Laparoscopy

We are pleased now to be able to offer a laparoscopic surgery service. Our first laparoscopies were carried out in February 2009. Laparoscopy is keyhole surgery of the abdominal cavity and involves inserting a small rigid camera into the flank and visualising the inside of the abdomen on a monitor. This removes the need for more invasive conventional surgery that may involve a large abdominal incision being made under general anaesthetic and several months of box rest. Laparoscopy is performed while the patient is standing in the stocks and is heavily sedated. Local anaesthesia and painkillers help to keep the horse comfortable whilst the procedure is taking place. About 4 weeks box rest is usually required.


This type of treatment can be useful in a wide range of cases, but most commonly in:

1. Retained abdominal testicles (rigs)
2. Ovariectomies (removal of one or both ovaries)
3. Biopsies (taking a small sample, usually from the gut wall)

If you would like to discuss laparoscopy further with us, or think you may have a horse or pony for which this technique may be useful, please do not hesitate to contact us at the hospital.