Correlation Between Peritonitis and Incisional Infections in Horses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Equine Medicine
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Surgical site infection (SSI) of abdominal incisions is a significant complication following laparotomy in horses.
• SSIs increase the risk of incisional hernia formation, impacting equine health and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the abdominal incision healing process in horses.
• To correlate peritonitis with the incidence of SSI and incisional hernias.
• To assess histopathological changes and tensile strength of healed abdominal walls.

Main Methods:

• Nine horses underwent standardized laparotomy and induced septic peritonitis.
• Relaparotomy was performed at 2, 4, and 6 months post-surgery.
• Evaluation included assessment of adhesions, abdominal wall tensile strength, and histopathology.

Main Results:

• All horses developed signs of infection, including purulent discharge and ventral abdominal edema.
• Incisional hernias formed due to scar tissue causing separation of the rectus abdominis muscles.
• Histopathology showed increased collagen and decreased inflammation over time, with tensile strength increasing by 6 months.
• Second surgeries resulted in first intention healing with no infection.

Conclusions:

• Surgical site infection in horses may indicate underlying peritonitis.
• Infected abdominal wounds healing by second intention contribute to incisional hernia development.
• Understanding these healing dynamics is crucial for preventing hernias after equine abdominal surgery.