Equine Surgical Outcomes and Complications

Equine abdominal surgery, most commonly performed for colic, carries significant morbidity and mortality risks. Short-term outcomes hinge on timely diagnosis, surgical technique and perioperative management, with survival rates to hospital discharge generally ranging from 60–80 percent. Complications such as postoperative ileus, surgical site infection and anastomotic leakage contribute to prolonged hospitalisation and increased costs. Long-term prognosis is determined by lesion type, postoperative complications and rehabilitation protocols, with the majority of discharged horses returning to previous athletic function. Key determinants of outcome include preoperative cardiovascular status, intraoperative findings, lesion location and the experience of the surgeon, all of which guide triage, owner communication and postoperative care.

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Equine Surgical Outcomes and Complications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in equine surgical outcomes and complications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Colic: Acute abdominal pain in horses, commonly due to gastrointestinal disorders.

Packed cell volume (PCV): The proportion of red blood cells in a blood sample, indicating hydration and perfusion status.

Total plasma protein (TPP): Concentration of plasma proteins, reflecting hydration, inflammation and protein loss.

Body condition score (BCS): A numerical assessment of fat coverage and muscle mass on a scale, used to evaluate nutritional status.

Postoperative reflux: Accumulation of gastric or intestinal fluid delivered back via nasogastric tube, indicating ileus or obstruction.

Surgical site infection (SSI): Infection of the incision or underlying tissues following surgery.

Capillary refill time (CRT): Time taken for colour to return to blanched mucous membranes, an indicator of peripheral perfusion.

Gastrointestinal borborygmi: The gurgling or rumbling noises produced by movement of gas and fluid through the intestines.

References

1. Short-Term Survival and Postoperative Complications Rates in Horses Undergoing Colic Surgery: A Multicentre Study. Animals (2023).
2. Prospective study of the primary evaluation of 1016 horses with clinical signs of abdominal pain by veterinary practitioners, and the differentiation of critical and non-critical cases. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica (2015).
3. Long-term follow-up on recovery, return to use and sporting activity: a retrospective study of 236 operated colic horses in Finland (2006–2012). Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica (2017).
4. Colic Surgery in Horses: A Retrospective Study Into Short- and Long-Term Survival Rate, Complications and Rehabilitation toward Sporting Activity. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (2020).