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Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
Incisional infections associated with ventral midline celiotomy in horses
Tara R Shearer1, Susan J Holcombe1, Stephanie J Valberg1
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
Objective:
To review the veterinary literature regarding healing and complications associated with equine celiotomy including anatomy and physiology, risk factors for incisional infection and hernia, and treatment.
Etiology:
Celiotomy is the most common approach to treat horses with surgical colic. Incision through the linea alba provides exposure to most of the abdomen for exploration, exteriorization, and correction of surgical lesions. Incisional apposition relies on suture strength during anesthetic recovery and for the first 30 days postoperatively. Factors associated with the patient, surgical lesion and procedures, anesthesia, and recovery put the horse at risk for surgical site infection. Infection is the most important risk factor for incisional hernia formation.
Diagnosis:
A presumptive diagnosis of surgical site infection is made based on the presence of fever and incisional swelling, pain, and discharge. Ultrasonography can be used to identify areas of fluid accumulation prior to the appearance of incisional drainage. Definitive diagnosis is based on positive bacteriologic culture of the incisional discharge. Incisional hernia is diagnosed by palpation of the incision, usually 30-60 days after surgery. Ultrasound of the incision may aide in early diagnosis of incisional hernia if gaps along the incision in the linea alba are apparent.
Therapy:
No objective data exist to assess the efficacy of specific therapies for surgical site infections following celiotomy. Principles of treatment include the establishment of drainage, bandaging, antimicrobial therapy based on culture and sensitivity, and extended rest in an attempt to avoid incisional hernia or dehiscence. Treatment for incisional hernia includes prolonged circumferential bandaging, open or minimally invasive hernia repair, or no treatment.
Prognosis:
Incisional complications are associated with prolonged convalescence and diminished prognosis for return to athleticism. Limiting risk factors for surgical site infections, prompt treatment, and incisional support may optimize celiotomy healing and timely return to function. Horses compete in many disciplines with incisional hernias.
