Short‐term outcome and risk factors for post‐operative complications following umbilical resection in 82 foals (2004–2016)

Abstract

Overall survival is high after surgical excision of umbilical remnants. The presence of preoperative septic arthritis and/or physitis was associated with decreased survival and failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins and longer anaesthesia times were associated with increased odds for post-operative complications.

Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers

“…This study by Laia Reig Cordina and colleagues from the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in the USA aimed to identify risk factors associated with post‐operative complications in foals undergoing umbilical remnant resection and to report the short‐term outcomes .…”

Intra-abdominal resection of the umbilical vein and urachus of bovine fetuses using videolaparoscopy and celiotomy: surgical time and feasibility (cadaveric study)

“…For the satisfactory and effective treatment of umbilical infections, reduction of bacterial load and removal of infected structures likely to have low antimicrobial penetration are indispensable as they significantly improve the prognosis of these diseases [5]. Surgical resection of umbilical structures is indicated for the treatment of calves with infected umbilical components and patent urachus and is usually performed using celiotomy [6–7].…”

Clinical and Radiographic Findings of Septic Physitis in Foals

“…Pneumonia, colitis and/or an infected umbilicus are the most common infectious pathologies. [1][2][3][4][5] Often, concurrent failure of passive immune transfer from lack of adequate colostrum intake shortly following birth compounds susceptibility to hematogenous sepsis. [1][2][3][6][7][8] During sepsis, bacteria translocate from the blood stream into the musculoskeletal system, enhanced due to the rich vasculature within the metaphysis, physis, epiphysis and synovium of joints in neonates.…”

“…Most commonly, septic arthritis develops. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] In rare cases, infection of open growth plates (septic physitis) can manifest as a primary septic lesion or concurrent with septic arthritis. 1,4,[8][9][10][11] Septic physitis in foals has been documented as a musculoskeletal pathology; however, there is a lack of detail regarding characteristic radiographic features in the literature.…”

“…1,4,[6][7][8][9]11,12 Radiographic examination is the central diagnostic imaging modality used to first identify and/or confirm a diagnosis. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Several isolated case reports and one prior retrospective study have been published focusing on clinical presentation and surgical treatment; however, there is a lack of specific description of radiographic characteristics unique to septic physitis. 1,4,8,9,11,12 Computed tomography (CT) has been investigated as a very effective imaging modality to fully understand the extent of pathology following initial radiographic diagnosis.…”