Laparoscopic adhesiolysis in a horse.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report was to describe the use of laparoscopy as a method of treatment for abdominal adhesions in the horse. CLINICAL REPORT: Unilateral ovariectomy for removal of a granulosa cell tumor was performed through a diagonal paramedian approach in a 14-year-old Arabian mare. Progressive incisional swelling and hemorrhage culminated in acute incisional dehiscence with herniation of ileum on the sixth postoperative day. Septic peritonitis that responded to parenteral antibiotic therapy was identified 7 days after hernia repair. Seven days later, the mare had signs of abdominal pain, and adhesions of small intestine to the paramedian incision were identified on rectal palpation. Transrectally assisted laparoscopic adhesiolysis was performed. No further complications occurred. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis may provide better observation of adhesions and reduced postoperative morbidity compared with laparotomy.