Colic is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, requiring immediate and precise intervention. At Pferdeklinik Großwallstadt, our emergency team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that your horse receives immediate attention and intervention when faced with colic symptoms.

Our colic surgery service commences with a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Utilizing advanced imaging technologies, including ultrasound and endoscopy, we meticulously assess the nature and severity of the colic condition. This detailed examination guides our experienced veterinarians in determining the most appropriate surgical approach.

Our team of three experienced European board-certified surgeons are skilled in a range of colic surgeries tailored to address specific causes, such as large colon displacements, torsions or impactions. Whether it's an enterotomy to relieve an impaction or resection and anastomosis for a compromised section of the intestine, our surgical expertise is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your horse.

We take pride in our state-of-the-art surgical facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology. From a fully equipped operating theatre to advanced anaesthesia monitoring systems, we ensure that every aspect of the surgical process is optimized for the safety and well-being of your horse.

The commitment to your horse's recovery extends beyond the operating room. Our dedicated team provides meticulous postoperative care and continuous monitoring. This includes pain management, careful observation for complications, and a tailored rehabilitation plan to facilitate a smooth and speedy recovery.

Laparoscopy, also known as minimally invasive or keyhole surgery, has revolutionized the field of equine surgery, offering numerous benefits for our patients. The procedure involves making small incisions through which a camera (laparoscope) and specialized surgical instruments are inserted.

The laparoscope provides high-resolution images of the abdominal organs, enhancing the surgeon's ability to diagnose and treat conditions accurately. The detailed visualization aids in precise surgical maneuvers and reduces the likelihood of complications.

At Pferdeklinik Großwallstadt, we perform laparoscopy for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Our surgeons can visually examine the abdominal cavity, allowing for the identification and treatment of various conditions.

The smaller incisions used in laparoscopic surgery result in less tissue damage, reducing postoperative pain for the horse. Additionally, the quicker recovery time allows horses to resume normal activities sooner than traditional open surgeries.

Conditions Treated Via Laparoscopy:

• Cryptorchidism: Laparoscopy is commonly performed to locate and remove undescended testicles in male horses.
• Ovarian tumours: Granulosa cell tumour is the most common ovarian tumour and can occur in mares of any age. This condition is treated via ovariectomy (surgical removal of the affected ovary).
• Nephrosplenic space ablation: Nephrosplenic entrapment of the colon is a common cause of colic. This laparoscopic procedure has a high success rate in preventing recurrence.
• Foramen epiploic closure: Epiploic foramen entrapment of the small intestine is a life-threatening form of colic. This procedure can help prevent recurrence.
• Inguinal hernioplasty: Recommended in stallions to prevent inguinal herniation and preserve testicular function.

Diagnostic Indications for Laparoscopy:

• Colic investigations: For horses experiencing recurrent colic, laparoscopy allows for a thorough exploration of the abdominal cavity.
• Gastrointestinal biopsies: Collection of samples from the intestinal tract for further analysis.
• Abdominal tumors: Laparoscopy allows precise visualization and, in some cases, removal of tumors.

Umbilical hernias are a common occurrence in foals and young horses, characterized by a protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakened area in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus.

In foals, umbilical hernias often develop due to incomplete closure of the umbilical ring after birth. While many umbilical hernias are congenital, they can also result from trauma or strain to the umbilical region.

In some cases, the hernia may be reducible, meaning it can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity, while in others, it may become incarcerated or strangulated, leading to more serious complications such as bowel obstruction or compromised blood flow to the affected tissues.

Treatment of umbilical hernias depends on the size and severity of the hernia. Small, reducible hernias may require no intervention. However, larger or non-reducible hernias may necessitate surgical repair to prevent further complications and reduce the risk of strangulation.

At Grosswallstadt Equine Hospital, our experienced surgeons are skilled in diagnosing and treating umbilical hernias in horses. Whether your horse requires medical management or surgical intervention, we are dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcome for your horse's health.

If you suspect your horse may have an umbilical hernia or have any concerns about their condition, don't hesitate to contact us for expert veterinary care.

Umbilical infection in foals is a concerning condition that can arise shortly after birth. The umbilicus, or navel, is a potential entry point for bacteria, leading to infection if proper care is not taken during and after birth.

Symptoms of umbilical infection in foals may include:

• Swelling or redness around the umbilicus
• Discharge or pus from the umbilicus
• Fever or signs of systemic illness
• Reluctance to nurse or weakness

If left untreated, umbilical infections can progress to more serious conditions such as omphalophlebitis (infection of the umbilical vein), which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.

Diagnosis of umbilical infection typically involves a thorough physical examination along with assessment of clinical signs and diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound to evaluate the extent of the infection.

Treatment of umbilical infections in foals often requires aggressive medical management, including systemic antibiotics to target the underlying bacterial infection. Early intervention and thorough surgical removal of infected tissues are crucial for a successful outcome and to prevent systemic spread of the infection.