranial test sections. Linea alba thickness alone accounted for 34% of the variability in breaking strength associated with test section position. There were no differences in linea alba stiffness among tissue bite sizes. All suture loops failed before complete fascial disruption, and 52 of 56 (93%) suture loops failed at the knot.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Three 4.5-mm screws or two 5.5-mm screws will provide similar biomechanical characteristics in bending when performing equine pastern arthrodesis.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Castration is one of the most common routine surgical procedures performed in the horse, from which a number of potential complications can arise. We undertook a prospective evaluation of short‐term complications associated with castration of draught colts over a 3‐year period (1998–2000). Objectives: To compare castration complications in a large number of draught foals with previously published literature. Methods: Five hundred and sixty‐eight draught colts, age 4 or 5 months, were castrated in field conditions. Foals were observed for complications for 24 h post operatively. Results: There was no significant difference in complication rates between open and closed surgical techniques. Inguinal/scrotal hernia rate was 4.6% (26/568) prior to surgery, and evisceration of the small intestine occurred in 4.8% (27/568). Foals observed to eviscerate underwent immediate surgical correction with an overall survival rate of 72.2% (13/18). Omental herniation was seen in 2.8% (16/568) of colts. Conclusions: This study showed no difference between the closed and open techniques of castration and the rate of omental herniation or evisceration. The evisceration rate in combination with the omental and presurgical herniation rates approached 12.2%, which is high enough to warrant further examination. Potential relevance: Future investigation should help to assess predisposing factors for evisceration. Regardless of the technique employed, herniation appears to pose a significant risk to draught foals undergoing castration.

Arthroscopic debridement and lavage should be considered for evaluation and initial treatment of TMJ sepsis in horses.

This approach will provide surgeons with another option to castrate cryptorchid stallions.

Given its high initial breaking strength and its relatively longer in vivo strength retention, 7 PD seems an appropriate choice of suture material for closure of the equine linea alba when maximal short-term failure strength is desired.

No significant differences in biomechanical properties were identified between an interlocking nail and double plating techniques for stabilization of ostectomized equine MC3 in caudocranial four-point bending. Double plating fixation was superior to interlocking nail fixation in torsion.

There is no biomechanical advantage to the use of two 7-hole, 3.5-mm bDCP in equine proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis compared with two 5-hole, 4.5-mm nDCP. Two 5-hole, 4.5-mm nDCP may be easier to place, whereas two 7-hole, 3.5-mm bDCP may provide more versatility in fracture repair.