An alternative technique for the surgical management of septic funiculitis in horses
A. J. W. Rouwenhorst, E. Compagnie, M. M. Sloet van Oldruitenborgh‐Oosterbaan, F. ter BraakeSummary
Background
Septic funiculitis is a complication following castration in horses and surgical excision of the infected portion of the spermatic cord is often necessary.
Objectives
The aim of this retrospective study was to describe an alternative two‐step surgical technique combining transection of the healthy portion of the spermatic cord via an inguinal approach with excision of the infected tissue via the opening of the draining tract or scrotal scar, and to report the long‐term outcomes.
Study design
Retrospective case series of 25 client‐owned horses.
Methods
Medical records of horses with post‐castration funiculitis, surgically managed using the alternative surgical technique between 2000 and 2023, were reviewed. Long‐term follow‐up information was obtained via telephone and/or email questionnaires.
Results
During the study period, 40 horses underwent surgical treatment for funiculitis, of which 25 met the inclusion criterion. Median age at presentation was 3 years (range: 1–10 years), and median time from castration to presentation was 130 days (range: 14–2920 days). All horses survived to discharge after a mean hospitalisation period of 5 days postoperatively (range: 1–17 days). Complete removal of infection was achieved in 24/25 horses, with one horse requiring revision surgery because of persistent infection. No major perioperative and postoperative complications were reported. Questionnaire response was available for 14/25 horses; 2/14 were excluded as they died or were euthanised for unrelated reasons. There was complete resolution of clinical signs in 11/12 horses and 12/12 horses were used for their intended use.
Main limitations
Main limitations were the small sample size and lack of a conventional treatment group due to the retrospective nature of the study.
Conclusions
The alternative surgical technique is a safe and effective approach for the surgical management of septic funiculitis, in selected cases, with favourable long‐term outcomes in terms of resolution of clinical signs and intended use of the horse.