Coating a single-layer appositional jejunal anastomosis with SCMC or HA solutions does not adversely affect anastomotic healing. Application of 0.4% HA solution to the serosal surface of the jejunum significantly decreases the incidence of experimentally induced intra-abdominal adhesion formation in horses.

In colic- or colitis-affected horses, factors associated with renal insufficiency included gastric reflux, abnormal rectal examination findings, or hypochloremia initially; prognosis for horses in which azotemia resolves within 72 hours of treatment appears to be better than for horses with persistent azotemia.

Summary Haemothorax is an uncommon, although clinically important, condition in horses of all ages and has a wide range of aetiologies. Clinical signs can include tachypnoea, dyspnoea, tachycardia, absence of bronchovesicular sounds, haemoptysis, colic and death. The most common aetiologies are associated with trauma, neoplasia, coagulation disorders, iatrogenic causes and vessel rupture. Diagnosis is made if there is evidence of thoracic fluid on ultrasonography and confirmation of haemorrhage by thoracocentesis. The goals of treatment are to address the primary cause and provide supportive care. Prognosis depends on aetiology, severity of active bleeding and volume of blood loss.

Background Prognosis associated with lymphoma in horses is poorly characterized, and treatment is often palliative. Long‐term outcome after chemotherapy for horses with lymphoma is not well documented. Objective To report long‐term outcome of horses with lymphoma treated with chemotherapy. Animals Fifteen equids. Methods Retrospective case series. Medical record search and call for cases on the ACVIM listserv for horses treated with chemotherapy for lymphoma. Results Fifteen cases with adequate data were identified. Complete remission was achieved in 5 horses (33.3%), partial response was achieved in 9 equids (60%), and stable disease was achieved in 1 horse. Overall response rate was 93.3% (14/15). Overall median survival time was 8 months (range, 1‐46 months). Nine horses experienced a total of 14 adverse effects attributable to chemotherapy. Adverse effects were graded according to the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group common terminology criteria for adverse events grading system (grade 1 alopecia, n = 2; grade 1 neutropenia, n = 2; grade 1 lymphopenia, n = 3; grade 1 lethargy, n = 1; grade 2 neurotoxicity, n = 1; grade 2 colic, n = 1; grade 1 hypersensitivity, n = 1; grade 2 hypersensitivity, n = 2; grade 5 hypersensitivity, n = 1). Higher grade adverse effects most commonly were associated with doxorubicin administration (n = 4), including 1 horse that died 18 hours post‐administration. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Chemotherapy can be used successfully for treatment of horses with lymphoma. Adverse effects, most commonly mild, occurred in approximately two‐thirds of treated horses.

CASE DESCRIPTION-13 equids (10 horses, 2 donkeys, and 1 pony) were examined for signs of colic (n = 7), weight loss (6), anorexia (3), and diarrhea (2). Ten equids were evaluated in the fall (September to November). Seven equids had a history of persimmon ingestion. CLINICAL FINDINGS-A diagnosis of phytobezoar caused by persimmon ingestion was made for all equids. Eight equids had gastric persimmon phytobezoars; 5 had enteric persimmon phytobezoars. Gastroscopy or gastroduodenoscopy revealed evidence of persimmon ingestion in 8 of 10 equids in which these procedures were performed. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-2 of 13 equids were euthanatized prior to treatment. Supportive care was instituted in 11 of 13 equids, including IV administration of fluids (n = 8) and treatment with antimicrobials (5), NSAIDs (5), and gastric acid suppressants (4). Persimmon phytobezoar-specific treatments included dietary modification to a pelleted feed (n = 8); oral or nasogastric administration of cola or diet cola (4), cellulase (2), or mineral oil (2); surgery (4); and intrapersimmon phytobezoar injections with acetylcysteine (1). Medical treatment in 5 of 7 equids resulted in resolution of gastric persimmon phytobezoars. Seven of 8 equids with gastric persimmon phytobezoars and 1 of 5 equids with enteric persimmon phytobezoars survived > 1 year after hospital discharge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Historical knowledge of persimmon ingestion in equids with gastrointestinal disease warrants gastroduodenoscopy for evaluation of the presence of persimmon phytobezoars. In equids with gastric persimmon phytobezoars, medical management (including administration of cola or diet cola and dietary modification to a pelleted feed) may allow for persimmon phytobezoar dissolution.

Summary This article is the first in a three part review series examining glucocorticoid use in treatment of medical conditions and musculoskeletal disorders of the horse. This article provides a review of the structure and function of corticosteroids together with a summary of the available literature pertaining to the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and indications for use of, and adverse effects associated with, glucocorticoids currently available for use by equine veterinarians.

Summary This article is the second in a review series about the use of glucocorticoids to treat medical and musculoskeletal conditions in horses. This segment in the series summarises reported dosages, methods of administration and the efficacy of glucocorticoids for various systemic diseases in equids. The most common use of systemic glucocorticoids reported in the literature for management and treatment of alterations of the respiratory, integumentary, immune and neurological systems are included.

No abstract