Total and partial ovariohysterectomy in seven mares.
BACKGROUND
Ovariohysterectomy appears to have a low mortality rate in mares, but the procedure needs to be reviewed because of the high risk of life-threatening complications.


OBJECTIVE
That ovariohysterectomy can be effective treatment for a variety of uterine diseases in mares and carries a good prognosis.


METHODS
Diagnosis, clinical data, surgical technique, post operative care, complications and outcome were recorded from medical records of 7 mares that underwent total (6) and partial (1) ovariohysterectomy at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2001.


RESULTS
The indications for ovariohysterectomy were chronic pyometra (4 mares), chronic uterine torsion (n = 2) and chronic intramural haematoma (n = 1). Surgical exposure was difficult but was improved by traction on stay sutures and right-angled clamps. In some cases, application of the TA-90 autosuture instrument as a right-angled clamp to the caudal part of the uterus improved access to the uterine stump. The most common post operative complications were decreased faecal output, decreased intestinal sounds (4 mares) and mild abdominal pain (2). Two mares had mild to moderate incisional infections. Other previously reported complications, such as haemorrhage, septic peritonitis, uterine stump infection or necrosis, and diarrhoea, did not occur. All mares survived over follow-up periods of 6 months to 5 years and were used for riding (6 mares) and embryo transfer (1 mare, after partial ovariohysterectomy).


CONCLUSIONS
According to this study, the prognosis for mares after ovariohysterectomy appears to be good, despite the technical difficulties of the procedure. The prevalence of life-threatening complications can be lower than reported.
Rötting
A K
AK
University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1008 West Hazelwood Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61802, USA.
Freeman
D E
DE
Doyle
A J
AJ
Lock
T
T
Sauberli
D
D
D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*