Laparoscopy
The Equine Hospital is able to offer its clients and referring vets a full range of laparoscopic services. The hospital is fully equipped to undertake laparoscopic investigation of the horse’s abdomen (e.g. for recurrent or chronic colic) and to perform operative procedures via laparoscopy, e.g. ovariectomy and cryptorchidectomy.
These procedures offer several advantages over conventional, open surgery. Not least of these is a more rapid return to work after surgery. Reduced hospitalisation also makes the procedure more affordable.
Medical indications
Laparoscopy is indicated in horses for a number of conditions (see below). The goal is to evaluate the abdomen and develop a diagnosis based on what is seen. Laparoscopy is particularly indicated in horses with chronic colic or weight loss to augment other diagnostic procedures. Biopsies of solid organs, especially the liver and kidney, can be done under direct visualisation, therefore improving diagnostic capabilities (view a PDF of normal laparoscopic anatomy)
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Evaluate abnormal rectal findings
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Investigate chronic/recurrent colic
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Investigate weight loss
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Evaulate abdominal tumours and metastatic disease
- Examine and biopsy the liver, spleen, kidney
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Evaluate peritonitis
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Evaluate and treat abdominal abscesses
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Evaluate rectal tears
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Evaluate the reproductive tract
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Diagnose and treat abdominal adhesions
Surgical indications
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Retained testis (cryptochidectomy): unilateral or bilateral
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Inguinal hernia in the foal or in the stallion
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Removal of infected umbilical structures in foals
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